Spell-Casting

This Petraeus article explains exactly what is wrong with Our current posture in Iraq. Our concentration centers on the creation of elite Iraqi military and Police Forces, only accomplishable with great length of Training and high quality of Recruit. Iraq doesn’t have the time to train the Recruits, who do not exhibit the quality necessary; a real factor when talented Personnel are specifically targeted by the Insurgents. The Raid on Najaf clarifies the real Problem: Insurgents can simply import the Weaponry, and recruit religious fanatics–no matter the level of their military skills; they only have to Shoot or Blow Up the surrounding countryside. Foreign Fighters alone currently exceed the Force levels being trained by Americans. The Incentive for Foreign Fighters and native Insurgent recruits comes from the Presence on Iraqi soil of the American military. Occupations never succeed if Insurgents possess access to Weaponry at cheap price–the hidden Reality no one explains. Insurgents need only a Goal, and the Weapon to advance that Goal.

Eric Falkenstein feels the same way about Harry Potter, as I do about Iraq and Afghanistan. Both lack theme and plot, Each nothing more than attempt to achieve without Violence. The casting of Magic Spells might help Harry, but it is unlikely to aid GW or his Crew. There is little Effect calling for Peace, when young kids are equipped with assault rifles and bombs. Ask the average Iraqi kid whether he would rather have a Magic Wand or a modern assault rifle? Do not feel too bad; the old Magic of having a religious leader cast a Spell of Peace is not very effective anymore either. Don’t you wish this were a Movie; Producers always insisting on a happy Ending?

David Smith presents a good Post on the economy of Britain, but his critique of the British economy has equal impact on Iraq and Afghanistan–which is the lack of Apprenticeships for the Young. Real Assistance to especially Iraq is not the fancy construction of infrastructure by Contractors from the Skilled World, but the development of a Community College style Apprentice system, where Students are given not only a practical education; they will be given some degree of Safety and adequate Diet. Youth is never distracted from violent Ends except for one thing: the chance for personal advancement. Here lies the only venue for bringing Peace to Iraq and Afghanistan. lgl