War in Iraq: Can it get any worse?

Say ‘cheesy’

Former general in Saddam’s army takes over in Falluja; militants declare “victory”. Bush ends up negotiating away Palestinian demands – for nothing. The rate that US soldiers die in Iraq goes up every month. Respect for the US in the Middle East is at an all time low. And misconduct by US guards at Saddam’s former torture chambers creates a PR nightmare. For those that oppose US policy in the Middle East, the only consolation could be a defeat for President Bush in the upcoming elections, but is that worth the price paid by people on the ground? Who would have predicted that a month of siege and violence in Falluja (600 Iraqis dead to avenge 4 Americans) would end with a former Iraqi general (& war criminal) taking over the city? (Backtrack #1: US forces quickly replaced him with another general whose past is more conveniently hidden.) And that the Bush Administration would be left holding the bag after selling out Palestinian negotiating positions for a slap in the face by Israel’s ruling Likud party? (Backtrack #2: The US agreed with the “Quartet” nations that any change on the ground would require the consent of the Palestinians.) And who could have predicted that a chain of stupid ideas (reopen Abu Ghraib prison, symbol of Saddam’s brutality – staff it full of untrained recruits and unsupervised contractors – orchestrating “frat boy” hazing (and worse) that has nothing to do with fighting terror – taking pictures of it) would lead to a Perfect PR Storm that seemed to confirm Arab/Muslim fears about US intentions? (Backtrack #3: Bush will appear on Al-Arabiyya – once accused of inciting hatred of America – to spin the story). All in all, it’s clear evidence that the US foreign policy of today is driving through the fog of war with 10-foot visibility, being led by the developing situation on the ground instead of a long-term vision of fairness and moral principle.

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.