Randy DeCleene on Understanding Iraq

By Randy DeCleene

TIKRIT, Iraq -- As journalists and consumers of news have seen, this first week of September is full of reports and commentary pieces addressing the situation in Iraq, debating the future U.S. role in the country, relitigating much of what has happened over the past seven years and determining exactly what the end of the "combat mission" actually means.

In an effort to break through the clutter, I want to offer six points Americans should keep in mind as they digest information about Iraq. This is neither spin nor driven by a political agenda, but instead, facts from the ground in northern Iraq.

1. While still dangerous, Iraq is much safer than it was a few years ago and they are on their way to becoming a stable, secure and economically prosperous long-term strategic partner for the United States.

Numbers can tell an incredible story. In June 2009 the city of Mosul ... often cited as the place where insurgents hope to make a final stand to obstruct progress in Iraq ... averaged 60-80 attacks per week. Today, the average is 10-15. In Diyala Province ... northeast of Baghdad and a deadly area since 2003 for U.S. Forces (USF) ... during May 2007, at the height of the insurgency, there were 759 attacks. In July 2010 there were 35 total attacks. Examples like this exist throughout Iraq. While the country still has issues with violence, security has consistently improved and this has happened as USF have drawn down and turned responsibility over to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF).

2. The combat mission might have ended in Iraq, but USF are still in danger and engaging the enemy.

Yes, the combat mission ended in Iraq on Sept. 1 and the new task is stability operations, including training, advising and assisting the ISF. But, USF are still a target of the enemy. They retain the right to conduct counterterrorism operations and will always protect themselves. Unfortunately, even though the mission for USF has changed from military to diplomat-led, the enemy's mission has not evolved as such. USF will continue to die in pursuit of a better Iraq over the coming months.

3. The ISF have dramatically increased their capabilities, allowing for the successful USF drawdown to 50,000 troops.

The primary reason for the successful USF drawdown to 50,000 troops is the increased capabilities of ISF. The steps ISF have taken the past few years to conduct effective, intelligence driven operations are incredible. ISF that were in disarray not long ago have coalesced to form a capable and ever improving force. Continued progress by the 665,000 ISF composed of the Iraqi Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Teams and Police are a key component to the future of Iraq.

4. Al Qaeda and other insurgent groups are severely degraded and struggling to remain relevant.

Put simply, Al Qaeda and other insurgent groups in Iraq are not what they once were. Violence as a means to solve problems has been rejected by the Iraqi people for the political process. This is evident by the millions of Iraqi citizens who voted peacefully in March and relative stability in the country despite the prolonged government formation process. While insurgents still have the desire to attack USF, ISF and innocent civilians, and are occasionally successful, their state can be described as degraded and desperate. Hurdles remain and the enemy is still present, but their days are numbered.

5. The all "volunteer" military is a national treasure and something our nation should not take for granted.

I have the privilege and unique experience as a civilian to serve with the Third Infantry Division and Task Force Marne in Iraq during 2010. Seeing these "volunteers" every day put their life on the line for a better Iraq and safer America is extraordinary. Everyone who joined the military after Sept. 11 knew it was not a matter of "if" they would deploy to the Middle East but "when." Those already enlisted on that horrible day simply "rode to the sound of the guns." Some young men and women have spent more time in the Middle East since 2003 than they have at home. Unlike World War II and Vietnam, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have not impacted our entire country on a daily basis. People at home should never forget what the military does for them every single day. They are the reason for the freedoms we enjoy.

Major General Tony Cucolo and Randy DeCleene in Baghdad, Iraq, at the site near the airport where Third Infantry Division Soldier SFC Paul R. Smith died in 2003 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

6. The future of Iraq is one of hope and opportunity, not fear and violence.

A few years ago Iraq was a country mired in nonstop violence and domestic chaos. Today, all signs are trending in the right direction. Violence is down, more people receive dependable essential services, provincial and local governments are functioning and economic development is beginning. A strong, sovereign and stable nation will not be built overnight, but it is on the horizon and is a testament to the will of the Iraqi people and the mission adaptability of the U.S. military.

(Randy DeCleene is in Tikrit, Iraq, during 2010 and serves as a senior advisor to the commanding general for the Third Infantry Division and Task Force Marne. Previously, DeCleene was an aide to Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and was deputy press secretary for Vice President Dick Cheney. This is Randy's fourth appearance on our site ... welcome back!)