When Will We Leave Iraq

摘要

This strategic research paper uses an ends ways and means strategy paradigm to examine the conditions that must exist for U.S. military forces to depart Iraq and when that departure might occur. To determine the ends United States policy documents were reviewed along with speeches and interviews conducted by administration officials. From an analysis of four sources with political defense academia and research backgrounds this paper identifies seven conditions (ends) that must occur before the redeployment of forces. These conditions are: (1) reduced casualties; (2) a trained and ready Iraqi army and police force that are able to maintain order; (3) established and controlled Iraqi borders; (4) weapons and ammunition controlled; (5) key facilities guarded; (6) opposition captured and suppressed; and (7) operational infrastructure which includes power water sewer and garbage disposal restored to pre-war capacity. Ways which focused on the increasing military and police forces from the United States coalition Iraq and the United Nations to achieve those ends are discussed. Next the means available to support the ways are identified. In the conclusion this paper recommends that the United Nations take a greater role for stability in Iraq and identifies the environment that must exist for this transition to occur.