Radical US Approach for Radical Leaders

[Nancy Waterman]

An interesting article from the Asia Times on how to approach the Iraq mess:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/HK29Ak04.html

As Iraq sinks deeper into civil war, Muqtada’s political clout rises. If the US is to stabilize Iraq, it will have to convince Muqtada that its forces are leaving the country – and soon. Bush, though, is not interested in taking any measures that smacks of retreat. That is the proverbial rub, because Muqtada won’t accept anything short of American withdrawal as the price for creating even a semblance of cooperation in stabilizing the country.

These three Shi’ite leaders do not follow Washington’s political template. They are playing political hardball in which they see only one result – victory. In turn, the US requires an unusual – indeed radical – approach that would recognize the legitimacy of the leaders and allow for their accommodation.

Such accommodation would result in the US’s quick withdrawal from Iraq. It would mean comprehensive dialogue with Iran, which in turn would help stabilize Iraq in return for carrots, including guarantees against regime change. That US compromise would mean stopping calling Hezbollah a “terrorist” organization, and then negotiating with it directly about stabilizing Lebanon. Above all, it would mean acceptance of a drastic reduction in America’s prestige and influence in the Middle East.