Reply #14: FWIW [View All]

[Donna Zen]

Clark has said the following consistently:

We need to get our hand off the grip by internationizing the force.

Also, because of rotation for every soldier in the field you need one trained and ready to relieve someone, one in training, and one on R & R. (I think I got that correct) Since we are currently unable to sustain this basic rotation, increasing the numbers cannot be done. As Zini said: we are fighting a 12 division war with a 10 division Army.

He said we need more than an Iraqi face on the government there, we need an Iraqi government.

That said, we don't know where this death spiral will be by 2004. Personally, I'd just as soon throw the junta out now, but realistically the situation may grow worse before they are gone. Whoever enters the WH in 2004 will assume the responsiblity for an Iraq that looks very different than it does today. Any planning and policy must fit that situation.