From Iraq, blogger Alaa (The Mesopotamian) says we must seriously beef up the Iraqi civil defense forces so they can take the initiative against what he describes as Baathist-led terrorists. This is especially crucial, Alaa says, in the months leading up to the Coalition hand-off of control to Iraqis.

The balance of forces is quite worrying. If the Coalition forces were not there, I would say that the forces of the New Iraq would be in trouble, especially in the Center. The important point though, is to think of the necessary course of action, especially in the next few months before the hand over of authority.

Personally, I think there is no alternative...to serious beefing up and strengthening of the civil defense corps in particular, which should be done on an urgent basis. Then this force should go on the offensive, particularly in the areas where subversives are known to be concentrated. The objective should be to turn the balance of intimidation the other way. This may have a chance of success while the Coalition forces are still there for support and backup.

Exactly how to strengthen the anti-terorrist Iraqi forces is the question. Send thoughts, and links.

Alaa closes his post with a reminder of what's at stake.

....what we say is motivated by zeal and concern that the mission should succeed, because our life, future and the good of the whole of humanity depend on that.

That's about the size of it.

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at February 29, 2004 11:39 AM

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