Anbar Province Handover

Monday, September 1, 2008, American troops handed over the Anbar Province to Iraqi forces, leaving security responsibilities to the Iraqi people. This is a major step to American forces stabilizing all 18 Iraqi provinces, and deserves unmitigated international attention. However, media outlets have not quite picked up the significance. The Anbar Province was the birthplace of al-Qaeda in Iraq, and a major hot zone for American troops. The handover signifies the breakdown of al-Qaeda’s once dominant presence in that region and sends many positive messages to the Iraqi people.

When the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, it was made clear to the entire international community that Iraq was a serious threat to the world. Allegations that Saddam Hussein was harboring Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) gave the United States enough “just cause” to pursue invasion, even though the United Nations did not approve. However, five years later it was clear that these allegations were false and held little truth, proving the “just cause” illegitimate. The invasion weakened Iraq, and the US made it clear it would see to refurbish the Iraqi government into a strong, economically prosperous sate, which I still support. The American media and criticism of the war has made it difficult for me to obtain an objective understanding of the problems and successes in Iraq.

I watched a documentary on HBO a month ago called “Baghdad High,” and realized how important it is for the US to continue battling insurgents. The Anbar Province proves that the once powerless people of Iraq are gaining more control of their country. The American presence, no matter how contested, must continue their goals in order to ensure the Iraqi citizens are able to combat sectarian violence and insurgents coming in from Iran and Syria. The US Military needs to pressure the Iraqi people into taking control and utilizing their newly gained constitutional rights once denied them by Saddam Hussein. I have a huge desire to go to Iraq and see for myself the disasters and the successes of the US’ invasion, because amidst all the politics and the unfair media, I feel this is the only way I will know.

I have a link that will take you directly to an HBO website, which contains more information on “Baghdad High.” The picture above is from the website and a scene from the movie.

http://www.hbo.com/docs/docuseries/baghdadhigh/