AN IRAQI TELLS US 'HOW IT IS' IN IRAQ

Submitted by: Larry Jordan

Justin Lecourias

Yesterday at 5:51 PM · 

From a friend in Iraq.

People keep asking me about what is going on in Iraq so here is a quick synopsis:

1. When the US Embassy was attacked some newspapers (like the Washington Post) reported that it was Iraqi Protestors. It was not. It was actually those who have been killing the freedom loving Iraqi's protesting for change. Those are militia's loyal to Iran. Their head is Qassem Suleimani (who was just killed). They have killed over 400 innocent Iraqi's who were peacefully demonstrating for democracy. I can't tell you how many videos I have seen of Iraqi's protesting the government only to get shot in the head by snipers. The reason is the government is no longer in control and hasn't been for a while. The militias are.
2. The militia's loyal to Iran (known as the PMU) have been gaining increased strength over Iraq. Ironically, this has a lot to do with the past two administrations who totally messed up our strategy for how to operate in the Middle East and pushed Iraq into Iran's arms for protection from ISIS and other terrorist groups. One thing that is not often discussed is we are now dealing with the problems caused by the past two administrations. These are inherited problems.
3. Some are saying that it was rash to go after Suleimani. I think our hand was forced when they attacked the US Embassy. That was the rash action. Iran simply overplayed their hand not realizing that this administration is not going to stand by idly or try to appease Iran like past administrations. Solemani flew in from Lebanon where he was also heading up attacks against Israel and moderate Muslims in Lebanon. He was Iran's man in charge of helping them gain control of the Middle East.
4. In the coming days, there will be lots of people in Iraq (Shia Muslims) and Iran mourning the death of Solemani and you will see lots of news clips about it and American flags being burned, but I do not think this will be the majority of the feelings in Iraq and Iran. Those doing such things fall into 3 groups. First those afraid to do otherwise because they will be punished. Second, Shia Muslim extremists. Third, those loyal to the Iranian regime. The last two groups will never not hate us. Before this time It was the protestors who were regularly chanting "Iran out of Iraq,." I think this is partially why Solemani was returning to Iraq because he was afraid his militia's were losing power. In fact, those protesting for democracy took to the street celebrating the elimination of Solemani. This was unthinkable even 1 year ago.
5. Our actions are appropriate. Don't listen to those who say "How will Iran respond?" This has been coming to a head for some time now. I do not believe in all out war, neither do I believe that we should try to appease Iran. I believe in containment. The government of Iran will always see us as the Great Satan. They will respond and try to attack. But they are a regional power and their reach is limited. They will probably talk about how they have Nuclear Weapons or attack some bases in the Middle East. But Iran doesn't want a war with America. Make no mistake about it, the fact that we killed their most popular General, a guy who was their Patton, a guy who they thought was immortal with a simple drone strike has them shaken up. They will try to use this to rally the people of Iran against America, but just a few months ago Iran was having their own riots against the government. The government there has its hands full. The majority of the people of Iran and the government of Iran are not in sync on many issues. The government is fighting religious wars while the people just want jobs.
6. I did not think I would ever say this but I see this administration is doing a lot of the right things when it comes to the Middle East. I would dare say they have shown the most adept thinking about the Middle East in my lifetime. This kind of shocks me, but I will take it. They are dealing with inherited problems in the best way possible. As I always say, America does not have friends in the region only allies. Let's not be naive, foreign policy is about mutual interests that line up. If you didn't know America was actually working with Solemani and gave him air cover to help defeat ISIS.
7. Lastly, this comes with the disclaimer that I am not happy about any of this and that I believe in the strict separation of church and state so I speak as an American citizen born in Iraq and with knowledge of the politics of both countries and how they intersect. There will be innocent people on many sides killed or injured. Two countries are basically fighting a proxy war on Iraqi soil, and the Iraqi people are really tired of going from war to war within their borders. "