The military of the U.S. is the most powerful fighting force the world has ever seen. This might was famously demonstrated in the devastation of the Iraqi Army in the 1991 Gulf War and in the early stages of the war in Iraq in 2003. Despite this strength, however, trends have emerged throughout the late 20th century that have cast the real power of America’s military in doubt.
In 1993, the U.S. Army fought Somali militiamen in Mogadishu, leaving 18 American soldiers dead. The U.S. responded, again, by withdrawing. In 1998, U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by al-Qaida terrorists, killing hundreds. The U.S. did nothing. In 2000, suicide bombers attacked the USS Cole in Yemen, killing 17 U.S. Navy sailors. The U.S. once again stood idle. Each of these attacks tested American resolve and in each case, it was found lacking.
As the pattern of American apathy toward attacks against its own assets developed, terrorist organizations began to look upon the U.S. as a paper tiger. Our enemies began to believe that despite America’s supposed military strength, victory against the U.S. could be easily achieved ““ a force would simply have to inflict a few dozen casualties and the U.S. would turn tail and run.
It is this rationale, in part, that led to the Sept. 11 attacks; al-Qaida believed the U.S. would respond to a massive attack with a withdrawal from Saudi Arabia, and Americans would not have the will to commit to a large-scale war to oppose them. Clearly, al-Qaida miscalculated.
By fighting a large protracted war, we have in part nullified our enemies’ belief that the U.S. lacks the political will to fight. We have made it clear that an attack on our homeland will be met with swift and massive retaliation. Indeed, it is likely this assertion of power, in the form of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has prevented further terrorist attacks on U.S. soil by instilling the fear of retaliation in the minds of our adversaries.
It is clear to me Mitt Romney exhibits the qualities necessary to achieve victory in Iraq. His willingness to pursue coalition building efforts and acquire international support renders his policies more realistic than John McCain’s unilateral rhetoric. It also shows a greater depth of understanding of the situation than Mike Huckabee.
An untimely withdrawal from Iraq will broadcast the message that the U.S. is unwilling to fight a long war. This would embolden our enemies enormously and create a gold mine of anti-American propaganda.
Ultimately, modern warfare is as dependent upon perception, psychology and political will, as it is upon guns, tanks and bombs. A U.S. withdrawal from Iraq is unacceptable, simply because it confirms every assumption our enemy has made about American weakness. Victory in Iraq is not only a matter of pride, prestige or humanitarianism, but also a necessary component of our national security.
Despite the recent victories against the insurgency, the situation is fragile and requires a dedicated leader, strong political support and most of all, time. Our success in Iraq is a prerequisite for security from Islamic extremism in the course of the coming decade, and former Gov. Romney would be the ideal president to lead the U.S. to victory.
Krietz is the treasurer of the Bruin Republicans. He is a second-year business-economics student.