US mission in Iraq is far from accomplished

For the past seven and a half years, the U.S. has carried out the almost impossible task of trying to restore peace to the country. The U.S. has paid a very high price, with at least 4,400 of its soldiers killed, many wounded and hundreds of billions of dollars spent. The toll has been far greater on the Iraqi people.

Now, with the U.S. troops pulling out, U.S. President Barack Obama has been allowed some space to speak of the American “contribution” and the “courage and resolve” of those who died. It has also enabled him to speak of peace and the long-term future for Iraq.

Before he came to the Oval Office, Obama pledged to bring the war to an end. That was an obvious goal, and his feelings on the issue were clear. But now, deep in his heart, Obama knows that a lot more needs to be done before Iraq can ever become a normal country again, with a fully functioning government.

At the moment, the outlook is still bleak. Iraq still does not have a new government, weeks after the last election was held. Putting an administration in place will take time. So, for the time being, with mounting pressure on the domestic front, Obama has to be focused on the new effort needed, as well as on the continuing opposition to an American presence in the country.

And this brings us to the bad news. In effect, the U.S. is not going anywhere. Before stability and prosperity can come to Iraq, it will take years, if not decades, of ongoing American effort and support. Fragmented domestic politics, leadership battles and national disunity will be the name of the game from now on and probably for a long time to come.

Of course, efforts to achieve national reconciliation should be the top priority. But the inevitable political turbulence will make that effort a thankless task. Obviously, political leaders must do their utmost, but can they be trusted to play the game? Lessons learned from Cambodia should be useful here.

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