"Denmark's Contribution in Iraq is Small but Important"
Articles by U.S. Government Officials
"Denmark's Contribution in Iraq is Small but Important"
By Ole
Damkjær, Berlingske Tidende
January 26, 2006
Patience: The debate on Iraq is centered on ensuring that the Iraqi security forces are sufficiently well trained in order to allow for the Danish troops to return home. But, according to the U.S. Deputy Senior Advisor on Iraq, it is not quite as simple as that – stability requires continued military presence.
Seen through the eyes of the American-led coalition, good news is an extremely scare commodity in Iraq. That said, the U.S., U.K, Denmark and other Coalition countries must be pleased that the Sunni insurgents and foreign Al-Qaeda operatives have started to fight among themselves.
This is the kind of encouraging news that people like Deputy Senior Advisor Robert Deutsch rarely get. Deutch works on developing strategies that will establish a stable, democratic and prosperous Iraq. He is also responsible for maintaining international – and this, of course, includes Danish - support for engagement in Iraq.
The importance of the Danish contribution in Iraq is something that is often
debated. However, according to Deutch, even though only 500 Danish soldiers are
currently deployed, they are still playing an important role.
"This is
not about how important the Danish troops actually are for the U.S., but why the
situation in Iraq is important for Denmark and the rest of the world. Are we
making a contribution to progress and stability in Iraq? The chances that we
will not be able to establish long term stability and create a prosperous
society are clearly great. A significant risk exists that Al Qaeda will use Iraq
as a training ground that will not merely create instability in the immediate
vicinity but also further afield," Deutsch commented, following meetings with
Foreign Ministry officials in Denmark.
"Regarding Denmark, it is quite right that the numbers are relatively small, but the Danes are making a significant contribution. Among other things, the training Denmark is providing is having a great impact on the Iraqis ability to be able to offer greater security to their citizens. Furthermore, Danish presence is helping to send the important message to the Iraqis that broad support exists in order to help them put 30 years of tyranny behind them."
Wrong Signal
Question: Firstly, do you think that it would send the wrong signal to the Iraqis if Denmark withdrew? Secondly would it be tantamount to running errands for the terrorists if Denmark remained, but set a definite date for future withdrawal, as the Italians have done?
"There are people among the terrorists who would gladly give their lives in order to create chaos. They don't have any scruples. If we sent the message that all they have to do is wait six months, this would encourage them," Deutsch noted.
Question: What would be realistic timeframe for Coalition troop withdrawals?
"It is wrong to talk about pulling out or exit strategies. We are making progress. As we saw in September, the U.S. Secretary of Defense announced that it was not necessary to send two brigades to Iraq as had been planned, because the Iraqis had made such great progress with their own security forces. We are not the only country that has been able to make such adjustments. Today, there are many parts of the country where Iraqis are taking the lead on security issues. Over 60 percent of Baghdad is now the responsibility of the Iraqis and in Najaf and Karbala we see the same thing. This is a development that is likely to continue," Deutsch stressed, adding: "But it is difficult to see the progress. There is so much focus on the violence, but in actual fact, most of the violence takes place in only four of the 18 provinces. There are some places in the North and South where considerable progress is being made, but we don't hear much about that."
Three Criteria for Success
Deutsch lists three criteria for success in Iraq: "Political stability, economic prosperity and security. If Iraqis cannot find jobs or feel that their political institutions cannot protect them, they will be more likely to support insurgency and violence. It is difficult to eliminate insurgents and terrorists in a country that lacks an infrastructure and (democratic) traditions. The international Coalition will never be able to rid the country of these elements by themselves. The Iraqis must do this by creating a society in which the majority of its citizens have a feeling of ownership," Deutsch explained.
Problems with Loyalty
Question: It is possible to find figures quantifying the number of fully trained Iraqi troops and police available. It is even possible to describe their many qualities, but what about their loyalty? Are they not, in the final analysis, more loyal to their clan, ethnic or religious group than the government?
"As the Sunnis were extremely reticent to join the security forces until about six-months ago, and as they do not feel particularly well represented within the political institutions, we must try, in the wake of the election, to prioritize their interests. But, yes, loyalty is definitely a problem, Deutsch said. Expressing interest in the length of time that it will take for the Iraqis to form a government, he added: "The most crucial thing is that the government that is eventually formed will be a success -- a government with competent people who can manage the ministries and handle the tasks at hand. But it must also be a government that has a program – as demanded by the new constitution. And this program should be able to continue developments towards a national consensus."
The formation of the government could take weeks, if not months, but some
deadlines regarding the constitution must be honored. From the moment that
Parliament convenes, the president has 15 days in order to appoint a prime
minister from the majority party. Following that, the prime minister must form a
government within the next 30 days.