General Dempsey doubts the wisdom of a larger U.S. role in Iraq. Do you agree/disagree with him? Why?

2015-06-14T13:38:41-04:00

In the homestretch of a 41-year U.S. Army career shaped by war and the scars of war, Gen. Martin Dempsey sounds unconvinced that Iraq has found its path to lasting victory over the Islamic State group.

But neither does the top military adviser to President Obama say the threats to Iraq today justify sending American ground troops back into combat.

He counsels patience, for now.

Give the Iraqis more time to heal their internal divisions and fight their own battles. Resist the temptation to grab control of the contest against the Islamic State group. An enduring victory will take more than military might; it will require a unified Iraq supported by neighbors.

"If we were to take control of this campaign, I mean literally seize control of the campaign, then there's no doubt in my mind we would probably defeat ISIL on, let's say, a faster timeline, but at some considerable cost to our young men and women in uniform," he told U.S. troops Thursday in an aircraft hangar in Naples, Italy, on one of his last overseas trips before finishing his four-year tenure as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/06/13/shaped-by-war-dempsey-doubts-wisdom-of-deep-us-role-in-iraq/71168848/

Dempsey doubts need for deep U.S. role in Iraq, urges patience

LONDON — In the homestretch of a 41-year U.S. Army career shaped by war and the scars of war, Gen. Martin Dempsey sounds unconvinced that Iraq has

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 14 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-06-14T13:59:27-04:00

There are no easy answers here, there rarely are in war. But we must aggressively lead on Iraq. Regional powers can't solve the Islamic State problem without us. The Sunni-Sheite conflict is an enormous problem, but not an insurmountable one. If we are to become more involved in Iraq we need to be prepared to be involved there for a long time. We can not allow the Millidle East to devolve into chaos and anarchy

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 14 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-06-14T14:40:53-04:00

Any COA we take, there will be pain for the friendly forces and civilians.

Response by SCPO Aurora Ruckman, MBA, CPhT made Jun 14 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-06-14T15:03:17-04:00

I agree with LTC Ross, there is no easy answer. Do I want to see more American service men and women sent in harms way, no. But if we do not intervene, I feel that gives ISIS more of a reason to try and attack on our soil.

Response by SCPO Aurora Ruckman, MBA, CPhT made Jun 14 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-06-14T15:03:18-04:00

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jun 14 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-06-14T15:53:42-04:00

I'm not a General, and do not pretend to know what is actually being discussed via a politically weak agenda. Seems to me that the Arabs via Iraq balanced the Persians... When we left, its obvious the vacuum created provided opportunities for Iran, Isis, and terrorists to occupy a shattered country. I have noticed these posting avoid the well-being and support of our only ally in the Middle East: Israel.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 14 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-06-14T22:02:40-04:00

Until the Iraqi people can get together as a whole, fighting for their national interest, then there's nothing else we can do. The Iraqis don't look at national status like we do. They don't hold national status like we do and I really doubt they ever will - too many other higher loyalties.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-06-17T20:05:12-04:00

Personally, and don't ask me to put a finger on why I feel this way, but Chairman JCS General Dempsey has never completely inspired me with any appreciable level of confidence in his "independence" from Obama. He has appeared too "puppet-like" on any number of critical military scenarios. Woefully, though, he is not the only one. But, to the question at hand, the word "quagmire' is now being used in relation to Iraq, and I could not agree more. In spite of my unashamed and unlimited respect for Bush 41 and Bush 43, I think a series of incomprehensible Pandora's Boxes have been inadvertently opened in that region of the world. My worst nightmare is that the world is looking at literally decades of endless sectarian war and uncontrollable terror acts around the globe. I have a great idea how to make a huge dent in the problems, but I don't know what good a multi-national parking lot would do for anyone clear over there!!!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 4:06 AM

2015-07-21T04:06:35-04:00

I absolutely agree with him. I think we have too many people there right now.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 22 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-07-22T19:19:22-04:00

With respect to Gen Dempsey for his over 4 decades of service, there is "no fool like an old fool".

If we don't stop ISIS NOW, it will lead to WW III... They are already in the Mediterranean. They have Jihad all over Europe, and now Canada and the US. What is to stop them from executing a major uprising of the New Islamic Empire?