Trying to Carve a Better Future for Iraqis

Sept. 14, 2006 — -- It's difficult to tell what's going on in Iraq.

It's complicated.

But those in charge of the war are relying on a very simple notion that Iraqis are just like the rest of us.

Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is fond of challenging the Iraqis by saying, "The Iraqis must love their children more than they hate their enemies."

Perhaps it is that simple.

If only Iraqis could get past the brutal violence, fear and crushing hopelessness, they could see their choices with similar clarity.

The violence and extraordinarily complex hatred played out in the streets and homes of Iraq is difficult for Americans to understand.

It creates a dangerous misconception that Muslims -- particularly Iraqis -- are a different species that does not value life.

That's not true.

There are extremists -- just like there are in the United States -- but most Iraqis do love their children and do value life.

Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli is arguably staking his career and possibly the outcome of the war on the premise that Iraqis are just like people anywhere else.

There is a sea of military terms like "multiple lines of operation" or "combined effects" in his plan to save Baghdad, but, buried within the jargon and numbers, is a simple notion: Iraqis love their children more than they hate their enemies.

"Operation Together Forward" is Chiarelli's plan for U.S. and Iraqi forces to take back Baghdad from the daily cycle of violence that has racked this city and now claims the lives of more than 1,500 residents every month.

The operation includes plans for securing areas prone to violence by searching for weapons, restricting movement, and improving residents' lives.

Chiarelli's main goal, or "commander's intent," is to create jobs and give Iraqis faith in their government.

He says the "key is giving the Iraqis something that they want, that will show them that their government cares for them and is going to provide for their future."

He hopes to do that with "quick-win" projects, such as better sewers, water and garbage pickup.