Iraq can survive only if an inclusive government with all factions of the society together is formed

Iraq can survive only if an inclusive government with all factions of the society together is formed



Responding to a question on the handling of the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria by the administration, David Petraeus, the former commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said that while coalition forces will take back the strategic city of Ramadi within 'days or weeks,' he questioned the administration’s handling of the war.

The White House and many political leaders have referred to ISIS’ takeover of Ramadi last month as a significant setback for coalition forces.

Petraeus said that the U.S. should send more military advisors to serve at posts lower down in the command structure. He floated the idea of adding joint tactical air controllers, JTACs, soldiers who direct airstrikes from the ground. A number of lawmakers have also called to add JTACs to help give U.S. forces on the ground better intelligence



He added that the U.S. needs to evaluate the political and military leadership within Iraq to promote a more inclusive government.

'Do we have the right military and political leaders in Baghdad to be able to support those Iraqi leaders that are truly inclusive, are willing to bring the Sunni Arabs back into society,' Petraeus asked, noting that new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, a Shia, has shown a willingness to incorporate Sunnis back into the government.

'It’s much easier said than done but if it can’t be done, Iraq can’t be done.