Ray of Hope

The US is considering talks with Iran on ways to stabbilize Iraq. The path to any contact between Washington and Terhan will no doubt be tortuous but if the path leads to an open, frank exchange of grievances and concerns, I welcome the journey. Discussion is far preferable to military action, especially against a threat that is more pending than immediate. Of course, talks may just be talk. It took the US and North Vietnam four years to reach an accord after opening peace talks. Perhaps we won't require quited so much time to resolve this conflict.

Or maybe we will. The US spent most of this week demonstrating its new operating mode, which is to chopper Iraqis into battle. Operation Swarmer, billed as the largest air assault since the 2003 invasion, turned out to be more an exercise in transportation. No contact. No casualties (reported). No major captures. Six weapons caches. Lots of attention. The perfect operation. It tells me that Iraqi troops will not be on their own for a long time, a long time that will involve extensive US support.

Talking with Iran offers some possibilities but the reality is still uncertain.