Counterinsurgency in Iraq (2003-2006) : RAND Counterinsurgency Study--Volume 2

by PIRNIE BRUCE

• ISBN13: 9780833042972
• ISBN10: 0833042971
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-30
• Publisher: Natl Book Network

Summary

Examines the deleterious effects of the U.S. failure to focus on protecting the Iraqi population for most of the military campaign in Iraq and analyzes the failure of a technologically driven counterinsurgency (COIN) approach. It outlines strategic considerations relative to COIN; presents an overview of the conflict in Iraq; describes implications for future operations; and offers recommendations to improve the U.S. capability to conduct COIN.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. iii
Figures	p. ix
Tables	p. xi
Summary	p. xiii
Acknowledgments	p. xxiii
Abbreviations	p. xxv
Overview of the Conflict in Iraq	p. 1
The Ba'athist Regime	p. 2
The Invasion of Iraq	p. 5
The Occupation of Iraq	p. 9
The First Priority: Setting Up a Constitutional Government	p. 10
The Spiral Downward Begins (Spring 2004)	p. 11
Benchmark One: Holding Iraqi Elections	p. 13
Islamic Extremist and Sectarian Violence Begin	p. 15
A U.S. Approach Hesitantly Unfolds	p. 17
Armed Groups in Iraq	p. 21
Overview	p. 22
Kurdish Separatists	p. 24
Sunni Arab Insurgents	p. 25
Violent Extremists	p. 28
Shi'ite Arab Militias	p. 31
Criminal Gangs	p. 32
Insurgent Use of Terrorism	p. 32
Counterinsurgency in Iraq	p. 35
Organization and Recognition of the U.S. COIN Effort Is Slow to Unfold	p. 35
Traditional U.S. Military Forces May Need to Be Adjusted	p. 36
Fallujah	p. 38
Tal Afar	p. 39
Baghdad	p. 41
Air Support	p. 43
Combating Improvised Explosive Devices	p. 44
Detainee Operations	p. 46
U.S. Development and Support of Iraqi Forces	p. 49
The Iraqi Police	p. 49
The Iraqi Armed Forces	p. 51
Assessing Progress in Counterinsurgency	p. 52
Iraqi Casualties and Displacement	p. 52
The Iraqi Economy	p. 53
Iraqi Opinion	p. 58
Accounting for Success and Failure	p. 61
Understanding Iraqi Society	p. 61
Little Planning for the Occupation of Iraq	p. 62
The Impact of a Lack of International Support for the War	p. 63
The Disastrous Effects of Prematurely Dismantling the Ba'athist Regime	p. 64
The Challenge of Building a New Iraqi State from Scratch	p. 65
Instituting a New System of Justice	p. 66
Undertaking the Reconstruction of Iraq	p. 67
The Consequences of Failing to Maintain Security Early On	p. 69
Military Missions	p. 69
Lack of Infiltration and Tips Hinders Intelligence on the Insurgency	p. 71
Building Effective Capabilities for Counterinsurgency	p. 73
Use of Force	p. 75
Public Safety and Security	p. 78
Partnering with and Enabling Indigenous Forces	p. 80
Reporting on the Enemy and Infiltration	p. 83
Provision of Essential Services	p. 86
Informing and Influencing Operations	p. 88
Rigorous and Coordinated Detainee Operations	p. 89
Recommendations	p. 91
Development of Strategy	p. 91
Coalition-Building	p. 92
Planning Process	p. 92
Unity of Effort	p. 93
Interagency Process	p. 93
Host-Nation Governance	p. 94
Funding Mechanisms	p. 94
Counterinsurgency as a Mission	p. 94
Protection of the Indigenous Population	p. 95
Personnel Policy	p. 95
U.S. Army Special Forces	p. 95
Partnership with Indigenous Forces	p. 96
Policing Functions	p. 96
Brigade Organization	p. 97
Gunship-Like Capability	p. 97
Intelligence Collection and Sharing	p. 97
Bibliography	p. 99
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