[♪upbeat music♪]
This is A Closer Look at US Division-South in Iraq.
From Iraq, I'm Gail McCabe.
We start with the size. It's about the size of Washington state.
This is where some of the agricultural basin is,
this is where the oil basin is,
this is where the rivers flow, and this is the outlet to the northern Arabian Gulf.
If you had to pick a province that was the most challenging, which one would it be?
The one we have our attention focused on
right now is Maysan Province.
It borders Iran, it's a crossroads.
Historically it has been a trading route, a smuggling route,
an infiltration route, an attack route--it's been all those things.
It has a highway that comes through the main city of Amarah
that leads to Baghdad in one direction, to Karbala in another direction,
to Nasiriyah in another direction, and to Basra in yet another direction.
So it really is an important location.
You're undertaking this very delicate balance in Iraq--
responsible drawdown and at the same time trying to make sure
that the land is secure so it can develop stability,
so it can develop economic development, so it can develop dialogue.
How much are the Iraqis participating?
[Brooks] We have very, very capable Iraq Security Forces,
especially the Iraqi Army, so we see it there.
That's part of the balance that occurs.
We see the Iraqis actively engaged in trying to create the dialogue that's necessary
for good government, whether it's provincial councils
now being provided with the resources from a central budget
but struggling to decide how to spend it
or whether it's trying to prioritize what project is the most important one to do
in an area when thousands of projects are required.
Recognition that the United States is leaving.
Have they accepted that, that the United States is leaving?
I think it's a mixed view. I think that there is a recognition that we are indeed drawing down.
They're not sure what the future is going to be.
Some are delighted because it's been their political rhetoric.
Others are being realistic and realizing that a very strong supporter
and a very strong friend is about to be reduced in number.
Back in the States, the media attention to Iraq has dropped off sharply.
How do you feel about that?
I think it's unfortunate on one hand and perhaps positive on another.
I think that the population of the United States does not get to see
the great progress that's been made here, and that's unfortunate.
On the other hand, because there's not significant violence,
because there is progress occurring, there are other things that capture the attention
of the American people.
I would just hope that we recognize what it is that has been done by our soldiers
and by the civilians that have been committed over here for several years.
What the US forces are looking to bring to Iraq, do the Iraqis want this?
I think they do. But it changes.
There are different competing political interests,
there are different perspectives of what a successful future would look like,
as in any country, and the mechanisms by which those differing views are reconciled--
the mechanisms aren't mature yet.
The good news is the way the election came out, there is no single block that can dominate.
And while that will be difficult in policy making
and decision making at the national level,
it will also require in nearly every case some sort of discussion, dialogue,
and maybe even compromise.
Is this still considered a battlespace?
It depends on what you define by that.
If it's a place in which we try to create effects and outcomes--
using that definition of a battlespace, yes. Yes, it is.
But it's more a place where we have a presence
and are trying to shape enduring relationships.
We have a role that can be fulfilled and is being fulfilled by US forces.
One of the best roles is providing professionalism to the security forces of Iraq.
And it comes not just through training but through partnership,
by standing side by side.
Project out. What do you think we will see in Iraq in two years' time?
What we hope to see is fulfillment of our strategic objectives--
a stable, sovereign Iraq that is able to defend itself.
We'll see some political bumpiness, we'll see some frustrated decision making,
we'll see some individuals seeking their own personal gain and personal authority
above the interests of their nation,
we'll see some patriots stepping forward and holding the line,
we'll see economic development take off,
we'll see the economic potential of Iraq begin to be unleashed over the next 18 months
and a change, in my view--I'm optimistic about this--
a change in the very character of the Middle East.
[♪upbeat music♪] That's A Closer Look.