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Peacekeeping and Morale
A U.S. Army soldier of the 652nd Engineer Company search a former Iraqi soldier as he waits to be paid back wages by the Iraq interim government. (AP) Email to friend
The signs have been there for months, but it was only when General Tommy Franks talked to Congress this week, that Americans first heard about extended occupation from those in charge. Franks says US soldiers may be in Iraq for another four years. For the 150,000 US soldiers there now, this is not the best of news.
Morale in Iraq is low, but also here, at home, where spouses had expected those mothers and fathers to be home at least by the end of this summer. Now polls are showing Americans are losing enthusiasm for a prolonged deployment. Some Democrats are discussing similarities to Vietnam, and the administration is working its contacts to get other nations to commit soldiers. Occupation, and what it means to be needed and not wanted at the same time.
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Robert Perito, A special adviser to the Rule of Law program at the United States Institute of Peace
Susan Wilder, Mobilization and deployment manager for Fort Stewart's Army Community Service
