Iraq turns more volatile

The excessive use of force by the US-led coalition forces in handling the current situation has drawn the flak of even the American-sponsored governing council. The Americans are obviously hard put to explain to the world how they could resolve the latest crisis without any more bloodshed after what they have done in Falluja. Though majority of the Shias are not followers of Moqtada Sadr, the cleric now being hunted by the US troops, almost all of them resent the way Americans are trying to catch him or his supporters. Seizing a whole town and then bombing it would never get them any support of common Iraqis.

The Americans didn't have to use force, they chose to do it. Now, the US decision for troops reinforcement in Iraq is somewhat indicative of dipping their toes in troubled waters like in Vietnam war. The US must realise that use of force can not bring the desired result; it, in fact, may end up dividing the allies of the war. Though Japan has strongly maintained its commitment not to withdraw its troops from Iraq as demanded by those who took some of their citizens hostage, it's difficult to say how long she can withstand domestic pressures.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Negotiations with the groups fighting in Falluja have not produced any positive outcome. Therefore, we say again that there is still time for the US to reevaluate and rethink the situation so that they can extricate themselves before it is too late from what looks like another dip in a quicksand.