This is a mistake. Yes, we must continue to work hard at ending this corruption if we are to build rule of law. Many Iraqis want this rule of law. But not most. Not yet, anyway. Most Iraqis want democracy. But the importance of rule of law to fostering democracy is not yet clear to a majority of Iraqis.
But this is no reason to despair of our chances of success. Remember, Saddam ruled over a majority that hated him with a society even more corrupt than we face today:
The Iraqi police have, like police forces throughout the Middle East, been cursed with pervasive corruption. Even when Saddam ran the country, the national police were considered a bunch of corrupt buffoons. To control the country, Saddam created several security services, including, by 2003, a large force of street thugs, who were unleashed on any neighborhood or town that was showing signs of unrest or disloyalty. That approach is no longer acceptable in Iraq, and efforts to create a modern, efficient police force have proved difficult.
And remember that our enemies are undermined by the same culture of corruption. That's why we can get confidential informants (CIs)to provide information to our forces that allow us to raid hideouts, dig up arms caches, and prevent attacks:
Actually, if you reach the right guy, a briefcase full of hundred dollar bills will do the trick. All you need to know is who is approachable, and that's where CIs can be vital.
The terrorists know of this danger, and are being increasingly theatrical in how they execute CIs. Some of the guys getting their throats slit on camera, are innocent. The terrorists are often quite terrorized themselves when a CI gives up the location of a senior leader, who suddenly explodes when a Predator finds him. There is then an outcry to find the spy. In desperation, the Taliban, al Qaeda or whatever, will sometimes grab a likely suspect, kill him, and declare the problem solved. That leaves the CI alive, a bit shaken, but often still operational.
Always remember, only Allah knows how much the other side is hurt. Don't assume we are uniquely handicapped in this war just because the New York Times only reports on our problems.
