American troops are no longer free to react as we'd wish when we detect threats:
A month ago, when U.S. troops could operate openly in the city without permission from the Iraqis, Navarro could have sent soldiers on foot to stealthily take up positions in the neighborhood.
But neither option was on the table last week. Ever since the pullback of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities, the Iraqi government has sharply limited their mobility and operations in urban areas. It has barred Iraqi ground commanders from conducting joint patrols with Americans and has warned that those who give U.S. commanders too much leeway will be punished. U.S. officials contend that the security agreement gives them vast latitude on matters of self-defense, but Iraqis have interpreted those provisions strictly.
The Iraqis still need our help in many ways to fight their battles, but it is understandable that the Iraqis want to fight on their own as much as possible.
We'll work out our disagreements over time. Have patience as we both figure this out.
