Instability in Iraq

Prior to the invasion of Iraq, Saddam Hussein kept sectarian and terrorist like fighting to a minimum by some morally questionable matters. According to Elisabeth Bumiller*, he used several techniques in suppressing these outbreaks that are unemployable(or should be) by the US. He would, for instance, put displaced or upset people into his regime or use force to quiet them. Making ample use of the paramilitary, police, and the People's Army(which was commanded by a close associate of Saddam), he also employed the Department of General Intelligence, which was known for its use of torture and not surprisingly, was led by Saddam's half brother, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti. Thus, violence was low, but only because of Saddam's repressive measures. While America has been successful in removing this tyrant, we have overlooked the many effects of his absence. Sectarian violence, for instance, is a large problem. So what exactly is being done about this? Two things stick in my mind: the Sunni awakening and the formation of an Iraqi police force.

Completely separate from the government, the Sunni Awakening is an American supported movement consisting of an astonishing 80,000 strong force. Paid by the Pentagon, these men are driving out Al Qaeda of their home-towns and taking pride in ridding their country of crime and terrorism. In addition, this Militia also takes proactive measures as it keeps men from joining insurgent groups. Subsequently, the new American-trained(as well as other countries trained) Iraqi police force also accomplishes many of the same aims of the Sunni Awakening. Building up pride in defending one's own country and giving jobs to many Iraqis makes becoming, wanting to become, or even needing to become part of an insurgency group less likely. Also, by training a proper police force, America is slowly shifting control of the government to the Iraqis. Lastly, neither of these programs puts our troops on the battlefield.

So now the matter of question is how long will these programs be employed before stability is achieved. This war has already shown us that you can conquer some land and some buildings, but big guns and an army can't conquer the hearts of people as easily. From here comes many of our problems. A few weeks ago, a master Sargent who specialized in training Iraqi police visited my school and gave a talk on the state of Iraq. According to an approximation by him, one third of men entering the police force wanted to help their country, one third of these men swayed with the general opinion, and the last third were aiding and abetting insurgents. In addition, Religious violence between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims deeply splits the country.

So all in all, the instability caused by the absence of a repressive dictator must quelled through non-violent programs that focus on uniting the people of Iraq. However, due to the delicate situation there, America must realize that we will be in Iraq for a long time, but through the proper actions and programs, we can shift the power to Iraqi people peacefully while instilling friendly relations between the United States and Iraq.

* Elisabeth Bumiller (2004-05-15). Was a Tyrant Prefigured by Baby Saddam?. The New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-01-02.

NBA Playoffs - Finishing up my Picks

Just finishing up my NBA picks
Eastern Conference Finals-
Pistons vs. Boston
Regular Season: Boston leads 2 - 1
My Pick: Pistons - Before I defend this pick, I just want to say that regardless of who wins this series, the Eastern Conference Champion will defeat the Western Conference Champion. Now, back to the hard part. These are two great teams that match up very well. Both are considered the best defensive teams in the league with veteran players that know how to get the job done. However, I think that Pistons will have drive this year after a disheartening loss to Cleveland this year. In addition, I think they will need to play the nastiest-grittiest, hard nosed basketball ever, like they did when they beat the Celtics in Boston(Great Game). While Boston is a great team, I think that being the underdogs will help the Pistons overcome their playoff funk and go to the Finals.

The NBA Finals-
Pistons vs. Spurs
My Pick: Pistons - The Pistons are a little bit younger with a strong second line that should be able to contain the explosive Manu. In addition, the Spurs aren't used to playing defense in the West so the Pistons should be able to control the tempo and run the show.

A closing note: This is going one really awesome postseason

NBA Playoffs

Well it's that time again. The east was fairly predictable, but the west was a bit of conundrum. here it goes -

Western Conference - First Round
Lakers vs. Nuggets
Regular Season: Lakers beat Denver 3-0
My pick: Lakers - While both are very offensive teams, Kobe is still Kobe and Andrew Bynum's strong presence alongside their steal of deal for Gasol presents and all around solid team. Denver is somewhat similar to the Lakers, but just not as good over all.

Jazz vs. Rockets
Regular season: Jazz beat Rockets 2 -1(Yao not present for one game)
My Pick: Rockets - After an impressive streak during the season, the Rocket's seasoned team is still cranking. While the Jazz won the regular season match-up, you have to remember that Yao wasn't present for a game.

Suns vs Spurs
Regular season: Suns beat Spurs 3-1
My Pick: Spurs - Defense always beats offense in the playoffs. Remember last year when the Spurs beat the suns? That's because the Spurs are battle-hardened gritty defensive team that knows what they have to do. While the suns now have Shaq, they are really no better. Besides, by trading away for an old man like Shaq, they're shooting themselves in the foot for next season(Does anyone recall the Miami Heat?)

Hornets vs. Mavericks
Regular season: Hornets tie with Mavs 2-2
My Pick: Hornets - Jason Kidd didn't make them much better and the Mavericks always seem to falter in the playoffs. On the other hand, New Orleans is well oiled machine with Chris Paul pulling the strings(and who wouldn't want Peja as their string?) Mavericks are in for another frustrating post-season

Eastern Conference - First Round
Celtics vs. Hawks
Regular season: Celtics 3 -0 against Hawks
My Pick: Celtics - Sorry Hawks fans, but I don't even have to explain this pick

Cavaliers vs. Wizards
Regular Season: Cavs and wizards tied 2 -2
My Pick: Cavaliers - As shown last year, the Cavaliers are a good play-off team with a lot of energy. The Wizards have some great players (Jamison, Butler, and Agent Zero), but Gilbert Arenas isn't doing so well. This will be a hard series. In this series, Gilbert Arenas is the key.

Magic vs. Raptors
Regular Season: Magic beat Toronto 2-1
My Pick: Magic - Improving upon last year, the Magic will just keep getting better. However, the Raptors have done well in building a strong team around Chris Bosh. These two young teams will give us a good series, but the Presence of Dwight Howard is pretty immovable.

Pistons vs. Sixers
Regular Season: Pistons split with Sixers 2-2
My Pick: Pistons - A good defensive team, Detroit is hungry and motivated for a championship. They'll be taking no prisoners. However, the Sixers can look up - they're a team with some raw talent. Tighten down their play and they could go farther next year.

Now it's time for round two -
Western Conference - Second Round
Lakers vs. Rockets
My Pick: Lakers - The Rockets are just not good enough to hang around with the Lakers. This will just allow the Lakers to pick up momentum coming into the West Finals.

Spurs vs. Hornets
My Pick: Spurs - Defense and experience is what'll crush the Hornets. The Hornets are a good team and will most likely make it to this match-up, but they have little experience in situation like this. The hornets are similar to last years Suns by their style of play and it will be an interesting season.

Eastern Conference - Second Round
Celtics vs. Cavaliers
My Pick: Celtics - Come on already! Why can't we just skip to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics, a strong defensive team, are unlikely to suffer the same fate as the Pistons last year. They're a team of veterans who know what they want. As long as they keep their focus, it won't be too much of a competition.

Pistons vs. Magic
My Pick: Pistons - Swept by the Pistons last year, the Magic are looking for a good fight, but with the Pistons' defense it's unlikely to happen. Let's just hope the Pistons' confidence isn't their downfall again.

Western Conference - Finals
Lakers vs. Spurs
My Pick: (this is where it gets tough) Spurs - I just don't see how a team that averages more than 100 points a game can beat a team that gives up only 90. The Spurs will control the tempo, Duncan will outplay Bynum, and Manu will harass Kobe.

I'll finish the rest up later.