30 November 2007
Just what does the Iraqi government do? The U.S. has lowered it’s expectations for the near useless government to stem sectarian violence which caused hundreds of thousands of Iraqis to flee to in 2006, to Syria and Jordan, or move to safer areas in Iraq. While the surge has shown that things are somewhat safer in Baghdad there are signs that Iraqis are starting to return but many are not sure that things will not escalate again. The Iraqi government has not made a detailed plan to provide aid, shelter and other essential services to the thousands of Iraqis who might return. If the return is not carefully managed, there is a chance of undoing recent security gains. Many are returning to find their homes occupied. Sunnis have moved into Shiite homes and vice versa.
It should not fall to U.S. commanders on the ground to sort out problems that arise when Iraqis start returning home. The Iraqi government needs to establish policies which are not focused on sects and new housing is needed for those whose homes were destroyed by Shiite militias or Sunni insurgents
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