US admits the war for 'hearts and minds' in Iraq is now lost

Bombs, gun squads, burials ... one week in Iraq

As US troops fear a new onslaught, the head of the British army calls for a pullout, leaving Iraq's future in the balance. By James Cusick

Last Tuesday night in Baghdad the Iraqi skyline was lit up. In what was believed to be one of the most sustained and ferocious mortar and rocket attacks in three years, there was widespread fear among senior US military personnel that the protected international zone (IZ), formerly the "green zone", was about to experience a direct assault. Major gun battles were being fought in two of Baghdad's districts – Doura and Mansoor. Doura has a large oil refinery, Mansoor is technically an affluent area close to the IZ.

Gunfire and explosions were louder than normal and then, at around 7pm, the first large rocket landed inside the IZ itself. Another hit came after 10 minutes, then another two minutes later. Then a series of explosions, different to the daily "normal" rocket attacks were felt. For those in the IZ, the explosions were so close and so fierce that, even for experienced military personnel, "you could taste the cordite in your teeth". The sustained attacks lasted for two hours, during which Camp Falcon, a major US ammunition and storage dump, was hit. The attack resulted in what one security official called "a fireworks display". But the display wasn't put on for entertainment. Immediate military feedback pointed to casualties.

The Current Situation in Iraq

What is happening in Iraq, even after three years of coalition presence, remains difficult to decipher. Reporting is limited outside the IZ and even the number of civilians who have died since the 2003 invasion is unclear. Suicide bombings are reported nightly on television. Troop patrols are also reported. But, three years after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraq is a battlefield without a known objective. A study published in The Lancet last week estimated 655,000 people have died as a direct result of the coalition invasion. The Iraqi health ministry put that at 62,000. One of them must be wrong.

The Head of the British Army's Call for a Pullout

President George W Bush rejected The Lancet report as "not credible". But then Bush had just dismissed a critical report on Iraq by the Pentagon, which described escalating sectarian violence and failing security. "Iraq is not descending into civil war … and America will not leave until victory [in Iraq] is achieved," said Bush. British defence ministers have been equally dismissive of any suggestion of imminent civil war in Iraq. The prime minister, in Manchester two weeks ago, repeated the Washington line. There will be no retreat from Iraq.

Withdrawal would be "committing a craven act of surrender that will put our future security in the deepest peril". Blair has his critics, especially over Iraq. But he would have assumed he was safe from an open attack from senior military personnel still in the job. But in London on Tuesday, just as the explosions and rockets were about to rip through the IZ in Baghdad, General Sir Richard Dannatt, chief of the general staff, blew Blair's assumption of safety out of the water.

The Dire Reality in Iraq

MoD sources say it is highly likely that Dannatt appreciated that the situation in Iraq was returning to prime focus. The MoD knew the details of The Lancet's report on civilian deaths. The Pentagon's criticisms were also centre-stage. And the return of MPs to parliament last week after the summer recess pointed to a re-examination of Iraq and Afghanistan, both part of the narrative on Blair's diminished authority. Dannatt's questioning of the government line on Iraq took place inside the Ministry of Defence. In an interview given to the Daily Mail, with MoD press officers present, the chief of the general staff said the presence of British forces in Iraq had effectively ceased to have a desirable effect.

"I think history will show that the planning for what happened after the initial successful war fighting phase was poor, probably based more on optimism than sound planning." He described the original intention as putting in place "a liberal democracy that was an exemplar for the region, was pro-West and might have a beneficial effect on the balance within the Middle East". But he said that wasn't going to happen. "I think we should aim for a lower ambition."

Hotels in Iraq: The Challenging Environment

Amidst the chaos and violence, the hotel industry in Iraq has also been severely impacted. The constant threat of attacks and the overall instability has made it extremely difficult for hotels to operate at their full potential. Many international hotel chains have closed their doors and pulled out of the country due to safety concerns.

The few hotels that continue to operate in Iraq primarily cater to government officials, international organizations, and security forces. These hotels are heavily fortified and prioritize security over comfort. The conditions for both guests and staff are challenging, with strict security protocols in place and limited access to amenities.

Despite the difficult circumstances, some hotels in Iraq do strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their clientele. These establishments prioritize security measures, including round-the-clock surveillance, armed guards, and secure entry points.

However, the overall tourism and hospitality industry in Iraq has been severely affected by the ongoing unrest. The fear of violence and the lack of stability make it nearly impossible for the country to attract international tourists or business travelers.

Conclusion

As the war in Iraq continues to take its toll, with escalating violence, political tensions, and a lack of progress in establishing stability in the country, the situation remains grim. The remarks from General Sir Richard Dannatt and President George W Bush's dismissal of critical reports highlight the challenges and complexities faced by the international coalition forces.

The future of Iraq remains uncertain, and the hotel industry in the country reflects the challenging environment. Without major improvements in security and stability, it is unlikely that Iraq will attract significant tourism or foreign investment in the near future.