WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- A top U.S. general in Iraq said Friday that for all the emphasis on developing security forces in Iraq, the key to defeating the insurgency was strengthening the economy.
"Through the [Iraqi Security Forces], we can address the symptoms, violence, but by building up Iraqi ministerial capacity to provide basic services and create hope and economic opportunity, we can get at the causes. A prosperous Iraq will be a peaceful Iraq. The link between this is inextricable," said Lt. Gen. Pete Chiarelli, the commander of the Multinational Corps in Iraq.
"I firmly believe that the linchpin of a peaceful Iraq is to reduce unemployment and put people to work. By creating jobs and opportunity, the Iraqi government would take away a major source of support for violent movements -- aimless, underemployed, young men who would otherwise rather be gainfully employed and supporting their families, but are laying (improvised explosive devices), shooting (rocket-propelled grenades) and fighting Iraqi security forces and the coalition because they lack alternatives," he said during a teleconference with Pentagon reporters.
Chiarelli has been a strong advocate for the improvement of services and the economy in Iraq since his previous command at the 1st Cavalry Division in 2004. One of the areas Chiarelli's troops were responsible for was the Shiite slum known as Sadr City. It was here he learned an important lesson: that insurgent attacks diminished proportionally and geographically when the electricity and water worked.
"Disillusionment, poverty and hopelessness are the breeding grounds for violence. While there may be a small core of zealots who will never give up their violent ways, basic services and economic opportunity will isolate these extremist few from the majority of the population, who merely seek a better life for themselves and their families," Chiarelli said.
