U.S. strategy paper: Expect Iraq civil war

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force is preparing for an expanded role in Iraq as an independent study says the United States should expect an Iraqi civil war.

Kenneth Pollack, a senior analyst of Middle East policy at the Brookings Institution, said in a report when civil war is recognized, U.S. troops should withdraw from cities and secure the country's border to contain the fighting, Voice of America reported.

"The troubles we are experiencing in Iraq are going to have such a profound affect that U.S. policymakers of any (political) party ... are going to be dealing with this, we believe for at least the next 10 years, perhaps as the primary driver of U.S. policy in the region, whether we like it or not," the report said.

Meanwhile, senior Pentagon officials who asked not to be identified told The Los Angeles Times the Air Force was preparing to play more of a role along Iraq's border with Iran in an effort to deter or stop Iranian weapons and aid from reaching Iraqi insurgents.

Two weeks ago, U.S. President George Bush warned U.S. forces would take a harder line against Iranians helping Iraqi insurgents.