Quick U.S. Departure From Iraq Has Left A Power Vacuum And Chaos

Troops, guests and media representatives from throughout the world watch as the last convoy of U.S. service members enters Kuwait from Iraq, Dec. 18, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Lynette Hoke

U.S. Exit From Iraq Leaves A Power Void -- Washington Times

Troops became part of structure.


The Iraqi government lost more than a fighting ally when the last U.S. troops left the country Sunday.

Since the 2003 invasion, U.S. service members had woven themselves into the fabric of Iraq’s power structure - its politicians, soldiers, village elders and tribal sheiks.

Army and Marine Corps officers acted as small-town mayors. They had authority to spend nearly $4 billion over seven years on local construction and humanitarian projects via the Commanders Emergency Response Program.

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My Comment: U.S. intelligence agencies have been universal in predicting the chaos that would follow a quick U.S. departure .... it appears that their worse fears are now being realized by and increase in terrorist attacks and even more political conflict.