1918 in Iraq

Exactly 89 years ago the Allies in Western Europe were faced with another year of cruel fighting and seeming stalemate in the First World War. Since 1914 the Germans had resisted every offensive the British and French had launched, despite horrendous causalities totaling over a million on both sides (compare this to 3000 US deaths in 5 years of battle in Iraq). Despite the fact that America was now in the War on the Allied side, as they slowly but steadily built up forces in Europe, the outlook for 1918 appeared hopeless. Germany recently won their war against Russia in the East, as that nation agonized in the throes of the Communist Revolution, and were set to launch new battle hardened divisions against the British and French before America could intervene.

To make matters worse, the war-weary British were refusing their military leaders’ call for reinforcements to the Front. The French Army had suffered several mutinies and there was talk on both sides of a possible negotiated settlement with the barbaric “Huns”. It appeared that a cruel and tyrannical regime would soon hold sway over the worn democracies of Europe.

Somehow, in spite of the odds, the Allies managed to weather the storms of the New Year including the German offensives that lasted well until July. By then plans for the counterattack were well underway, with the newly tested American Army joining in. By August it was apparent the tide had turn undeniably in favor of the Allies, which inevitably led to the German surrender on November 11.

Skip ahead to 2007 and the War on Terror, where the parallels to over a century ago are striking. Bush is planning new offensives while the terrorist foe is likely forming their own strategies. A war-weary Congress is considering measures to halt any new reinforcements for our own battered but confident forces in Iraq. Meanwhile all hopes hinge on the new and as yet untried Iraqi Army, to take some of the Conflict off the shoulders of the Coalition. One can only trust the West to once again hold on a little while longer, giving the new Middle East democracy a chance, and halt the tide of barbarism once again.