The “wiring of the swamp” can be thought of as both and economic and intellectual invigoration, but it is not a silver bullet. It does not mean that the AIF will still not conduct terrorist acts, attempt to find new ways to undermine peace and the Iraqi government, or that the immediate use of ISF and CF will diminish. It is however a physical means by which ideas may proliferate and the benefits of freedom might be understood and wagered against messages of hate - it is an investment.
Our Economic and Diplomatic efforts might engage the international community to help us to lay the IT foundations. We must start with those who have the first hand benefit of how it changed them, and understand that as the world becomes "flatter" the more everyone benefits by increased opportunity. In example, India and China can help with an IT investment. We can articulate the benefits easily enough – certainly China could use both another market for the many goods it produces and would covet the relations incurred that they could use to help secure more energy resources. This could be one of those efforts where everyone benefits.
Instead of trying to lay and secure fiber optics throughout we could go with satellite based ISPs built by Japan and launched by Russia (or the French) and just hardwire the buildings. The goal would be to make this a multi-partner investment so that pluralism is a theme so that Iraqis get allot of exposure to the world.
A victory in Iraq where a stable government over peoples who are more tolerant and informed then before has lasting strategic implications for us; consider the impact of an Iraqi society with an Information based economy (and one where they have resources to boot) on Iran? Transforming Iraq into an economy and state of opportunity similar to India, but with far more natural resources will have an incredible effect on the region. It will provide a comparison for the civilian populace of Iran and Syria as the world of ideas spills over borders. It will allow investment into the Middle East and help to meet increased energy needs in a more efficient manner. The investment is not just in Iraq, but in the larger issue of world stability
It seems like a tremendous project, but so was the Berlin Airlift, the Panama Canal, the trip to the Moon, even the Invasion Normandy (today is June 6th BTW). We need to think big sometimes.
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