The Salvador Option: road to civil war in Iraq
Doug at If There is Hope analyses the US intentions behind the “Salvador Option”:
Twice the Americans had failed. The resistance came out stronger, more united and more determined. The only solution left to the Americans is to divide the resistance by using Shi’ites in death squads against Sunnis. It would also serve to create divisions where they never existed before. In essence, the “Salvador Option” will help create the conditions for civil war. It seems obvious that the “Salvador Option” is an American attempt to evoke a violent sectarian response by Sunnis against Shi’ites. This would cause the united resistance to weaken, if not collapse. It would also cause the majority of Iraqis, who are Shi’ite, to clamour for American military “defence” against Sunnis. Furthermore, the upcoming election, where Sunnis are expected to boycott in large numbers, could also be used as “proof” that the Sunnis do not want the same things as Shi’ites.
The secondary effect, if sectarian violence (actually) flairs, the Western public will largely accept it. It has already been prepared for this over the past two years. Even many in the anti-war movement oppose immediate withdrawal because they are convinced that a civil war would break out between the two aformentioned religious groups, when in reality, they are more united than ever.
The best chance to prevent civil war and further bloodshed is an immediate withdrawal of all occupation forces.