Security

'Air Surge' for Iraq?

The U.S. Air Force’s Iraq boss has drawn up plans to boost air power even as ground troops withdraw from the country, according to The New York Times: The commander, Lt. Gen. Gary North, described a future approach that would rely on jet fighters and bombers to help ensure the safety of American troops who […]

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The U.S. Air Force's Iraq boss has drawn up plans to boost air power even as ground troops withdraw from the country, according to The New York Times:

*The commander, Lt. Gen. Gary North, described a future approach that would rely on jet fighters and bombers to help ensure the safety of
American troops who remain behind to train Iraqis as the number of allied ground combat troops decreased. *

It's not a new strategy. As the British gradually reduce their ground forces in southern Iraq, their aviation forces in the region have held the line.

But there's a downside to the air-power approach. A recent "aviation surge" in Afghanistan has caused a spike in civilian casualties and sparked a major row between Kabul and Washington. Might a similar surge in Iraq do the same?

(Photo: 1LT Kevin Lampinen)