It seems that the Americans are taking a page out of the Israeli’s book and have decided to construct a wall in Sadr City, Baghdad. The action reeks of the Jewish partial partition of the west bank.
Like the Israeli’s before them, the United States is justifying the construction along security grounds. The Wall has been set up to stop militias and insurgents raiding the mostly shiite area. The US Army claims that unless there is some kind of order and security in the area they wont be able to start on reconstruction and development. An interesting concept, and one that if they’d got onto a bit earlier (i.e 4 years ago) they probably wouldnt be having to deal with increased sectarian tensions now.
Furthermore, how does physically (and mentally, a wall is an important symbol) partitioning a populace from another one, actually solve anything? Sure it stops access for those wishing to cause harm, but it also stops dialog and interaction. By tangibly entrenching both sides of the conflict onto literally opposite sides of the fence, how is there ever going to be a peaceful resolution to the crisis?
A strong traditional US military presence, buttressed by an ever growing Iraqi police and army force is needed, but that doesn’t mean, that they need to hold traditional ideas and tactics. Wake up guys, warfare strategy has changed since 1950’s Berlin. Its time to think of something new.