Short-Term Tactical Gains and Long-Term Strategic Problems: The Paradox of the US Troop Surge in Iraq.

The American troop surge is best described as one of several factors that came together to bequeath the current relatively stability and security now experienced in most parts of Iraq. But most importantly the surge has only achieved the tactical goals of improving short-term security and allowing for phased troop withdrawal and not the key strategic and long-term goal of political breakthrough to create the foundations for long-term stability. Fundamentally these short-term considerations are at the heart of the long-term issues that will continue to make a stable and secure Iraq a difficult and perhaps distant goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]