Mattis calls for consensus on war on terror
By: MARK WALKER - Staff Writer | ∞
Lt. Gen. James Mattis in his office at Camp Pendleton Tuesday during an interview.
BILL WECHTER Staff Photographer
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CAMP PENDLETON ---- Faced with an increasingly skeptical Congress and overwhelming public opposition to the conflict in Iraq, the general in charge of Marine Corps forces in the Middle East is calling for a national dialogue on what the military calls "the long war."
Hear The Interview
Lt. Gen. James Mattis told the North County Times during an exclusive interview this week that while a lot of work has been done in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is much to do to defeat the extremist threats to Middle East stability and long-term U.S. security.
"The problem of violent extremists existed long before 2003, and it is going to exist long after the next presidential election," said Mattis, who also commands Camp Pendleton's 25,000-member I Marine Expeditionary Force. "We are going to have to confront it and come up with a national policy."
The slightly built, 57-year-old combat veteran said he understood that the unconventional nature of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their sustained lengths, are testing American resolve.
"We have to recognize that our electoral process may not provide the patience consistent with fighting this sort of war," he said. "Sincere, patriotic Americans can disagree with where we are going, but we have got to come up with an understanding and build consensus for how we are going to address it."
The three-star general's remarks came during the wide-ranging, two-hour interview with a reporter and editor in his wood-paneled office on the second floor of the I Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters at Camp Pendleton.
Mattis spends more time visiting his battlefield commanders and troops in the Middle East than in the well-appointed base office. The interview took place Tuesday, less than 48 hours after he had returned from his latest trip to Iraq and during a typically busy day for one of America's top combat generals.
During the session, Mattis also addressed these key points:
- The volatile Anbar region west of Baghdad that the Marines are responsible for has seen dramatic improvements as a result of increased cooperation among Sunni tribes.
- Despite the military now finding a majority of roadside bombs before they can be detonated, the insurgents most lethal weapon remains a constant threat.
- As insurgents move out of the Anbar area into provinces such as Diyala south of Baghdad, the military will have to shift battle operations.
- The media have too often given a "moral bye" to acts of terror committed by the insurgency that amount to wanton, intentional murder of civilians.
'We are winning'
The increasing Sunni tribal cooperation with U.S. troops in Iraq's Anbar province has al-Qaida-linked insurgents on the run, Mattis said.
"I caution people that this is not irreversible," he said. "But at the same time, we are winning and the enemy is losing."
Mattis' comments were echoed by Marine Brig. Gen. John Allen, deputy commander of U.S. forces in Anbar, who said Wednesday that insurgents have been pushed out of highly populated areas.
During a December interview with the newspaper, the blunt-talking Mattis predicted such a shift as the Sunnis who dominate the region west of Baghdad became increasingly disenchanted with civilian killings.
About 8,000 Camp Pendleton Marines are now in Iraq, including members of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which just arrived. The local Marines are the latest unit to join the troop buildup ordered by President Bush earlier this year, a decision made despite waning congressional and popular support for the war.
Regarded by some as one of the most astute and aggressive generals in the Marine Corps, Mattis stressed that the U.S. is not directly arming any Sunni groups, as published reports have indicated.
The Sunni groups have their own weapons, and rather than arming them, U.S. forces are helping train them as part of the security and police forces. Sunnis comprise a minority of Iraq's population and have been part of the insurgency since it first emerged in the summer of 2003.
How it happened
Iraqis who had been sympathetic to the insurgency became disenchanted as al-Qaida forces carried out murders of young boys and a local sheik who didn't respond to their overtures, Mattis said.
"These were mistakes," he said of those killings and how the incidents created an opportunity for the U.S. to make new alliances. "And war, at times, is decided by whoever makes the fewest mistakes."
Marines in the vast Anbar region, where more of their forces have been killed and injured than any other in Iraq, now routinely get tips to the location of roadside bombs.
As a result, a majority of the deadly devices are now being discovered before they are detonated, resulting in sharp reductions in troop deaths. Anbar residents also routinely report where the insurgents can be found, calling in the information to telephone tip lines that the military has established, Mattis said.
Despite the progress, Mattis cautioned that bombs remain a constant threat.
"There are still going to be good days and bad days out there," he said. "We cannot get complacent, but at the same time, our progress is undeniable."
If the violence continues to subside, Mattis said, Sunni forces can be redirected into job training programs. Disbanding those forces, as the U.S. leadership did with the Iraqi army shortly after troops reached Baghdad, would, in his view, be a mistake, the general said.
"As I recall, that didn't work out to well the first time," he said, referring to suddenly jobless soldiers taking up arms against coalition forces.
Media portrayal
Sitting on one of two high-backed chairs that face a sofa inside his office, Mattis expressed repeated frustration over media portrayals of the war.
Insurgent attacks are reported as "a car bomb went off in Baghdad today," he said. The general said the reports all too often do not actively pin the deadliness of the bombs on enemy forces.
But when civilians are mistakenly killed by U.S. forces, the media portrays such incidents as examples of severe ethical failings, he said, citing recent examples of inadvertent civilian deaths from U.S. bombs and small-arms attacks.
"A (insurgent) bombing is reported like it was an act of God," said Mattis, whose job includes being the authority over two ongoing prosecutions of Camp Pendleton Marines accused of murder in the deaths of Iraqi civilians. "You can see the moral bye ---- the passive voice given to the enemy's intentional murder."
The insurgency counts on negative portrayals of U.S. forces in Iraq and in the U.S., he said, adding that he believes the battle for hearts and minds is being played out in news reports.
"This enemy has decided that the war, the real war for them, will be fought in the narrative in the media."
Who is Gen. Mattis?
In the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Mattis commanded Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Division, and in 2001 led a combat force in southern Afghanistan, making him one of the most experienced combat commanders among Marine generals.
Washington Post reporter Thomas Ricks wrote extensively on Mattis in his 2006 book, "Fiasco," that tells how the U.S. got into Iraq and the mistakes made in the subsequent occupation.
"Mattis is unusual in many ways, most notably in being one of the more intense intellectuals in the U.S. military," Ricks wrote.
A bachelor, Mattis helped write a manual on how to fight an insurgency, and requires his officers to plow through an exhaustive reading list. And as Ricks reported, Mattis once owned thousands of books until he gave most away in 2005, reducing his personal library to around 1,000.
During three conversations with the North County Times over the 12 months, Mattis routinely referred to Alexander the Great, Mao, and a variety of historical figures.
"Ultimately, a real understanding of history means that we face nothing new under the sun," he once wrote in an e-mail that was recounted in Ricks' book.
His blunt style got him in trouble in late 2004, when he was quoted as telling a gathering a gathering of military contractors and officers in San Diego that "it's fun to shoot some people." That prompted a rebuke from the commandant of the Marine Corps, but it was during that same address that Ricks reported he made a more telling comment.
"Don't patronize this enemy," he also said that day. "They mean business. They mean every word they say."
The way ahead
The II Marine Expeditionary Force based at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune now has the primary responsibility for security in Anbar, having replaced Camp Pendleton's I Marine Expeditionary Force last fall.
Mattis hinted that the local force may be headed back at the end of this year.
"For us, this is a long war and I MEF will be key to that. It has been in the fight since the early days and will continue to stay in the fight."
In September, Army Gen. David Petraeus will report to Congress the effects of the troop escalation that sent nearly 30,000 additional troops, bringing the current force level to about 156,000.
Mattis said late last year that he believed winning would take five more years. On Tuesday, he said he believed Petraeus will make clear in the fall what it will take to accomplish a free and democratic Iraq.
"I believe that General Petraeus is going to be able to point to the situation we confront and give a very coherent program for the way ahead. I am absolutely confident of that."
Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.
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AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jun 22, 2007 12:16 AM:If Mattis is such an intellectual, then why are the P8 and the Haditha Marines being put through hell by their own government? There are three Marines who have been unjustly confined in the brig for one year. They have yet to go to trial. There is one serving 7 years. ALL of the accused have been placed in this disgraceful position by an investigative organization that would take the word of Iraqis without verification or proof of any crime. How can a country like America, that professes to protect its own through the Constitution and rights granted thereunder, deny those rights to those who fight for us? We Suck!!!
JA wrote on Jun 22, 2007 4:16 AM:If Bush actually allowed a national referendum on Iraq, our marines would be back home rather quickly. I believe that the last poll gave the Iraq approval rating in the low 20 percent and dropping.
Greg in Ocanside wrote on Jun 22, 2007 8:37 AM:Like this article points out, this is a long war, something the anti-war, peace activists will never understand. They think peace and 'utopia' is achievable. As the world evolves culturally, spiritually, and economically, we're going to see a great divide between nations and people. Hatred is always going to exist and as long as religious extremism is allowed to flourish, we will see more acts of violence. Unfortunately, religion is the root cause of most of the war in our world. We have entered a new era, one which will require free nations to stay dedicated on defending their people against the tyranny of evil men.
Wack A Mole wrote on Jun 22, 2007 9:59 AM:The new and improved "Stay The Course" seems to be working out. Let's give it a few more years. Forget any "national dialogue". "You're either with us or against us".
Joe wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:16 AM:Nothing like job security, eh, General?
BC wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:26 AM:We won't be having much of a discussion about anything if these two get their way. . . Coming coincident with the Thursday release of the Center for American Progress’s plans to assault conservative talk radio, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-New York) and Barbara Boxer (D-California) were overheard discussing the need for a “legislative fix” to the problem. This information was relayed to radio host John Zeigler of KFI 640 AM Los Angeles by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) who witnessed the Senators talking about something that they heard on talk radio which upset them so that they said: We’ve got to do something about this. These are nothing but far rightwing extremists. We’ve got to have a balance. There’s got to be a legislative fix to this.
I can see the light- wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:44 AM:Perhaps the intense intellectual can "see the light at the end of the tunnel"- to quote Pres. Johnson during the Viet Nam War.
There IS a consensus! wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:48 AM:If you ask Americans wether the US and other countries should take action to stem terrorism worldwide, I think you'd get about a 100% agreement. If you ask the same people if they expect this to be a long fight, I'd bet you'd get the same result. But when you ask if the solution to global terrorism is military in nature, you're gonna see those numbers drop. And if you ask if Iraq is a front in this fight, those numbers will plummet. We are not as dumb as our leadership thinks. Fight the right battle the right way and we're all on board.
Chubton wrote on Jun 22, 2007 11:06 AM:Isn't this like asking the CEO of Goldman Sachs if he believes in Capitalism?
Tom J. wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:23 PM:Here's some dialog for you. Stop wasting our tax dollars on Iraq. We could use some of it here to get the I5 and I15 all fixed up.
Dave Of The Desert wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:03 PM:To BC... ANYTHING to get the nitwit babbler Sean Insanity off the air would be a blessing!!
AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:53 PM:To "To" BC: NO! NOT "anything" to get Hannity off the air. Not at the expense of freedom of speech. Certainly not a "legislative fix". I'm waiting for Hillary to grow a short little black moustache. What a gal!
John wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:54 PM:Comments from 10:44, 10:48, 11:06 and 1:23 are interesting and insightful. Iraq is a deadly sideshow in the war on terror. I don't expect most generals to back down from a fight once engaged - even though the reasons for starting the fight were bogus. They are true warriors and live for the fight. It's up to us to call the dogs of war home.
AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:55 PM:AWdarnit! My comment was to Dave of the Desert. I put to "To" BC. Sorry bout' that.
Cal wrote on Jun 22, 2007 4:10 PM:Dear Gen. Mattis, it is not "the unconventional nature of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their sustained lengths," that are testing this American's resolve. First of all - let's not link the two wars because Afghanistan is a justifiable war. The Iraq invasion has not yet been fully justified. Faulty intelligence, lies, whatever - Condi Rice tells me history will sort it out. What IS testing my resolve is the incompetence and lack of regard for truth and decency that has been the hallmark of the Bush administration's handling of the situation in Iraq. Please don't sell me progress.
JR wrote on Jun 22, 2007 4:25 PM:BC - James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) is a kook. He's extra extreme right wing - out on the tip of the wing doing acrobatics. He already has a thiing about Boxer and goes out of his way to antagonize her now that his party is in the minority. His credibility factor is pretty low in my book. I would not take anything he says seriously.
Alf wrote on Jun 22, 2007 5:01 PM:Well, "Greg in Oceanside" made a few good points BUT he lost it on the "religion is the root cause of most of the war in our world" part. It is people, it is extremism that are the root cause. I do not buy the "gotta get them there so they don't come here" mule fritters. Our freedom was not aided by invading Iraq, quite the opposite, the danger we face increases with every day that we remain in Iraq. GWB already has his plan to try to go after Iran. What then? Who is the religious fanatic who put our troops in Iraq? None other than GWB. Who is destroying our economy? Illegals? Nope. GWB is spending more in Iraq on a daily basis than illegals cost us in a year AND he wants to give them amnesty. Still an unapologetic Libertarian, Alf.
AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jun 22, 2007 5:56 PM:To JR: Funny how you; who are about to fall over from leaning so far to the left, refer to someone who only reported a 'fact', as a kook and extra extreme right wing. Gads! Does the "truth" bother you that much? I'd be worrying more about the comment of needing a legislative fix to control conservative talk radio. Priorities JR!
to Greg wrote on Jun 22, 2007 6:34 PM:You seem to totally gloss over the fact that WE started the Iraq war, WE invaded and as Colin Powell so brilliantly noted WE broke it now WE own it. 1/20/09 can't come soon enough!!!
Jack wrote on Jun 22, 2007 11:09 PM:Typical hypocrisy and just plain illegal. Less than two weeks ago the military persecuted an enlisted reservist for wearing his uniform (with no insignia and AFTER his discharge) while making a political statement but when a general does it, they call it a "Press Conference". The Founding Father's understood that nothing good can come from having military officers involved in politics. This guy crossed the line and should likewise be punished.
MorallyRight1 wrote on Jun 23, 2007 6:30 AM:Gen. Mattis once again gives a lot of lip service to a vast assortment of verbage. However, the undertone I get from not only the title but the opening couple of paragraphs is that once again he would like to see the Military be above the courts and laws of our lands. He would like to be able to have 'a national dialoge on what the military calls "the long war." But then, do whatever it takes. Is he just trying to appease the public, so he can then do what he would like to see done. And, granted I have never known the Marine Corps to back down from any challenge anywhere in the world. "You can see the moral bye ---- the passive voice given to the enemy's intentional murder." Now, for someone who is supposed to be so unbiased, and so ultimately fair, how can he blatantly say this, and I am sure, be referring to the Camp Pendleton 8? An intentional murder? I think, Sir, that has yet to be determined in these men's cases. Sounds once again like you have already made up your mind? And, once again, behind closed doors? And, the publics' (I presume) voice called 'passive', because most would like to see a fair and just trial of these men? Passive? Because, we, the public, do not want this to be a slam dunk deal, to be swept under the rug, and the key thrown away, just to keep things all nice and tidy? I am beginning to understand, more and more, why the fiasco continues under a command such as this, to allow the enemy to lodge insidieous charges against his own men. And, then to even allow them to be prosecuted while doing what they were trained by that same Command to do? Good Lord, the Marine Corps cannot have it both ways: Try to appease the U.S. public by saying we need to have a 'national dialogue'? And, then continue to fight a war where everyone thinks twice before pulling the trigger. Sounds like a loose/loose situation. When are the Marine Corps going to understand, and own up to this fact?
MorallyRight1 wrote on Jun 23, 2007 9:10 AM:oopps: correction...insidious charges. (my fingers don't want to go as fast as my mind, I guess).
To MorallyRight1 wrote on Jun 26, 2007 1:27 AM:I think you or the NCT took that quote out of context. When you look at the excerpts of the transcript {http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/06/26/perspective/21_25_536_22_07.txt}, it seems like he was talking about Iraqi bombings, not the "Pendleton 8." "Walker: ... Do you see ... anything arising from the whole ethics issues in the Haditha and Hamdania cases that are ongoing here affecting the morale or how the troops are approaching their jobs on the streets or on the ground in Iraq today? Mattis: ... You see the moral bye, the passive voice, given to the enemy's intentional murder whereas an American mistake, for which we hold ourselves accountable, for which we always investigate. This is not a rogue, when the enemy does this, this is not a rogue unit, this is a unit actually going out and intentionally firing from a mosque or from a home or something like this. But when we do it, it's a mistake and we investigate. Yet for some reason, the moral bye, the passive voice by our media, makes it appear like what the enemy is doing is just an act of God or some goddamned thing, whereas when we do it, it is something that, it's an ethical lapse. Yet where we have ethical lapses, we have shown ourselves to be accountable. ...
JACK wrote on Jun 26, 2007 8:12 AM:In reply to ; Chubton wrote on Jun 22, 2007 11:06 AM: " Isn't this like asking the CEO of Goldman Sachs if he believes in Capitalism? " And the CEO of Goldman Sachs got there because of a government hand out? General Mattis got where he is because he handed out Mao's little Red Book? What a dumb statement. One is out to make money and the other is out to stop actions against the interst of the United States and it's allies. I'm not saying right or wrong, but come on, if you are going to present an argument or view, at least don't show your behind when you do it. Think before you dribble on the internet. Jack
Jamie wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:52 AM:If Democrats think that pulling the troops out is truly supporting our troops, why don't they put it to a vote, all military members voting whether they are ready to withdraw and leave or not? I've yet to hear any of my friends who have served in Iraq (some for more than one tour)say that they think we should retreat. They *all* want to finish the mission, and they are all disillusioned with the way the media reports on the war (or doesn't report, in some cases, such as the accomplishments we are making). And sure, American boys hate to lose and would never want to give up, so even if it came to a point where not even a staunch supporter of the war can justify the cost of staying or that the mission is hopeless, our troops are not going to want to give up. But we are not at that point, yet. Let the troops decide if we finish or retreat. If the Congressional Democrats truly want to support the troops, give them a say.
Jamie wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:59 AM:And to those that say that Iraq had no ties to terrorism, or al Qaeda, even, visit [Web site] , and read his online book. I know Ray. He has served in Bosnia and Iraq. When President Bush forced the release of the ton of documents we've captured in Iraq(which only 10 percent of have been translated) to the public in a public repository, Ray and an Iraqi translated alot of the documents, and within them are chilling notes of meetings with al Qaeda and Taliban members. The mainstream media ignored most of this, and will claim that al Qaeda would never work with a secularist, but that's just not true. Enemy of my enemy is my friend. Most of bin ladin's fatwa against the United States dealt with our sanctions and bombings in Iraq. If you want the other side of the story, read it.
AW4cryinoutloud wrote on Jun 28, 2007 8:58 AM:To Jamie:I think I need new glasses. Who is Ray, and what book? I agree totally on letting every single one of our troops have a say (anonymously). They must get tired of people speaking for them. Just like the media reports on polls. They always say, "The American people want...' Well, No body ever asked me or my friends or associates, so I'm trying to figure who all of these "people" are.
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