More troops in Iraq

I am going to go against the grain of public opinion, and that of the Conservative Party, by totally endorsing what President Bush is proposing to do in Iraq. By sending in an extra 21,000 troops to secure Baghdad Mr Bush is sending out a clear signal to those wishing to prolong the insurgency there. He is declaring his hand with force and confidence.

For those who believe 21,000 is not enough it should be noted that the caveat secured by the President was for Iraqi forces to support US troops to the tune of over 35,000 men. I honestly believe that an immediate and determined deployment of an extra 56,000 troops should secure the Iraqi capital. What is needed, however, is a major rethinking of what is needed to radically alter the cycle of violence and killings.

My view is that the US should move into Sadr City as soon as they can to deal with Moqtada al Sadr. This egotistical cleric, who has such a big head he named an entire district of Baghdad after him, needs to be taught a lesson. His slums are populated by radicalised Shia militia who have nothing to lose by sniping dead innocent residents in the Iraqi capital. They represent a stumbling block to peace and should be taken on.

This is undoubtedly make or break for President Bush. If this gamble works he will be hailed as the ultimate 'Comeback Kid' president by turning around his popular fortunes. If it fails things could get unbelievably ugly both in Iraq and for the Republicans in America.