Editorial: Sleeping with the enemy

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 | 7:26 a.m.

I n the ever-changing strategy in Iraq, American commanders are taking a huge gamble by arming and supporting Sunni insurgent groups to root out al-Qaida terrorists.

This is a desperate move borne out of a war that has been nothing but disastrous for America. Insurgent groups, such as Sunni militias, have inflicted terrible casualties on American troops. There have been more than 29,000 American casualties since the war began, including more than 3,500 Americans killed. The Sunnis are opposed to the American-backed government and army, which are controlled by the Shiites.

American commanders have cautiously embarked on a plan to aid Sunni groups, trying to screen out those who have harmed Americans. In a story in Monday's New York Times, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said screening the militias is a great challenge.

While commanders say they have seen some success cooperating with Sunnis in Anbar province, they acknowledge that similar efforts in other wars have often ended up with the weapons used against those who provide them.

Lynch, who commands the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq, said some Sunni groups, disgusted with vicious al-Qaida attacks, are working with the U.S. Army because, "They say, 'We hate you because you are occupiers, but we hate al-Qaida worse, and we hate the Persians (Shiites) even more.' "

Arming those who hate Americans is a last-ditch effort to save the failed effort in Iraq and may have dangerous consequences for U.S. troops. It could worsen the already growing civil war between the Sunni militias and the Shiite-dominated army. Some officers told the Times that they fear America will be arming both sides in the conflict, which is a fear we share.

This plan should be debated in Congress, but the Bush administration has been ducking Congress.

On Friday Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced he would not recommend Gen. Peter Pace for another term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff because he wants to avoid a contentious hearing about how the Iraq war has been fought. Considering this latest military tactic, Congress should press that debate. This is no way to wage a war, and Congress should find a way to end it.