GEN Marshall on Iraq

IAUIraq.org

I probably should not be surprised by this but still it is fascinating. Gen Marshall sent a note to President Roosevelt (June 1942) describing the strategic importance of Iraq's Basrah region. The fascinating part comes in when you look at present day. Many people said that Basrah was key terrain in OIF. Iranian influence has always been significant in the region, it was neglected by the US for most of the war, and it was an insurgent safe-haven.

Today Basrah is dangerous, volatile, and may determine the fate of post-US Iraq. 

From the Marshall online archives:

The Basra area is of great importance. Its port facilities are limited. Further, the sea lines of communication to Basra are long and vulnerable, presenting an impracticable proposition for major military operations against strong enemy movement out of the Mediterranean. The forces that may be assembled in this area immediately from Egypt and now en route to Egypt can fight a defensive and a delaying action over a considerable period of time provided (1) the Russian front does not collapse; and (2) all existing facilities and equipment in the Basra area are used. This would mean that Russian supply through this port would stop. A major effort in this region would bleed us white.