Korea Government to Extend Zaytun Unit’s Stay in Iraq

The Korean government is reportedly going to extend the ROK Army’s Zaytun Unit’s deployment in Iraq. Those who follow my blog know how I feel about this.

However, the extension is reportedly due to Iraqi forces not being able to fully take control of internal security for possibly another year. The first question that pops into my mind is, what internal security is the Zaytun unit providing in Iraq? The unit doesn’t even secure their own air field. The Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers do that. So obviously the reason for the extension is bogus. I just continue to feel that if countries send soldiers to Iraq they should be involved in at least meaningful reconstruction or internal security which right now the Zaytun unit does neither.

It is not because the ROK Army doesn’t have to skill to perform either mission but it is because of the weak political leadership. If a country is not willing to take casualties than don’t send your soldiers to Iraq. It is that simple. I imagine those Peshmerga soldiers providing security for the ROK Army could be better served elsewhere where real security assistance is needed. Like wise the Zaytun unit soldiers could be better served providing security in their own country. Especially with the downsizing of the USFK forces.