Cut losses: Leave Iraq - Op/Ed - USATODAY

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usatoday/20031029/cm_usatoday/11927374&cid=679&ncid=1501

The brazen missile attack on the Al Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad and a recent spate of suicide bombings illustrate that anti-American violence is increasing in frequency, sophistication and deadliness. Moreover, a recent poll by an Iraq (news - web sites) research center showed fewer than 15% of Iraqis see U.S. forces as liberators, down from a tepid 43% six months ago. That's an ominous sign that popular discontent over a prolonged occupation could cause anti-U.S. attacks to snowball. snip

In the wake of an ill-advised U.S. invasion, the Bush administration does not have many good options. Few foreign forces will be attracted unless the United States gives up control over the reconstruction; even then violence will continue as long as American forces remain. Throwing even more U.S. troops into the fray would belie the administration's claim that security is improving. As a presidential election approaches, such a move could be political suicide.

To preserve U.S. "credibility" nearly 40 years ago, American policymakers pursued an escalated war in Vietnam when cutting their losses and getting out sooner ultimately would have salvaged more world esteem. The same is likely to be true in Iraq.

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[nadinbrzezinski]

1. my my, they may stil just decide to cut and run

will see