``Staying the course" isn't working

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/09/29/the_myths_and_realities_of_iraq/

The myths and realities of Iraq

<snip>What about the argument that Iraq will turn into a haven for terrorists? To a large extent, this has already happened. Under our watch, Iraq has become a magnet for jihadists eager to hone their skills in battle against US forces. The killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi this year has done little to stem the growth of terrorist cells in the country. The US invasion has achieved one thing: the transformation of a tyrannical state into one that will attract a large number of transnational terrorists. And that reality is unlikely to be disturbed by the size and strength of American forces.

``Staying the course" isn't working. A US departure can't make things much worse. If direct confrontation is not succeeding, then a more realistic solution is to quarantine the country to minimize negative consequences.

The final argument marshaled in defense of an open-ended American commitment is the notion that a withdrawal would damage America's credibility. But the damage has been done. By defining victory not as the removal of Hussein but the creation of a Jeffersonian democracy on the banks of the Tigris, at any point the United States leaves, global opinion will conclude that America ``was defeated." Simply punching time on the clock won't change that perception. Israel stayed in South Lebanon for 18 years; when it withdrew in 2000, Hezbollah claimed victory.

Whenever America withdraws, it will have empowered a Sunni narrative that brave warriors of the faith brought low the mighty power of the West. The challenge facing Washington is how to secure America's interests in the Middle East in light of such perceptions.

Nearly four years after the American invasion, it is time to acknowledge that the mission will likely remain unaccomplished. The problems that the American invasion was to avert have only grown worse. Instead of embracing distorted myths that only perpetuate an errant war, it is time to appreciate that the consequences of failure may not be calamitous.

[brokensymmetry]

1. You never mention the good news, do you?

Not one mention of the shiny new police station!

Oh...that's right...that was messed up beyond all
recognition...

Hm. You don't suppose der Chimpenfuhrer lied, do you?

[yourout]

2. Not that they had much of a chance to pull it off......

The decision by Rumsfeld to ignore his Generals and only send about 1/3 of the requested troups pretty much sealed its fate. Then add in the impossibly stupid decision not to guard the huge explosives stash and you now see the result.

[jtrockville]

3. Why did it take so long for the press to notice?

This has been patently obvious for far too long. Time to move toward a solution.

[EnfantTerrible]

4. From your subject line

I thought you were talking about the Dems. My bad...