Exit strategyJanuary 09, 2007
Right through the fall elections the debate over Iraq was waged along ideological lines, fought with emotional words: victory, strength, freedom; defeat, weakness, treason. Positions depended a lot on whether a person voted for President Bush, or respects him today.
But this week, as the president is set to describe his next move in Iraq, there is some evidence that a gritty realism is starting to guide the policy debate. The fundamental question that has dogged the Iraq effort for the past couple of years is finally getting the prominence it deserves in Washington: Is the current elected Shiite majority, with its private militias and death squads, capable of – or even willing to try – running a representative government along with the Sunni minority?
This is an outcome American soldiers can’t impose with bullets and Humvee patrols. Although it doesn’t make the national anguish any less painful, there is some comfort in the fact this is what the generals are telling the White House in larger numbers, with louder voices.
According to the Washington Post, there are deep differences among advisers over whether Bush’s plan for one last “surge” of troops can be effective, and even more important, whether Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki can assert control. Interagency discussions have been taking place the past month, led by deputy national security adviser J.D. Crouch II. Experts on the region are divided whether the Shiite majority can create the kind of moderate, democratic civil government that has been our goal for the country.
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But it is necessary for the new opposition Democrats in Congress – for all Americans – to give Iraq one more try. It’s necessary psychologically, to say we did our best, and morally, since the present state of affairs is our making. Besides more troops, the Bush plan is expected to have diplomatic and economic components, a step in the right direction.
I commented on the editorial; dunno if it will pass scrutiny:
To date 3,014 American soldiers have been lost in Iraq. Over 48,800 have been wounded. How many more deaths and maimings do you recommend before we pull the plug on this immoral occupation? How many more billions of dollars do you recommend we give Raytheon, Hallibuton, Blackwater and the rest of the war profiteers before we call it a day?
I survived two tours of duty in Nam. Some of these kids are back for their 3rd, 4th, or 5th tours of duty in Iraq. How many more tours do you think these kids deserve?
On November 7th, the people had their say on Iraq.
I had a good chuckle with "But it is necessary for the new opposition Democrats in Congress – for all Americans – to give Iraq one more try."
The next try should be out the door. Support our troops - bring them home now.
Get. Out. Now.
Perhaps you could stop by and leave a few thoughts for the editor.
http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/commentary/editorials/2007/01/exit_strategy.htm
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