Iraq how long they have to be ready to take over their own security issues. We cannot give Iraq an endless ride on the "we will protect you" train. So far their efforts have been rather thin but what motivation do they have considering we are saying there is no end to our commitment to defend your country?
lvillejj
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Bush wants iraq to become like a post WW2 Germany or Japan, in that those countries become calm and democratic. Since Vietnam it has showed us that occupying a country has changed in the since that everyone in that country will fight to drive us out. Why doesn't our government see this? We need out we needed out for years now. This isn't going to get anywhere so lets just leave.
Super Ruper
Not encouraging the Iraqis to take the lead with their own country is a result of the obsessiveness to control on the part of the US. Those in charge don't believe that ANYONE could do as good a job as the USA, so they haven't let go the reins long enough for the Iraqi administration to make any kind of effect.
As for the insurgents...I wouldn't be surprised if they played along with the American plan for withdrawl, and then the fighting can resume when the troops have all but left. Whats a year? They are masters at waiting and patience...unlike the US...
yogineocon
Firstly, thanks for a rational, reasoned question instead of the usual Bush lied trash from the left.
I don't think we should even give a hint when the pullback should begin. I know that sounds endless, but rotations are always happening, so we don't need to telegraph our moves.
Clearly, the left wants to do that, and the al-Qaeda/Baathists, etc. would most definitely sit back and wait to begin what would no doubt be a major bloodbath.
There are indications that the surge is working in the areas we are following the Petraeus hand-book, i.e., clearing and holding, instead of just clearing.
No doubt Iraqis want us to leave, but they also want to be allowed to let their children play outside.
If agree to the MoveOn/Pelosi/Harry Reid/Kerry plan, they will build up their stores of ammo, and go on the attack when we start to re-deploy.
Possibly, the government could fall, Sharia law will take effect, and those "support the troops" dems will have blood on their hands.
Anonymous
Exactly! Bush's paradigm is pure fear mongering.
If they want security they have to step up and make it.
There are two sides there - neither really wants the US as an enemy. They both want something in Iraq. They have to be able to work things out and come to a peace.
Anonymous
Yes. But that is irrelevant. Iraqis would much rather have us gone as soon as possible, and are doing what they can to run their own show. We may be in Iraq as long as in Germany. (Sixty years after the war ended, we still have troops there.)