I'm bailing out.
I will no longer defend the policy of keeping U.S. troops in Iraq to assist the Iraqi central government in the ongoing civil war. While our men and women in the military suffer casualties daily, the Iraqi government refuses to take the major political actions required to end the civil war.
The U.S. government told the Iraqi leaders that it needed to achieve 18 goals. Our administration's recent report to the U.S. Congress on how close the Iraqis have come to achieving those goals states that eight have been achieved, no progress has been made on eight others, and two have had mixed results.
So Ed Koch does make some very good points. I know that there needs to be a way to fix Iraq or we need to get out. I'm not ready to give up yet but understand the desire. I know very few people who don't think invading Iraq was a mistake. We went in and got rid of Saddam. That was "Mission Accomplished". Now what is the end game? The American people just want out. Maybe Koch is right.
Posted by Tim at July 18, 2007 10:27 PMI think the issue is not just "is this working the way we want?" The issue is what will happen if we leave now. The consequences of abandoning Iraq are likely to be worse than the painful sacrifice of staying there for many more years.
If we leave now there will be an all out war for the country betweent the factions killing each other in a limited way now. Iran and Saudi Arabia may come to full war as they try to bolster their factions.
The winner is unlikely to create a regime that will be dedicated to preservng the lives of musslims or Americans.
The eventual status of Iraq without American troops is likely to necessitat another, bloodier war.
Leaving will also cause our alies to doubt our resolve in the struggle against radical islam. They will weaken their help for us as a result.
Iraq is painful. But sometimes pain is needed top prevent worse results.
Posted by: Donald McConnell at July 20, 2007 03:29 PMI agree with you on Iraq. I thought we would have won a long time ago...but i still think we should stay.
I know you are a big switchfoot fan. Would you be willing to post on the new 100 4 SF attack that is going to take place? the info is at the site i am linked to.
Posted by: Chris at July 21, 2007 08:54 AM
