Reply #110: Wow.

[Sparkly]

Your vision of that wonderful resolution doesn't mesh with my understanding of the middle east and its history.

I agree: the fighting occurs because there is no political process that's working. (Because BushCo thought, or pretended to think, that we could simply fight "the enemy" and "win.")

I don't agree that our withdrawal would make political accomodation the "order of the day." Why would it? The warring factions in Iraq each believe they have something to gain by fighting, and something to lose by disarming.

I don't agree at ALL that neighboring countries would cooperate to stabilize Iraq, "tone things down" and stop a civil war! They are already exerting influence to fuel it, providing weapons etc. They are in conflict themselves, and in conflict with various segments of Iraq.

I don't agree that a Democrat in the White House would establish a permanent presence and perpetual warfare. Most now see it as a regional conflict and emphasize the importance of engaging Iran and Syria, and bringing together factions within Iraq as well for dialogue. (That is the ONLY feasible way to go, imho.)