Reply #1: I think we missed several opportunities to leave.

[tekisui]

We could have left after their constitution, we could left when we determined their were no WMD. We could have declared victory and left after elections, Saddam's capture, his hanging, etc. But, instead we built permanent bases, now one on Iran's border. We built the world's largest embassy. We missed all of the chances to exit gracefully and bring in the UN.

It's clear, now, from Fall 2007, that the plan was never to leave. Perhaps the *plan* was to destabilize the country to the point that we cannot leave. And, I think we are there now.

I want ALL the troops out yesterday. But, I am afraid that their is no chance of all troops being out anytime between now and 2027.

I wouldn't want to inherit this mess. I am amazed that anyone does. Their are no easy decisions to be made in Iraq.