If America Left Iraq: The case for cutting and running

[kpete]

If America Left Iraq
The case for cutting and running
by Nir Rosen

At some point—whether sooner or later—U.S. troops will leave Iraq. I have spent much of the occupation reporting from Baghdad, Kirkuk, Mosul, Fallujah, and elsewhere in the country, and I can tell you that a growing majority of Iraqis would like it to be sooner.


Would the withdrawal of U.S. troops ignite a civil war between Sunnis and Shiites?

No. That civil war is already under way—in large part because of the American presence.


But if American troops aren't in Baghdad, what's to stop the Sunnis from launching an assault and seizing control of the city?

Sunni forces could not mount such an assault. The preponderance of power now lies with the majority Shiites and the Kurds, and the Sunnis know this.


But what about the foreign jihadi element of the resistance? Wouldn't it be empowered by a U.S. withdrawal?

The foreign jihadi element—commanded by the likes of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi—is numerically insignificant; the bulk of the resistance has no connection to al-Qaeda or its offshoots. (Zarqawi and his followers have benefited greatly from U.S. propaganda blaming him for all attacks in Iraq, because he is now seen by Arabs around the world as more powerful than he is; we have been his best recruiting tool.)


What about the Kurds? Won't they secede if the United States leaves?

Yes, but that's going to happen anyway.


What about the goal of creating a secular democracy in Iraq that respects the rights of women and non-Muslims?

Give it up. It's not going to happen.






http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200512/iraq-withdrawal/2

[El Supremo]

1. He's got that right.

All we are going to do is screw that country up even more. And the blame for everything will be on us.

I think there will be less killing if we get out. And I don't care if Iraq is split up. It was only held together by force, just like Yugoslavia.

As far as Iran, Saudi Arabia or Turkey moving in - that is about as probable as the fall of Vietnam allowing the Communists to take over Thailand and The Philippines.

I just wish Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld had learned just a little bit from Vietnam.

[Joe for Clark]

2. Kudos for posting this.

It is a great piece. To the point, easy to understand.

I am sure the Kurds will secede. I think we should screw Turkey and support it, too.

They (the Kurds) don't wear "robes", they wear blue jeans, they wear american T-shirts and listen to music - They are probably the only "normal" people in Iraq.

The good thing is, our kids coming back see the same situation. The bad thing is so many of them have to die before we can admit the mistake.

This piece is so well written. It should be emailed to everyone on the fence at this point. This Rosen is a very good writer.

Joe

[neuvocat]

3. Well hell! We invaded!

We're not over there for ANY sort of moral or protective measures. It doesn't matter how much they try to bullshit the troops, most of them know better.