I was talking to a colleague yesterday and he got me to thinking. Perhaps it is time to leave Iraq. Exactly what are we doing there now anyway? If our presence is really the reason for the continued violence, then removing ourselves should allow things to quiet down. So what if it "looks" like we're leaving in defeat? We know better. If the Iraqis really want democracy, they should be able to put it together themselves, otherwise, let them put together the sort of government they desire. If civil wars occurs, isn't that their responsibility and not ours? We can still help them financially if we want and they can still hire American contractors if they like in order to rebuild their infrastructure. Heck, we can start selling them weapons to defend themselves against terrorists, the Iranians or whoever. Doesn't there have to come a point when they become responsible for themselves? I mean, didn't they put Baghdad together in the first place? Surely they can do it again.

Now, where's my bunker? ;)

It HAS been. For 3 years since that sunuva.. 70,000 innocent people killer... Has got us in there

I don't think there will be an exit anytime soon. Your country is building some giant military bases there, and the largest embassy ever - although a 'citadel' more than an embassy.

Like you may remember the US abandoned all their bases in Saudi Arabia a few years ago. I think Iraq will be their new main base in the Middle-East - the 'aircraft carrier' of the region.

Also since your country spent hundreds of billions of dollars there (wow), I don't think they'll leave soon.
I think this is beyond victory or defeat; it's about presence in the middle-east to exert influence and control, and also to prop up some industries (oil, armament, etc.).

Maybe a US democratic govt could plan an exit, but I think it goes further than that - it's supra-partisan. I think the US are there for a long time - although the planners did not imagine such violence unfolding.

Now it's a fight of the will against those who want out and those who see long-term and want to stay.

@ hugo - I see your point. So you don't think its a matter of leaving now or in two years once the Dems take over? There's a good possibility we won't leave and that the Dems will find some other reason to stay, even if they use leaving Iraq as a campaign issue.

Yes they will use it in their election platform, it's political. But once elected - who knows what the Dems will do? So much was invested in Iraq I cannot imagine abandoning it. Unless something catastrophic happens - which is pretty much what's unfolding in Iraq anyway.

How 'bout we withdraw from Germany and Japan first. Iraq still has another 60 years of occupation left.

^ lol it's true you're everywhere!

Good point v!