Thursday, July 10, 2008

GET THE HELL OUT

Wow, if only the Iraqis would say get out and in my view, there is only a slight possibility they will. I am holding my breath, however, even with the least bit of chance. In my way of thinking, it is BS brinkmanship on the part of Iraqi politicians. The slight possibility, however, is a two parter dilemma presently in the mix; one, an LOA (Letter of Agreement) on allowing Americans to stay in the country and the other is the Status of Forces agreement that says who basically is in charge of the "Forces," meaning America or the Iraqis.

Could it be that the Iraqis could do for us what we will not do for ourselves? What has concerned me all along is our look of being permanent. We have established permanent type bases with great GI amenities telegraphing we're staying. It just can't happen. The politics and religious fanaticism simply will not allow it. Iraq is not like Germany after WW ll when we were an occupying force or for that matter, Korea. We transitioned in both places to a support role. In Germany and Korea, we became guests, not occupiers. We cannot do that in Iraq as our very presence denotes occupation. And, the presence of a foreign army in a Muslim country will, without a doubt, be a magnet to fanatics of all stripes.

With the Iraqis throwing us out, not only can we save face but end this debacle by declaring victory--we got rid of Saddam and gave you back your country.

It may sound stupid but the President actually opposes our getting out now. He once did say that if the Iraqis tell us to leave, we will. Let us fervently pray they will.

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