I thought Bush got my e-mail: There is no partial occupation. There is "stay the course" and there is "cut and run." Take your pick. One is finite. Escalate your ass off but, eventually, you will cut and run or leave the decision, cowardly, to your successor, you putz. I think it’s time to walk away.
I've received no answer. Maybe it was the putz comment.
I informed him that we could supply the new Iraqi government with funds upon withdrawal (and save money and lives in the process) but we could not stop religious and sectarian violence. We have broken Iraq and we must now publicly admit responsibility while resigning ownership. All we can offer now is money. Into perpetuity. And apologies (under a succeeding administration).
It will take another Saddam to bring quiet to Iraq. It will be a brutal stability. Again. They will never know democracy unless and until they discover it and desire it on their own. Bush says our enemies "hate democracy." I think that's like sharks hating cocktail sauce.
The United States should stop its proselytizing. We're as fixated on democracy as the RW-christians are on Jeeeeesus. Personal beliefs are just that and should remain so.
If we make Iraq's leaders once again choose between our weapons and assistance and fighting an enemy on their own, I hope they instead choose to join the global coalition that will form against U.S. imperialism and oppression. Given our arrogance, it very well might happen.