I know I'm in the minority on this site, but I am against withdrawing American troops from Iraq (I think). I add "I think" because I need to become better informed on this subject, and I want your help to do it. I know I'm going to get flamed and attacked for this post and told to go volunteer for the army. But I hope that DailyKos can be a place for legitimate policy debate, and that's what I'd love to see happen.
Let me start by saying, I opposed this war 100%. It was uncessary, illegal, and against American values. I didn't believe in the mission one bit. I believe a timetable should be set in place for withdrawal based on meeting specific goals (similar to what Carl Levin proposes here)
But at the same time, given the reality of the situation now, I am leaning towards opposing an immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces. Here's why:
I was reading the article in the Times this morning about the
re-launching of Iraqi Airways. It got me thinking that as horrible as the situation is over there, maybe there is a glimmer of hope. Wishful thinking? Perhaps.
But if the latest CIA report is true and Iraq is indeed now the number one haven for terrorists in the world (and who really doubts that), then is it right from us to just leave it be? Would that improve the situation in the Middle East and the world?
I know as well as you do that we created this mess. I know that we're the reason the terrorists have poured into the country. I also know this mess was made worse by horrendous management, particularly of the civilian authority under Bremer. So now this is the situation we're confronted with.
And I also know that things aren't going to ever be great in Iraq. Training of Iraqi troops must be sped up. But if the Iraqi military and police-force is in as bad a shape as they say right now, is it right to leave them to their own defenses? Would an additional year or two make a real difference?
The purpose of this diary is twofold:
- I want to get more information on this subject and become better informed. Any feedback you can give me would be much appreciated.
- I want to get a legitimate debate started. Please, no flames, attacks, name-calling. We're all on the same side here. I want to hear your sincere beliefs on the subject.
We all know this war was started on a fraud. And we all know there are other places in the world that require our help miuch more (the Sudan, for instance). But I'm just speaking about the reality as it is today. Would withdrawing improve that situation or make it worse? I really want to hear what you think so I can reach a well-informed conclusion on this subject...