[Dean's World] Dave Schuler: NYT: Withdraw Now!

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Posted by Dave Schuler:
NYT:  Withdraw Now!
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1183906451.shtml


   In an editorial this morning the [1]New York Times urges an immediate
   withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, moving them temporarily to Iraqi
   Kurdistan and from there home. Here's the meat of their argument:

     Continuing to sacrifice the lives and limbs of American soldiers is
     wrong. The war is sapping the strength of the nationâs alliances
     and its military forces. It is a dangerous diversion from the
     life-and-death struggle against terrorists. It is an increasing
     burden on American taxpayers, and it is a betrayal of a world that
     needs the wise application of American power and principles.

   No reduction in forces. No remnant for training. That would be too
   dangerous:

     The United States could strike an agreement with the Kurds to
     create those bases in northeastern Iraq. Or, the Pentagon could use
     its bases in countries like Kuwait and Qatar, and its large naval
     presence in the Persian Gulf, as staging points.

     There are arguments for, and against, both options. Leaving troops
     in Iraq might make it too easy â and too tempting â to get drawn
     back into the civil war and confirm suspicions that Washingtonâs
     real goal was to secure permanent bases in Iraq. Mounting attacks
     from other countries could endanger those nationsâ governments.

   The Times acknowledges the hazards of this course of action:

     One of the trickiest tasks will be avoiding excessive meddling in
     Iraq by its neighbors â Americaâs friends as well as its
     adversaries.

     Just as Iran should come under international pressure to allow
     Shiites in southern Iraq to develop their own independent future,
     Washington must help persuade Sunni powers like Syria not to
     intervene on behalf of Sunni Iraqis. Turkey must be kept from
     sending troops into Kurdish territories.

     For this effort to have any remote chance, Mr. Bush must drop his
     resistance to talking with both Iran and Syria. Britain, France,
     Russia, China and other nations with influence have a
     responsibility to help. Civil war in Iraq is a threat to everyone,
     especially if it spills across Iraqâs borders.

   The primary question I have is this: having abandoned our primary
   leverage against the situation deteriorating further and spreading to
   other countries--the presence of American troops in Iraq--what means
   do they suggest employing to mitigate the consequences of what they're
   advocating?

References

   1. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/08/opinion/08sun1.html?ex=1341547200&en=48e5d6fcc8a1ef0a&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss