>I like your ideas Jim. However, I think the Iraqis are paying the price because other countries are refusing to participate in providing security in Iraq (in any substantial way) because of the war itself and how it started. In other words, the world is stepping back and letting the U.S. fail - fine except that the Iraqis are the ones to suffer, not us. I think at this point in time, all UN nations should provide ample security forces to support the Iraqis and provide the security they need during this timeframe. Let the new government then have the security required to get done what it needs to. The average Iraqi is not upset about Sadam being gone but mostly furious and frustrated about the lack of power, running water, sewer systems, and basically risking their life driving to/from work (if they are foturnate enough to have work). Regardless of whether or not the U.S. was wrong, the Iraqis are suffering in their new free world and they need support. We cannot walk away now
>because the Iraqis will pay the price. It would be nice if the right thing could be done by all countries. You cannot sit back on your laurels and state "you made the mess, you clean it up" when so many innocents continue to suffer and will suffer more if we walked away.

Can you imagine having other countries involved with words "under US command" implied in the invitation?

If US were to be replaced with UN troops, AND Halliburton got a modest farewell party, then maybe the chances of getting other countries involved would be more than symbolic. As it is now, I don't see it happening anytime soon.