I agree that we created this mess and should try to fix it. The big problem as I see it, though, is the Iraqi army and police are nowhere near ready to maintain order without us. Over a thousand of them ran away a week or two ago when they were sent to Basra to put down an uprising by al-Sadr's forces. Corruption is rampant. Rivalry between Sunnis and Shiites is as widespread among the army and police as it is among civilians. It's painful to think of U.S. troops remaining there until these bozos get their act together. That could be forever. They seem to be itching for a civil war, so maybe we should let them have it without our help. Iraq is in such shambles they don't seem to be much danger to anyone but themselves.

>This line is absurd in itself:
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>The reason for the opposition — fears about retention — is completely absurd.
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>Ever heard of stop-loss? Do you have any idea the number of soldiers who want to leave at their ETS date but are involuntarily extended?
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>Having written that, I've had my fill of this war and much of the public's attacks on it. Personally, I feel that we have an obligation to remain until the Iraqi government or the majority of its citizens ask us to leave. We created a mess for the people there and it needs to be fixed. The security needs to be in place and it needs the UN's help (no hope there). With no support from much of the public to fulfill this obligation nor from the UN, I say just pull everyone and everything out and abandon the Iraqi people. Pull everyone and everything out of all countries as well. It would be extremely irresponsible, but that seems to be the consensus of the general population here in this country.
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>>Another circular argument. We have to stay in Iraq because they fight us. Ignoring even govt reports that say they fight us because we are there:
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>>http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/04/15/relying-on-bogus-argument-mccain-opposes-new-gi-bill/
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>>And people are still trying to figure out why McCain will not sign onto Webb's GI Bill.