Hi, Dorris. The argument that giving them a hard date might push them into getting their stuff together has some merit but it assumes that the central government is able to control all aspects of society - which hasn't been the case.

Looking at Mid East history and the way things work there, my 1st priority would be "no more Mr. Nice Guy" and put a grenade up Sadr's butt. As well as anyone else who professed a private militia.

>>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.
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>There already IS a civil war going on there. Personally, I'm thinking we need to give the Iraqi government a hard date for our withdrawal and then stand by it. I think the world would be amazed how quickly they can get their poopie in a pile with that, once they realize we actually mean it this time.