>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.

Hi Mike,

As you said mess/damage is done already.
Now using mess (responsability for it) as excuse for continuing the same and maintaining current state kind of escapes me.

What would be the point? How long and how far?
Depend-on or regardless of sucess/failure ?

Imo, No point in stying much longer if there is no factual change in sight,
Unless perpetual state of conflict and infinite military presence in the region was someone's idea to begin with.

Time will tell.