Updates on Iraq

Long before we went into Iraq, sensing a movement on the part of the administration to engage Iraq, I wrote letters to my congressional representatives urging them not to support this effort. Some agreed, apparently, and others didn't. In this, of course, I am of one mind with Barack Obama. I don't believe in preemptive war (I think it's worth pointing out that neither does Pope Benedict XVI). The decision to go into Iraq was a mistake and it has made this world less safe. You can argue that Saddam mistreated his people, but we've not followed this logic to the end -- which would require us to engage every despotic regime militarily, something we've not done.
That is, of course, old news. More important is what's happening now. George Bush will not ever admit that he was wrong and he will defend continued engagement for as long as he's in office. The reality is that this is a mess that will get passed on to the next President. That President will have few options at hand. Both Obama and Clinton have suggested they will end the war and bring the troops home. Obama has left himself a bit of wiggle room, not so sure Hillary has. McCain says he'll stay on.
So, today we have General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker addressing various congressional hearings. The General says we're in no position to leave or even continue the draw down. He wants a pause to assess where we're at. But, there is no sense that he would recommend the kinds of draw downs the Democrats want. Of course, should someone other than John McCain become president the military will have to follow new orders.
The real question here is, how quickly can troops be removed without chaos developing? I have never supported the war, but I also believe that when we break something we have a responsibility to fix it. So, the broader question is: How are we going to fix this mess?

Comments

roy said…
the question Bob is whether it is possible for us to "fix" it or if our continued involvement just makes things worse.
Rabbi Michael Lerner and Rev. Tony Campolo have led the Network of Spiritual Progressives in putting together a sensible proposal to end the war.

Check out page 9 of the following file for a concise summary of their plan:

http://www.spiritualprogressives.org/fmd/files/7_19_FOB%20.pdf
Robert Cornwall said…
And that is the question -- how do we fix it. I haven't read the piece, but I saw a headline that Obama calls for talks with Iran to stabilize Iraq. Ultimately, any solution involves the neighbors. As far as I can see, we're not talking to most of the neighbors!

The Lerner/Campolo proposal will be worth looking at, as well.
roy said…
Dan,

thanks for the heads up to Lerner and Campolo's proposal.
John said…
Bob,

Maybe the United States cannot "fix" it. And maybe as long as we hang around trying, and failing, those who stand a chance of bringing healing (European Community, or more likely Iran) are prevented from doing anything.

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