I was opposed to the war in Iraq. But now that we are there, I think it's wrong to blanket promise that we can pull troops out immediately without creating a worse situation in the region. I think Obama and his supporters are naive to think that we can pull troops out at lightning speed without it backfiring. Here's an interesting take on the subject:
Why Iraqis Back McCain
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
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I am sorry but the position of Obama on the subject is clear: In January 2009 (if he is elected) he will listen to the generals and gradually withdraw the troops.
In any case, it is a point that may become moot before that.
The Iraquis are not enthusiast (with reason)at the idea of having 50 permanent American bases, overflights rights and immunity for the troops and the contractors.
So what may happens is that America is asked to leave, at which point the withdrawal plans of Obama and Mccain will become useless.
I think it is important to remember that Obama is not proposing that we just just cut bait and run. He is proposing ways that the Iraqi government and military can start running their own country, begin taking responsiblity for the governance and protection of Iraq and Iraqi people. The goal should not be for the US to stay in Iraq indefinitely, the goal should be for Iraqis to govern and protect Iraq. NPR just had very interesting interviews with Richard Armitage from the McCain camp and Richard Danzig from the Obama camp where these issues were touched on:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91747971
But, if you believe that we should indefintely maintain the kind of presence that we have now how do you propose we:
1. pay for it (without leaving an enormous mountain of debt for future generations)
2. maintain troop levels. Our military is pushed to the limit now, with people serving multiple tours in Iraq. How will we continue to keep these levels up for 4 years, 8 years, longer?
My own opinion is anyone who really believes that we are on the right track right now, that we should maintain our level of involvement, should join the military, or some other part of the government that will allow you to serve in Iraq. If you believe we need to stay you cannot expect others to continue to fight the battle you believe in. You cannot expect the same people to go to Iraq again and again and again, sacrificing their parental responsibilities, their relationships, their future in civilian life, often their mental and physical health, and possibly their lives for a war you think should be continued. You should have the courage to stand by your convictions and join the military. It isn't fair to ask other people to fight the battles you believe in, you have to be able to do it yourself.
I am not trying to be combative or snotty, I am making the point that our military cannot maintain this war at the present levels. The only way to do it is for others to start stepping up to the plate and begin fighting for the things they believe in.
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