New York Times: Time To Leave Iraq, A Strategy For Withdrawal
Finally, mainstream media is turning around. They finally see what many others have seen all along, that Bush had no plans of withdrawal, and Bush still has no plans to leave. The New York Times, one of the most well known News Agency in the world came out with a possible outline for a withdrawal from Iraq.
The latest article explores how the current Iraq debacle is weakening the U.S. military and putting more burden on the American Taxpayers (including Filipino-Americans). The article also goes on to say that, “Americans must be equally honest about the fact that keeping troops in Iraq will only make things worse. The nation needs a serious discussion, now, about how to accomplish a withdrawal and meet some of the big challenges that will arise.”
The United States has about 160,000 troops and millions of tons of military gear inside Iraq. Getting that force out safely will be a formidable challenge. The main road south to Kuwait is notoriously vulnerable to roadside bomb attacks. Soldiers, weapons and vehicles will need to be deployed to secure bases while airlift and sealift operations are organized. Withdrawal routes will have to be guarded. The exit must be everything the invasion was not: based on reality and backed by adequate resources.
The United States should explore using Kurdish territory in the north of Iraq as a secure staging area. Being able to use bases and ports in Turkey would also make withdrawal faster and safer. Turkey has been an inconsistent ally in this war, but like other nations, it should realize that shouldering part of the burden of the aftermath is in its own interest.
Accomplishing all of this in less than six months is probably unrealistic. The political decision should be made, and the target date set, now.
And finally, a clear rebuke that indeed Al Qaeda, Iraq, and 9/11, before the U.S. invasion, had no ties except in the mind of George Bush and his political allies in Washington. The article also mentions the firm belief of many analysts that the major goal of The Bush Administration to begin with, was to establish permanent military bases in Iraq. I believe this to be true, but Bush will never admit this.
The tide is turning against The Bush Administration, the lies have practically caught up with Bush and his cronies, and now, even high ranking Republicans are defecting. How long can Bush keep up with his lies, before he finally agrees to have the troops come home. After all, George Bush talks about sacrifices, but he knows no sacrifice except in his approval ratings that just keep plummeting with more news of The Iraq War.
