How should we handle Iraq now? What should be Kerry's plan?

[Quixote1818]

It seems to be obvious that things will only get worse the longer the United States occupies Iraq so I was thinking we should hand part of it over to Syria, part to Turkey (accept the Turks don't like the Kurds) and part to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. These country's are basically friendly to the United States and would probably enjoy the Oil profits. If they would want part of Iraq is the real question here as I doubt if they want to headache quagmire on their hands but perhaps they just might have the right touch and be tempted by the Oil. Perhaps the Iraq people would be more open to a Muslim country occupying them compared to the United States. Exactly how that transition would go is a complete mystery to me but thats the only idea I could come up with besides simply pulling out and letting them fight it out themselves. If we do just pull out and let the Civil war start, once the Civil War is over then we just go back to watching the new leadership and not letting them gain too much power if they are not friendly to the United States.

I still like the idea of neighboring countries taking over the problem and us getting the hell out NOW!

[Lefta Dissenter]

1. yikes!

who are we to break up a nation and dole it out in little bits?

here's part of the Kerry plan from
http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/national_security/iraq.html

Persuade NATO to Make the Security of Iraq one of its Global Missions and to deploy a significant portion of the force needed to secure and win the peace in Iraq. NATO participation will in turn open the door to greater international involvement from non-NATO countries.

Internationalize the Non-Iraqi Reconstruction Personnel in Iraq, to share the costs and burdens, end the continuing perception of a U.S. occupation, and help coordinate reconstruction efforts, draft the constitution and organize elections.

Launch a Massive and Accelerated Training Effort to Build Iraqi Security Forces that can provide real security for the Iraqi people, including a major role for NATO. This is not a task for America alone; we must join as a partner with other nations.

Plan for Iraq’s Future by working with our allies to forgive Iraq’s multi-billion dollar debts and by supporting the development of a new Iraqi constitution and the political arrangements needed to protect minority rights. We will also convene a regional conference with Iraq's neighbors in order to secure a pledge of respect for Iraq's borders and non-interference in Iraq’s internal affairs

lots more to read at the site.

[Quixote1818]

3. I would be really surprised if NATO would want to get involved at this

point. Iraq is too much of a mess and they don't want the loss of life and I think Bush has caused us so much harm it will take years to rebuild the bridges Bush tore down. I think Kerry needs a new plan and so does most of the country.

I could be wrong. What would be NATO's motivation to get involved with this mess? I suppose you could make the cast to NATO that Iraq is much to important to World stability to be left to fall into complete chaos and not know what the final outcome will be. At this point I would be willing to give NATO countries most of the rebuilding contracts if it will help get them involved and help us get the hell out.

[knowbody0]

2. gettin out

if you read middle east news,many editorials express eagerness towards kerrys presidential victory. these people are articulate and sincere. it is a tribal country split in three and then again by family. democracy as we assume to know it is not the same to them. we have created such chaos, destroyed their infrastructure and slaughtered thousands. kerry is so much more aware of their culture and tribal ways, his respect and earnesty will be able to difuse their rage, communication will be real, not appointed.they hate alawi

[w4rma]

4. I expect that President Kerry will have a huge talk with lots of nations

and get as much support for cleaning up the Iraq mess created by the Repugs, then get a plan that everyone can get behind for the safety of their own nations and impliment it.

Lots of nations will help if they don't feel like they are going to get stabbed in the back by our President in order to clean up this mess. They have their own security to worry about also, and this mess harms them too.

[bvar22]

5. Before Kerry will be able to get any help, he needs to:

1) Expel all American Representatives from Saddam's Palace and turn the palace into a museum commemorating the courage of the Iraqi People.
(It really looks bad for us to be living in Saddam's Palace. The bushies have NO SHAME!)

2)Expel ALL American Corporations from Iraq and forbid American Corporate involvement in the rebuilding or Policing of Iraq.

3) Turn over ALL rebuilding to existing Iraqi sources. Continue generous funding as a form of reparations.

4) Discontinue all operations against the Iraqi people. US forces withdraw to secure positions with orders for defense ONLY in preparation for withdrawal from Iraq.

5) At this point, invite UN and Pan Arabic Countries to a summit to offer their suggestions for the stabilization of Iraq, and request their help in forming a multinational peace keeping force.

The US has done so much harm to this region that it may not be possible for the US to participate in the stabilization effort, but we should continue to provide the funding.


The goal should be an Iraq stable enough for an election as quickly as possible so we can GET THE FUCK OUT OF THERE! If the Iraqis vote to have a Muslim theocracy, SO BE IT!!!

I don't think ANYTHING can be done by Kerry or anyone else that will avoid an eventual civil war.

[tarrant84]

6. we're stuck, may as well finish the job

At this point, we're stuck. We need to finish the job. THIS IS WHY JOHN KERRY *NEEDS* TO WIN THIS ELECTION.

Rebuilding Iraq will take the hard work of all nations-- NOT just the US. By firing Bush, we tell them that sure, we mess up sometimes, but when we do, we fire the people responsible-- namely the Bush administration. I think just having a new commander in chief, elected by the American people, sends the international community a powerful message.

[tedzbear]

8. Asking the United States to finish the job...

...is like asking the elephant to clean up the china shop.

[Ravy]

7. Quit trying to dig us out of the hole, as Bush is doing. Climb out.

That simple. Plus, bring the troops home, don't send them to invade another country just because they are in the neighborhood.

That's good for starters.

[gulliver]

9. Who says it _can_ be handled now?

We may just have to stand back and let it burn, a catastrophic loss to the United States but insured by ... nothing. Maybe it will work out, but I don't see any favorable ending for the United States. Bush screwed the pooch.

[alittlelark]

10. The Way Kerry will win in a landslide.....

say that X # of countries will deliver support in Iraq W/ HIM.

end of story and election.