Exit Strategy

[progressiveBadger]

I'm sure this has been discussed numerous times at DU, but I had a couple of thoughts that I haven't heard anywhere else myself. Ok, so we went into Iraq with Bush thinking that it would be easy. Obviously, they were wrong (par for the course) and here we are occupying a hostile country with no way to leave. If they just pull out not only does that embolden other countries who have thus far viewed the US as invincible, but Bush would lose what many people feel is his sole redeeming trait. (I personally think him always staying the course no matter what is a weakness, but whatever...)
Ok, so the only other way out is an election that is viewed as fair and has no traces of US taint. We can then leave and blame the whole mess on the new Iraqi government.
Here is the problem I see with that. The people who are fighting us in Iraq don't want us in their country at all. Any election held while we are there will be viewed by them, rightfully, as tainted by the US. I think it is impossible to EVER have an election viewed by the world, let alone by the so-called "insurgents", as fair if we have American troops in Iraq.
So, when (IF) we begin to pull out of Iraq after these "elections", we are back to the original problem of emboldening the world against the US's "invincibility". Not only that, but we have justified terrorism to more people.
Where do the neo-cons think these terrorists will go next? France, Germany, Spain? They are delusional, armchair chickenhawk fools, and sadly, they are running and ruining our country.

[merwin]

1. Exit strategy? We don't need to stinking exit strategy! n/t

[KurtNYC]

2. I'm pretty sure the exit strategy is to stay until the oil runs out

then exit.

Everything else is smoke and mirrors.

[leftofthedial]

3. why do we need an exit strategy?

we didn't have an entrance strategy.

we don't have an occupation strategy.

all we need is domestic disinformation.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Although Bush has said we'll be in Iraq for years

I think we'll cut and run as soon as elections are held. Either that or watch our entire military dissolve as people go nuts from the mental torture of stop-loss, returning to duty after losing limbs, etc, etc. I'll be shocked if Shrub calls for a draft, because that will wake up the freepers who seem to be interested only in themselves, and who will scream if they have to go over there.

[beyurslf]

5. We'll exit as soon as we're ready to invade Iran.

[readmylips]

6. The bush dynasty must stay the course...

Junior don't want to be seen as a failure, like his daddy. It's all personal. The repigs need to support junior because they are the ones in power and must also safe face.

The elections will be a smoke screen for junior to safe face and beat his chest, become fastest gun slinger in the west. Unfortunately, there's always another gun slinger on his heels; Osama and his secret army.

Elections will not solve anything, except junior will cut and run...Mission Accomplished! Poor bush appointed Iraqi President will be beheaded and the head sent off to bush on a gold platter. Yep, bush gave the Iraqi people Freedom and democracy.

[nostamj]

7. uh, we're building FOURTEEN military bases

AND the biggest "embassy" in the history of embassies.

we are NEVER leaving Iraq (willingly)

[DireStrike]

8. I hear that a lot, have a link?

The 14 bases especially. I've been meaning to find proof for that.

[nostamj]

9. google is your friend.....

From the ashes of abandoned Iraqi army bases, U.S. military engineers are overseeing the building of an enhanced system of American bases designed to last for years.

Last year, as troops poured over the Kuwait border to invade Iraq, the U.S. military set up at least 120 forward operating bases. Then came hundreds of expeditionary and temporary bases that were to last between six months and a year for tactical operations while providing soldiers with such comforts as e-mail and Internet access.

Now U.S. engineers are focusing on constructing 14 "enduring bases," long-term encampments for the thousands of American troops expected to serve in Iraq for at least two years. The bases also would be key outposts for Bush administration policy advisers.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2004/040323-enduring-bases.htm

[DireStrike]

11. thanks! -nt-

[PurityOfEssence]

10. Head South by Southeast

We'll be leaving when we've sucked 112.5 billion barrels of oil out of the ground, destabilized Iran and occupied Syria. Once we have all the oil and have totally secured Israel from any oncomers, then we'll go.

We have no intention of going, and the boys are hard at work cobbling together justifications to stay.