Biden's Iraq proposal has some merit.

[calteacherguy]

The key element in the plan is to get the Iraqi factions to agree to an oil-sharing in a loose federation of three states. There is merit in the realization that ultimately it may not be possible for Iraq to hold together as one country, and perhaps a federation can work. On the other hand, I do see some problems with the U.S. advocating to the Iraqis that they split into three sections, eventhough that is already taking place to an extent. All we can do is advise and use our leverage to encourage a political solution. There's a danger that factions may take such a plan advocated by the U.S. as an excuse to split further apart down a slippery slope, leading to displacement and ethnic cleansing of mixed neighborhoods. And, despite the fact that the plan is not meant to be an imposition by the U.S., it could be interpreted that way. And if things go badly and violently after we leave, the U.S. could be blamed for encouraging the sectarian split.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to engage Iraq's neighbors and encourage a regional political solution. My gut feeling is that solution has to be developed over there, not over here. I have a hard time seeing the Biden plan as not being perceived as a foreign imposition (assuming the Iraqis would agree to it), despite claims it would not be. There are no easy answers. Biden's plan has some merit, but risks as well. I'm not completely convinced it's exactly the right approach to take at this time.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

1. And if they dont split up like we say, we can re-invade and split them up ourselves.

I think we still dont get it yet.

[murbley40]

2. We are already doing that.

[jillan]

3. Wow !

I was just catching up on reading threads and saw this.

Teacherguy - you finally read it :toast:

[Like It Is]

4. It beats a blank, and a blank is what you have now ! n/a