Let's solve Iraq in this thread right now!

[BurtWorm]

Prime objective: End the violence.

Why should this be "prime," and not, say, strengthen the government or even withdraw US troops? Can anyone make a case for putting either of those before cracking the nut of ending the violence? I can't, except that it might be necessary to do one or the other or both of those before the blood can stop being shed. I don't know. I think the former (strengthening the govt) is much easier said than done. Admittedly, so is ending the violence, but my point is that the violence is a much more immediate concern and more crucial problem to solve for Iraq's future than making this phony government work. As for withdrawing US troops, I would want to know for certain that it would directly result in an end or significant abating of the violence.

Prime Step US Must Take Toward that Objective: See what's going on and say what's going on.

Again, I think this is more urgent than simply withdrawing the troops. The US has to admit to the Iraqis and the world that it erred in starting this war. Set aside that this is not going to happen with the Deluder in Chief in office: This, I think, is absolutely crucial to extracting the US and the Iraqis from the mess. Not dealing with the reality is only going to make things get worse. Want evidence for that? Just look at the whole fucking war.

Want to know what the obstacle to salvaging the situation is? Here it is right here. Now how do you force the brainless fantasizers in the WH to either do what is absolutely necessary or get out of the way so someone else can do it?

[bryant69]

1. You might be right

On the other hand, what if they see it as a hypocritical admision designed to get us out of a minor difficulty we find ourselves in?

I suppose if we really felt contrition at what we had done and worked to really rebuild Iraq, rather than simply maintaining our prestige, that might make a difference.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[baby_mouse]

2. US out, UN in.

Ta Da! Case closed.

[Coventina]

3. Coventina's simple 5 step plan for Iraq

I've posted this before, but I think it bears repeating

1. Announce that we are sorry, the invasion was wrong. We apologize to Iraq and the rest of the world.

2. Announce that we are pulling out as soon as logistically possible.

3. Begin to "make it so".

4. Go on our hands and knees (literally) to the UN and beg, yes, I said BEG them for help in getting Iraq into some semblance of order. We will pay for whatever it takes (can't be more than we've wasted already!)

5. Begin trials for war crimes against the planners, "deciders", executors (upper level), and profiteers of the invasion. Preferably at the world court in the Hague.

[BurtWorm]

4. Your plan has the same obstacle as mine.

It can't get to Step 1 given who would have to execute it.

[warrens]

5. Let Saudi Arabia police the Sunni

And Iran the Shia. And pull back to Kuwait except for a Baghdad force. Once things cool down, leave.

[Coventina]

6. Did you hear about the fence Saudi Arabia is building along its border?

To keep out refugees from Iraq?

When I heard that it really pissed me off. So much for alleged Arab solidarity, I guess.

The fucking Saudis have more money than God, they can afford to help the damn refugees.