Posted by
Vedette on Tuesday, September 04, 2007 7:09:26 PM
Those who continue to demand a firm date for the withdrawal of our military forces from Iraq have lost some impetus as the recent troop surge is achieving many positive results. The proponents of a date certain for removal of our forces are now re-tooling to justify their position on the perceived failure of the Iraqi government to meet their goals.
They should not overlook the fact that Maliki's failures are at least in part the direct result of these very critics who by fueling the prospect of a premature withdrawal create an environment which predictably incentivizes both he and his cabinet to seek some middle ground which does not irrevocably alienate Iran, Al Qaeda, or powerful Iraqi militias in the event of our retreat.
A united American commitment to finsh the job would clearly embolden the Iraqi government to take a more aggressive stand against those resisting the actions required to stabilize their nation.