The stability provided by the U.S. troops gives a free pass to all others.

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Reader comment on:
Baker's Panel Rules Out Iraq Victory

Submitted by john strasburger, Nov 2, 2006 20:57

U.S.'s troops provide the only current source of stability in IRAQ. Knowing that the U.S. will keep things from getting completely out of hand, the surrounding states (Iran and Syria and, perhaps, others) are free to meddle in IRAQ's affairs to support factions favorable to them and to cause trouble for the U.S. The same is true for the sectarian militias. They feel free to attack the U.S. and their sectarian opposites because the U.S. forces will prevent open civil war from breaking out. In other words, U.S. forces enable both local and other-national forces to engage in, and support, violence with little downside risk. The U.S. should convene an international meeting in Switzerland, Sweden or some other safe, neutral place attended by all neighboring states (who would suffer the consequences of total IRAQ collapse--refugees, transnational Sunni-Shiite conflicts, and all local factors who would suffer the consequences of total civil war. The U.S. should announce that it is going to withdraw in a stated period of time and then leave the conference so that the participants can contemplate what that withdrawal will mean to them. Perhaps, the presence of the hangman's noose will sharpen their focus.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
I never thought it would happen, I agree with "W" - send the Baker crew home. This rescue mission has... [MORE]	W	Dec 7, 2006 14:22
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It's interesting the degree of ignorance that seems to be employed in making judgements on this topic. "Islamic Lunacy" hmm?... [MORE]	Nerith	Nov 28, 2006 23:27
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We can win in Iraq. Here are some of the ideas: [MORE]	Jack Lee	Nov 13, 2006 16:41
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Perfect name for this response. This is very close to what the American Gov't was saying as an excuse to... [MORE]	Anishinabequay	Nov 25, 2006 17:42
At last common sense is prevailing over a destructive and divisive war. With a US puppet government in Iraq, a... [MORE]	Ann	Dec 5, 2006 12:39
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U.S.'s troops provide the only current source of stability in IRAQ. Knowing that the U.S. will keep things from getting...	john strasburger	Nov 2, 2006 20:57
Hello, Please help to get this program out to the world and the Baker Commission! Please, - help create a diplomatic team... [MORE]	hugh	Dec 5, 2006 11:15