Foreign Policy

Iraqi leaders call on U.S. to set withdrawal schedule

November 22, 2005 ⋅  E-Mail Article ⋅  Print Article ⋅ Post a comment

Have we overstayed our welcome in Iraq? The Iraqi government has advised that they would like a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops. The Iraqi citizens have routinely stated that they would like the occupational forces to leave their country. Arab leaders from the gulf region have repeatedly called for the replacement of U.S. troops with an Iraqi army or at least a coalition of Arab soldiers. We all know the insurgence stance on our residence in Iraq. So again, the question must be asked, who wants us in Iraq?



Many countries around the world are beginning to ask American ambassadors for an estimation of our exit from Iraq, many foreign dignitaries visiting America our questioning their counterparts in congress about the American exit policy for the Iraq situation. Finally, our citizens, and not just the anti-war crowd, are asking for a timetable from their elected officials. The question has worked its way up the political ladder where it is now a hot topic discussion in congress. The ‘Anti-American’ card was brought out but our demand for an answer trumped this card, the ‘if we set a timetable the terrorists will wait us out’ card was also thrown out on the table, but again the public trumped this bower.

America wants results, tangible results. To say that we cannot let the terrorist know our plans is considered by many to say we have no idea of what exactly is going on and we will get back with you when we do. Many in the Iraq government are now stating the insurgency in Iraq should not be labeled as a terrorist organization; rather they are individuals fighting to rid their country of an outside influence. The Iraq government has went as far as praising the idea that these individuals stand so resolute against a foreign force, irregardless of the fact that this same force has provided them the freedom to make this type of public statement.

I believe the time for ending this policy has come in Iraq, it is time to take the training wheels off of this bike and see if it rides. If you will not take your hands off of the child then at least tell us how close we are to seeing this bike rider, Iraq, make their first solo ride.

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