Iraq: A New Plan?

George Dubya Bush's views on the war in Iraq and the world in general are being questioned at long last. The new report by the Iraq Study Group is making recommendations that have been previously rejected by President Bush and his neoconservative administration. These suggestions include the scheduled withdrawal of troops over the next year, and a complete withdrawal of all combat troops by 2008. It also recommends the opening of diplomatic talks with Iraq's neighbors in the region. Iran and Syria should be invited, by the United States, into diplomatic talks in order to seek a peaceful resolution to the Iraqi conflict.

The Iraqi government, which has been under heavy criticism for it's inability to disband the militias and neutralize the insurgency, has also been made aware of the Iraq Study Group's recommendations. Mr. Malaki's government has long called for more control over the armed forces, and seems quite content with the Study Group's vision of the immediate future.

I am posting two news reports today that support the idea that the way forward in Iraq is for the occupation troops to withdraw, and for the Iraqis to overcome their internal disputes, whether by the gun or the ballot box, for themselves. If the neighboring countries, like Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia can be drawn into a diplomatic process that includes the Iraqi and American governments then that would be a very big step in the right direction.

But will Dubya listen to, and act upon, the Iraq Study Groups recommendations? Is he willing and able to change his so-called "strategy" in Iraq? We will see. Meanwhile the war goes on..and on...and on.

New Survey Shows Iraqis Want The Troops To Leave




Iraq Study Group Calls For Withdrawal Of Troops