• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Iraq Steps Up, U.S. Troops Begin Leaving - That's the Plan ; A U.S. Military Official Says Substantial Troop Withdrawal May Happen By the Spring.

Posted on: Friday, 29 July 2005, 12:00 CDT

In the past year, the demands for a deadline on a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq have grown increasingly louder as the death, injury and financial tolls continue to mount.

The development, then, that some U.S. military officials are becoming more willing to discuss how and when that may occur is a welcome one indeed.

According to The Associated Press, the top American general in Iraq this week expressed hope that withdrawal of U.S. troops could begin by next spring. Gen. George Casey, commander of the coalition forces, told reporters a "fairly substantial" pullout could proceed in the spring and summer.

The caveat, however, is that any withdrawal hinges on the progress Iraq makes in proving it can contain the insurgent threat and establish a functioning government.

Unfortunately, militants have become more violent since January's landmark elections and Iraq's political process has often been beset by sectarian divisiveness.

The Bush administration has also refused to set a timetable for withdrawal, arguing that deadlines set by the United States might invigorate insurgents who would know how long to wait to outlast the U.S. commitment.

Nonetheless, the new willingness of American military leaders to discuss U.S. withdrawal may very well send a message to Iraq's leaders in Baghdad. They have made it clear that their goal, too, is a U.S. withdrawal from their country. They must, however, be willing to demonstrate they can work past sectarian differences, write a constitution and create a dependable security force.

A prolonged U.S. presence in Iraq does not benefit either country. The United States should continue its commitment to Iraq's democratic progress, but welcome any indications that the eventual goal - a self-ruled, democratic Iraq - can be seen on the horizon.

Source: Portland Press Herald

More News in this Category