Soft self center

With the Congressional vote to establish a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq, I am struck by the narcissism of it all. The debate, as it is, seems never to focus on US responsibility to the Iraqis.

I hear superficial discussion about winning and losing, about mistakes, about arrogance...but I don't hear much discussion about the Iraqis. When I do hear mention, it is often tinged with the subtle racist/imperialist tones of blame: if only the Iraqis would step up, we'd be able to leave.

Like it or not (and I don;t), the US invaded anothe country and unleashed forces it is now unable to control. To walk away and, as some have said, let the Iraqis solve it seems irresponsible. To assume that diplomacy and negotiation can work without a credible threat of force to back it up s naive.

When the government of Iraq asks for us to leave, we should...immediately. It is the only Iraqi body that reflects anything resembling the Iraqi people's position.

To leave because we wish we had never gone simply demonstrates the soft, self-centered will of the American people.