Iraq's Ambassador States His Case

The Washington Post has a very cogent article by Iraq's US Ambassador outlining why the US should stand fast and stay the course in Iraq.

Basically because to cut and run would be much much worse than staying until some sort of resolution of the internal problems of Iraq takes place. The US should continue:

· Supporting the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in its efforts to disarm the militias. What is needed is a detailed multifaceted approach that encompasses political, economic and public information considerations as well as coercive measures.
· Applying maximum pressure on regional powers to refrain from undermining security in Iraq and to help stabilize it.
· Mobilizing the people to oppose the extremists in their midst. Those who say that Iraqis are at each other's throats and should be left to fight it out are wrong. A minority of sectarian extremists and Saddamists is causing and promoting sectarian violence. These resisters have been successful in intimidating the rest of the population, which abhors them. When they are challenged, as they should be, the great majority of Iraqi men and women will be very supportive.
· Taking the initiative from our enemies by acting boldly and aggressively. Our posture should not be defensive. That is a recipe for defeat.

The problems in Iraq are external from Iran & Syria & Al-Qaeda. They are internal from sectarian militias, tribal feuds, criminals, Saddamists, and Islamists.

All these put together are daunting. The only possible worse scenario is that the US abandon Iraq and embolden worldwide terrorism.