Can patriotism and a US withdrawal coincide re: Iraq?

I have to admit – I’ve thought about it before. After Rep. (D-Penn)?Murtha’s comments, I thought about it even more. And now, finally, at the conclusion of the Cairo talks, I’m sold: A deadline for US troop withdrawals isn’t such a bad idea.

I think Vice President Cheney’s recent comments did it for me, saying that withdrawing from Iraq would be a “terrible blow” to US and Iraqi?national security interests. Coming from someone who has lived in Baghdad’s Red Zone (the greater-Baghdad area, excluding the isolated Green Zone), which I would bet?Mr. Cheney has never set foot in, I can say the following to his comments: A?continued and undefined US troop presence is not what is securing Iraq (if anything is). Only the hard work, patience, and diligence of the Iraq people will absolve them of this predicament over the long-term. From my weeks in Baghdad, during which I saw very few US?forces on the streets,?I can confidently say that another 150,000+ troops would be necessary to have/maintain the kind of results implied by Cheney. This, of course, is neither plausible nor possible. As a staunch patriot and advocate of our military and Defense operations around the world, I don’t mean to make light of the certainly many, many contributions that have been made?during Iraq’s civil?reconstruction — I simply?become increasingly wary when the bulk of our forces sit over in northern/central Iraq, casualities continue to mount unabated, and there is no solid game plan for withdrawal. Rebuild, train, and leave; and?we can’t do it forever.

I think, however, that?it’s important to note the distinction between a complete and immediate withdrawal (as this would create a security vacuum for Iraq’s domestic forces, which are admittedly still developing operational capacity independent of US supervision) and a phased/gradual one, allowing ample time for Iraq’s domestic forces to gain numbers, experience, and confidence. Set a date 6 months from now, or 2 years from now – but have a plan that makes sense. And can we get it in writing?

If Iraqi leaders want some sort of deadline, US policymakers want a clean finishing act and decreased military casualities, and US Defense branches (especially reservist)?ever want the hope of abundant recruiting numbers again, then perhaps it’s time?that the finish line be in sight for US-led?major combat operations in Iraq.