Baghdad Pull-outs
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Baghdad is a microcosm of Iraq, the effects of a premature withdrawal, and the key argument against time-table evacuation planning.
The long stated goal of this administration was for Iraq to be a self-sustaining democracy. A key element to such a society is the ability to defend itself from threats internal and external. The U.S. started this process of transformation earlier this year by allowing the new Iraqi government — an organization built from dust and existing for less time than a campaign promise — to take security control of Baghdad.
The bloodshed accelerated after Iraq took ownership of their own capital. Ignoring political posturing, we can safely say that the new government and their security forces have not existed long enough to do their jobs effectively. The U.S. was premature in executing the hand-over. Odds are we will have to take back full or partial control of Baghdad until such time as the Iraqi national government is fully prepared to do so … again.
Imagine then what would happen to the whole of Iraq if, based on some artificial time table, the U.S. withdrew. An unyielding chronological deadline would force the Iraqi government to take control of national security before they were competent to do so. The new order currently at play in Baghdad would become the fate of the entire nation, leading to massive death, and at best a new theocratic oligarchy.
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