Estimates of the monetary cost of our invasion and occupation of Iraq run as high as $3 trillion. It was estimated that Bush’s privatization of Social Security plan would have cost $1 trillion to institute, and that number was both ridiculed as being an overestimate and considered too high for our country to absorb. We have already spent $600 billion and are going to be burdened with lifetime disability payments and associated costs of the war for all of our lifetimes. Now the Iraqis say we must go. Can anyone truly argue that it was worth the cost to replace one secular despot with an Iran-backed Shia government? What exactly did we get out of this operation and what is the opportunity cost? What if that $600 billion had been spent right here in the form of tax rebates or construction projects? We are in a period of stagflation according to Larry Kudlow, and one must ask whether it could have been avoided.

When the Iraqis ask us to leave it will be the ultimate confirmation of victory. Far from that silly uniformed remark “lipstick on a pig”, this will be the moment that confirms that Iraq is ready to stand on it’s own.

Sorry Ellen, selective journalism doesn’t work. Al Maliki said that when the country is stable discussions for a timeline for withdrawal need to be addressed. A bit different then what you and the rest of the MSM is saying.

We have bent over backwards to accomidate the Iraqi government. We have postponed benchmark dates–and, well there’s the little fact that we LIBERATED THEIR COUNTRY!!!! For al Maliki to now ask us to GIVE HIM anything, is nothing less than ridiculous. I’m still waiting for the Iraqi government to show their appreciation by paying back the American people and our troops for the money we have spent and the lives we have lost. Think it will happen?? Are we ever appreciated or compensated for the effort and money we have spent around the world??? NO.
Tell al Maliki to pay us to leave.

It is so sad, that in an Election year, the citizens of the United States have to put up with media Propaganda like this.

I am baffled! An accurate opinion editorial from Fox News? Was the company sold? Oh, and by the way - the American people deserve factual news, not opinion. Demand better from FOX, ABC, NBC, MSNBC, and CNN, etc…

Iraq and the U.S. are invovled in negotiations. One negotiation tactic is to say things in public as a way to push one side to provide a concession. This article, entitled “What Part of No,” is naive at best and, given the reference to John McCain, which does not belong in the article, is politically motivated. The advantage of having troops in Iraq is incredibly important. It serves the U.S. interests more to have troops there than in Germany or Japan. What is the threat to the U.S. today and where is it? It’s Muslim extremists and they thrive in areas that have limited government control: Lebanon, the West Bank, Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq to name a few. It is also very important for the people in Iraq for the U.S. to be there - they have no air defense capabaility, no helicopters to provide combat support, very little in the way of logistical support, etc. Maliki knows this and needs the U.S. more than the U.S. needs him. The U.S. knows this as well. Thus, it’s not that we don’t know the meaning if “no” it’s that we want certain conditions and there are Iraqis who don’t want to agree to the conditions. Maliki tactic is of course havign some effect based on this article.

If U.S. were to leave tomorrow then all of the great gains in the last year or two would be lost and the lives of US soldiers and Marines that were lost would be meaningless. Also, let’s not forget that stability brings more oil production in Iraq which the whole world needs right now especially my pocketbook. (And since w’ere being political - at least McCain now wants to drill - Obama says high gas prices are good - he just regrets the prices went up so fast) So I hope we are in Iraq for just as long as we have been in Japan and Germany when World War II ended. And how long was that? Oh yeah, we’re still there after 60 years.

We need to give them what they want and pullout immediately. At the same time we need to make very clear if we ever have another situation where we need to send troops to Iraq again we will use nuclear weapons to win the battle with as little loss of U.S. troops as possible. No more sacrifcing American lives for other nations. We have the power to destroy countries with one bomb and we need to start using it because if we do not nobody will ever respect our power. Pakistan! you will not handle the situation on your own and will not let our forces into your country? Ok, you have 7 days to hand over Usama or we will begin nuking your entire mountain range and possibly some surrounding cities if there is information he might be there. Russians threatning use of force if we sign an agreement with the Czech Republic. Personal message from Bush himself. We all know you are no longer a major power and canot destroy the U.S. like you once fooled everyone you could in the past. If you ever make a comment like the one you made today we will drop a nuclear bomb on every single Russian city!

Very well presented, maybe this adiminstration will actually listen to the Iraqi citizenship, they refuse to listen to their own.

Putting a date on withdrawal will provide the enemy hope, a goal, and a timeline to commence and achieve that goal. The issue here is not a question of quantification, (providing a date) it is a question of qualification (victory). One causes the other and it is not recipricol We have defined these qualifications that will ultimately generate or quantify the dates. The Administration may not be acting in accordance with popular opinion, but thats why they call it leadership. Sacrifice, persevere and overcome are the qualities America used to be made of. It is the same 20% of “Alpha-Dog” Americans that carried us to victory during that very unpopular American Revolutionary War, that will carry us across the finish line this time. Unless of course, we allow our weakest, to snatch defeat at the jaws of victory.

I think we’ve been chasing this dog long enough to begin a concise, tactical withdrawal effort. The historical marks of Iraqi manoeuveres yet to be made will play as they will. They’ve made up their mind a while back that they don’t want us in their backyard any longer. Our soldiers have done well, but Que Sere, sere.

Iraq is providing us with a great way to leave their country with dignity and respect. Not to mention the fact that we would be saving many young people’s lives by exiting the country. Iraq wants to live independently as a new democracy. By all means, we should abide by their wishes. We still would have won them their independence and freedom. Let’s come home.

When the Iraqi’s step to the plate and are able to do it well, we could reduce our troops. But even then, we have spent a lot of our blood to see this through. We may have to stay for awhile. How many countries are we still in thirty, or forty years after a conflict?
I see this as the latest lefty attempt to loose this thing. They despise the fact that this nation has done a great thing by stabilizing Iraq. The yellowcake was moved out last week, what is the huge rush?
Let’s take our time and do this right. We have not taken on a simple task right? (This is what the left has told us, that it is almost impossible)

NOTHING HAS CHANGED. Sheites and Sunnis will slaughter each other over their trivial
differences but will still rally together against any Non-Muslim, no matter what the circumstances.
The only ones they hate more than each other are us! We should have left Saddam in
power. The only thing they understand is power…………..Bush didn’t understand then….
I wonder if he still hasn’t figured it out!

I don’t think that you are grasping the weight of the task at hand in Iraq, and the critical importance of a strong American presence in the country for the next few years. Expecting a country to form a fully functional, democratically-elected government, and get off and running in only 5 years is insane! Add an insurgency aided by Iran and Syria, as well as a large number of terrorists, and success almost seems impossible. Yet, among this background, Iraq has turned the tide and is experiencing much success in all aspects of society - political, social, economical, religious, technological, and military. Compare this to our own country, where some of the greatest thinkers in history took 11 years to write and pass a Constitution and form a government, all without the threats from terrorists funded by neighboring nations, and also without the fiscal and military aid from powerful allies, as Iraq is receiving from the America and Britain. Compare this to Japan, which required a 28-year presence by our military and state department before finally being able to “take flight.” No one will deny that our efforts in Japan were not successful. As I’ve said to many of my anti-war friends from the beginning: have patience. We are succeeding, we are establishing democracy, we are establishing a capitalist economy, we are rebuilding an entire country, and we will have a solid ally in the Middle East for the foreseeable future. Our enemies cannot outlast us - simply put, they do not have the wealth and production to outmatch America, nor do they possess American ingenuity and workmanship and drive. So, please, have patience, and our planted seeds will bear fruit.

How does the year 2020 sound like ? The Bush administration has lots of options, so I think those of the media that think Bush has been set back by a time line. A good time line is available from past conflicts, can you say “Germany, Japan and North Korea or even Kosovo ?

The whole point was to stay until Iraq could handle its own security - clearly they are reaching that point. For us, or more specifically the Democrats, to push a timetable that only suited thier agenda at the peril of Iraq and the US security was always wrong - the distressing thng is the Dems knew that but pushed it anyway. Obama is a prime example - he pushed for immediate withdrawl to pander to the left controlled Dems, but now that he is in the General Election he all of a sudden is talking a responsible withdrawl.
Now that Iraq is feeling more confident, and with good reason, we should start talking about drawing down our combat troops. Iraq will ask for continued support in logisitics, transportation and communication as well as some heavy weapons support for time yet which is OK.
Sounds a lot like victory to me.

So let me guess… we take this as a sign of clear victory and give them a time line, follow through and pull out.

Is it still going to be a victory when Iraqi Security forces can’t contain the insurgency with us gone? or when Iran invades. Obviously those are not the only outcomes, but at this point, weather for or against the war you have to be concerned about leaving Iraq at this point because there are far too many bad outcomes.

We should prepare to leave within 5 years. In the meanwhile, we should agree to be satisfied with maintaining bases in Mosul (near to Turkey) and Basra (near the Gulf) should the oil pipelines become the targets of insurgents from Iran, or in the case of Iran’s response to being bombed by Israel. In both cases, extradiction should be possible if the need arises. Iraq is now a so-called Democracy and although a Dictator will no doubt raise his ugly head in the near future, we can do nothing legally to prevent this. Should it become necessary to re-enter Iraq we can do so at any time. In this case we will be far better prepared than during the last war as we now know the terrain. I would anticipate that this will indeed come to pass. Until then, let them have at each other based upon their Satanic oriented religion. It is unfortunate that many will have to die innocently. However, this will be blamed on their religion and not on the U.S. For a change.

Amazing! I never believed I would ever see the day when Fox News actually has a ‘fair and balanced’ article! Of course it is too much to hope that some of the Fox audience actually see this as a F&B article (some of the above posters are still spewing the tired old right-wing talking points) but I must admit I am impressed.

After what we did to help the Iraqi citizens get freedom, we can tell them that we will be there as long as it takes to get security for them and most of all for the U.S. in the region. As long as they can’t promise us to control the Islamic facists an the Iranians then we have to take charge for our National security.

Oh we’ll leave soon…just as soon, that is, as those wells are sucked dry.

And that’s only partly tongue in cheek, folks….can someone give me a lift? I’ll spot ya $5 for gas.

This article has absolutely nothing to do w/ Sen. McCain, yet the author couples his name w/ Bush (which is no problem w/ us; we like both of them!). However, this colors the author w/ “Obama speak”, and, as always, places the media firmly in the Obama ; they are trying to push this Democratic “person” on this nation just like they did Bill Clinton! We might add: “Be careful what you wish for you might get it”…maybe another one like Bill Clinton! HJN

What Part of ‘No’ Does the Bush Administration Not Understand?
What is this type of headline is this anyway???
you should be cheering that your country went in and won.Instead you are stilling fighting the Viet Nam war and helping the traitors to give a war to the enemy.
It is you who is confused in who do you support the people of America or the ones who would hand Iraq to Iran on a sliver platter.
What part of NO don’t you understand that Americans are tired of sedition in any form against our country.

Kick them all out and Congress too.

Carlton Corbin
Winslow,Ar.

We should just take over that region of the world. Those people are like primitives that just can’t keep up with the world. All civilizations that can’t modernize get wiped out… we need oil badly, we have the power, we are there. Annex that desert area and make it the 51st state. If our current administration is too wimply, put me in charge and the price of oil will drop drastically.

Maliki is telling us, “Just give us the money and go home.” I think he’s being coached — by the teachers unions.

I am that glad the Iraq leadership will tell McCain and Bush what they want with their country. So now who is not in touch ??
They have realized that if they ever want to run Iraq they will need foreign military out and enforce the laws them self. Staying will just make it worse, more people will turn against the Iraq’s and on us to too.
Terrorist’s lives on chaos and by us being there it is the best way for them to grow.

GTK , we are not the only country with powers to destroy, so instead lets try to create a better world.
Russia is still a power not to ignore, China is getting there to too.. And you think our Nato allies will sit back and let us bomb every country who do not wanna crawl in fear ??

I’ve backed all actions in Iraq since the beginning, however I now have many reservations on our continued assistance of that country. It is obvious that Iraq seems comfortable with their role in the Middle East. What concerns me is that they have had covert discussions with individuals in the Iranian government which leads one to believe that once the U.S. and other allies have left Iran, the situation in the Middle East will grow exponentially worse. China and Russia will likely profit from this action. Remember the words of T.E. Lawrence: “the Arabs are a little people.” He wasn’t talking about their height. Speaking from personal experience, you usually can’t get a straight answer from most people in the Middle East. Their thought processes are different and their culture is tangled in tribal and family fights that go back centuries that are being fought to this day. This culture is now found within our own borders and it’s a fight that we will likely have to fight on our own ground.

does anyone realize that iraq does not belong to us.if they want us out lets get out.its their country.jeez.

I think it is great. Let’s announce when we will pull out. I don’t think you can say that Bush is avoiding the issue- he will let the Iraqi prime minister speak for Iraq. Why are you so upset that he is not saying it- I know-you just want him on record saying something so you can jump up and down and say SEE- SEE. The left would love to see us pull out of Iraq and leave it to fend for itself-then they can blame Bush for not staying and stabilizing the country.

If we say no to the Iraqis and demand our forces stay there then we would be no different than a conquering army that wanted the territory. I think the country is stable enough that they can make their own decision about it and if it goes up in flames afterwards (which it could) then we can simply wash our hands of it because it was their decision to make us leave.

If I remember correctly, Sadam wanted us to leave, too. Almost as much as the Democrats do. It’s simple enough: Give them a date certain for withdrawal but make them guarantee that they will have their s–t in order by that same date certain. If they do, no problem. If not, after McCain wins in Nov. he can appoint Obama Viceroy of Iraq. After all, Obama claims to be the genius on all things Iraq.

For the last eight years our politicians and President have not listened to the American people and what we really want. We have moved from a government “for the people and by the people” to a government of “we know what is best for you and despite yourselves we are going to do it for you” that is their domestic and international policy both Democrats and Republicans.

ok, our troups have been in europe for the better part of 60 years, and Korea, 40+ years. Shouldn’t we withdraw them first?

I say withdraw all our troups world wide, and have them man the borders

Richard

Leave it to Ellen to see the glass as half empty and another opportunity to slam Bush. Hey Ellen, Gore lost every recount and he started with the lawyers, get over it. Kerry created his the opportunity for his peers to bring up the Swift Boats. Get over it.

Aside from the press presenting this as an ungrateful Iraq tell us to get out, I heard they want a time to complete an agreement that is due at the end of the year.

Sounds like, to me, a government feeling oats and getting sassy after some significant wins. Long time coming, but it took the US a while to build an Army that could go toe to toe with the British. We imported a Prussian to help.

Net-Net this looks like a win win. A little early to declare victory, but victory is appears to be at hand. There will be some problems (Iran and the Shia), but it looks like the Iraqis may have a handle on that part. Most of our boys get to go home in the reasonable future. I would expect a status of forces agreement not unlike Japan and Germany.

The war on terror is not over. The Middle East is unstable, Iran is a threat to everyone. Iraq still needs help in airpower and logistics. There is the Kurd issue up north with Turkey.

All in all, this is a tremendous WIN for Bush and the surge, that I can’t recall but I expect you came out against. Just can stand it when the country and bush wins won, can you.

Good to see a Democrat on the Republican Opinion area. I won’t say liberal or conservative because Republilicans and Democrats can not be classified like that. Clinton was a fiscal conservative who balanced the budget with a Republican Congress. Bush is a fiscal liberal who is so far to the left on deficit spending he is truely a radical.

My question is Who let you into this all Republican party line??????

“Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.” -Thomas Jefferson

ohhh ratner.. the Bush administration doesnt dance around topics or questions or any thing else for that matter, what makes you think that the Bush Administration wont just tell the iraq leader when and how we will with draw our troops…. and why do you think that the iraq leader will tell the dubai newspaper any thing.. that he wouldnt tell the Bush Administration????? These guys are not democrats…. they are grown ups and will communicate what they think is the best policies for their countries…. grow up ratner

Brilliant war in Iraq. Totally screwing up the American economy. Wasting thousands of lives. Now face the reality that they really do not want us there.

Iraq is an occupied country. We are there to make it safe and when WE feel that the Iraqi people can take control we will leave. Of course there will be talks of a time tabel, as well as there should be. Who is to say that time table cant say 10 years or until we feel that it is appropriate for us to leave? We have always said that we will leave when we feel Iraq can take over. Not when they decide they want to take control.

Interesting on how everything boils down to “The Bush Administration”. Does anyone recall that the president does NOT have authority to declare war? Our congress declared war and the cost of any physical conflict is always high, whether it be in dollars or lives. The bottom line is YES, we should have gone to war against terrorism, congress did the right thing for OUR country, and there can be no price tag put on eliminating the suffering of humanity. It is wrong to allow our fellow human to suffer under any circumstance in any country and if Al Maliki wishes to discuss a timeline for withdrawal, he has already stated that this request will be submitted when the country is stable enough for withdrawal to take place. And if we hadn’t engaged this war on terror, who would have been next and where? Perhaps a nuclear device in downtown Dallas? A barrage of chemical warfare in Chicago? Anthrax in Albuquerque. If we do not fight this war and eliminate the root cause where it has sprung from, we will be fighting it right here. I would personally rather see it all overwith now, but choosing between mop up in Iraq, elimination of a “secular despot” (ahem, you mean mass murderer???) or having to build a nuclear, chemical and biological proof bombshelter I choose mop up and keep mopping until all the house is clean for as long as it takes. It would be wonderful to see a monetary return on our financial investment into this war, but shutting everything down and calling it a failure is NOT how to recoup our investments. How about local offshore or ANWR drilling? How about relying on the good old US of A for our fossil fuels? How about putting that lipstick on the extremist, environmentalist pig programs that prevent us from being truly free? We must continue to support this effort for the sake of all humanity and the right for each to have freedom. We must proactively utilize our economic blessings to forward the freedoms of this country’s citizens. Stop bickering and splitting hairs over details. If we wanted the oil, WE WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT. We need to help our fellow man in any way we can and that does mean providing military support. We don’t need to continue to line the pockets of lobbyists, environmentalists and other special interest groups whose interests have nothing to do with anything other than bloating their own off shore accounts. We must support each other, stay united, support our fellow man whether in this country or another, throw off the yoke of stupidity, support ourselves, go to work each day, be good upstanding contributing citizens to society and finish beating the hell out of the terrorists. We need to rely on our own fossil fuel resources, be there for each other, right wrongs as is our duty to each other, and remember that this is America Jack, er Ellen. The Bush Administration understands both the N and the O in NO. You obviously don’t understand anything that our country or this ongoing situation is about. We as part of humanity have not only the ability, but the RESPONSIBILITY to help whomever we can in whatever situation we can, including ourselves and that means protection and service. The only NO we don’t get is No, we won’t succeed. YES, WE WILL.

Aren’t politicians wonderful! The PM of Iraq after huddling with the leadership in Iran is now demanding a time for America to withdraw. Wonder who this is to benefit? I doubt it is for John McCain as he has stated to keep troops on the ground as long as it takes for Iraq to be a successful country without outside interference. Senator Obama on the other hand has stated to withdraw the troops immediately. Seems that the Iraq’s are now playing with American politics while also gearing up for their own upcoming elections. Don’t forget that there are more Shi’ites than Sunni’s in Iraq and the PM wants to remain in office.

Prime Minister al Maliki. When anyone who has listened to the news over the last year or so reads this name are they more inclined to believe the Prime Minister is more interested in his country’s security and welfare or his own? And if the Iraqi’s can’t yet fill in for a lost American presence if we were to leave all the lives and money we have spent would be wasted. I realize this doesn’t mean much to liberal commentators who have spent most of the last six years trying to defeat George Bush but it does to George Bush thank God.

By all accounts Maliki is speaking for public consumption in his own country. He has to sound tough for some elements in Iraq. I don’t think Maliki will want US troops out of his country until he feels certain that his own security forces can protect his government and the citizens of Iraq. I can assure you that Maliki would beg for some US military presence if he thought ALL US troops would be removed from the area. Besides, a timetable for withdrawal could be for a period of ten to twenty years.

I think ole adage, “be careful what you wish for” could also apply to Prime Minister al Maliki. He might just be begging the U.S. forces to come back into Iraq to rescue his government and country before he can get them out. Ironically, the US government could be totaly in the hands of the liberal Democrats at the time his is on his knees begging for a return of U.S. troops. If that is the case he can just dig his and his countrys grave and climb into it because no help will be forthcoming.

I do believe that we should be pulling out our troops from this area in the capacity that they are now in. I do believe that like Germany, Japan, and Korea we should leave several bases that we can operate out of. It only makes since to me since we know that the terrorist and Iran is still a threat.

And reading some of the responses, I’ve noted several that stated that the administration is NOT listening to the people. I guess that could apply to any administration that goes against what you want. I think we were right to do what we did in Iraq, and I think that we are still right in what we are doing. So I think that the administration is doing exactly what needs to be done.

Never happen.
It is in our intrest to stay there for now.
That is, until the pointy headed smarties allow us to start flooding the market with our own home grown energy.
Stand up to smartie power.

JCLOVESYA

Allaire says “We have bent over backwards to accomidate (sic) the Iraqi government.” Well, wasn’t that just sweet of us? It’s THEIR country and not ours to “accommodate”. And then he/she says “there’s the little fact that we LIBERATED THEIR COUNTRY!!!!” Nobody, least of all the Iraqis, asked us for any help - and I hardly think they feel “liberated” now that they don’t even have electricity all day long, as they used to have.
As far as “show their appreciation by paying back the American people and our troops for the money we have spent and the lives we have lost” - surely you’re joking! The lives lost by American troops were caused by our going there to begin with - and are nothing in comparison to the numbers of innocent Iraqi citizens who have lost their lives. Do you really think there is a single person in Iraq who would say “I lost most of my family, but at least I got to vote, so thanks!”

Can it be that liberals are really as insanely naive as they seem, or are they just evil? I doubt the latter, so it must be that your positions have been formulated by too much of a good thing that this country has provided you for far too long. You cannot look at the world through a drug induced fog. The world is not a “happy” utopian place, and it never will be. I don ‘t have to like my leaders, as long as they do what needs to be done keep my country & myself safe - and I don’t care how they do it! Many say war is not the answer? Maybe so, but once you serve something greater than your selfish self, you realize that you alone really do not amount too very much. We have become a spoiled, self-righteous nation; and Barack Obama is a prime example of this. God protect us, for we are in trouble!

How easy it must be to be a simple minded Liberal. I would take the time to explain to you why we are in Irag, but you do not have the intellectual capacity to understand it.

Hellen, you are a perfect example as to just how biased most of the media is. Is there anything about the current administration and our country that you enjoy? Oh yes, freedom of speech. But surely you must recognize that our President is fighting hard to protect it. Perhaps you are so hell bent on bashing him that you don’t or cannot.

Come on Ellen, why not give the readers the WHOLE story. You, like most Liberal “journalists” seem to leave out part of the report and statements that completley change the issue to fit YOUR opinion. This is why the American Media ranks right up there with Congress for ratings. Oh, and for some reason sticking Mccain’s name in the mix, cute, really a nice shot at trying to help Obama link McCain to everything Bush does. You know, no matter what happens between now and the elections, I have faith that the American people will never elect anyone who can’t wait to raise that white flag. It is true Americans do not like to lose and we do not want a repeat of the Jimmy Carter years.

While most Iraqis want American troops to leave sooner rather than later, that doesn’t mean they want them to go until their own troops can properly police their country. I’m sure the terrorists and rabble-rousers financed by Iran and Syria already have their alarm clocks set to Obama’s 16 month timetable, and when the alarm goes off they aren’t going to be singing Kumbaya around the campfire.

Of course the liberals want U.S. troops out of Iraq, because remaining there and creating some sort of order and balance in the Middle East would be seen by many as an actual victory. They fought the troop surge because they thought it would work, not because they thought it wouldn’t. The libs and dems desperately want a loss in Iraq which they can then pin on Republicans for the next 40 years of election campaigns. They don’t care how many of our troops die if we pull out precipitously, just as they felt no need to retaliate against the terrorist attack on the U.S. Cole. After all, they’re just dead soldiers, and for the libs and dems, soldiers serve no purpose other than to retrieve fat people who were too stupid to get out of the path of a category 5 hurricane.

MISS RATNER HOW SOON YOU FORGET THIS IS WHAT IRAN IS WAITING FOR.DID YOU FORGET ABOUT AL SADRES AND MALAKIS CONNECTIONS TO IRAN.NOW DON’T HURT YOURSELF BUT THINK ABOUT IT REAL HARD , THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THE PRESIDENTS POSITION.

We need to protect ower intrests in that reagion.But just think about it every time there is a problem over there the oil speculators run up the price of oil. Who profits the most. speculators make huge gains from oil and gas and that is subject to capitol gains tax. The fed

The Iraqis that my nephew met, when he was in the Army building a school there. Are afraid for the troops to leave, the Government there is not stable enough. Even if there Prime Minister said to leave, with the infrastructure so weak the people need more help.

And with the Politicians we have, these Ass-bites would use it for this bull of Global Warming instead of rebuilding the bridges or dams that need to be repaired.
God Bless The Bush Administration he’s doing better than any other person that was up to the Job four and eight years ago!

All you people that want to pull out are just trying to start more conflict. Do you think if we leave everything will be ducky. quack quack. When 911 happened we should have not put any troops on the ground except for getting all the uranim. Since every middle east country sponcers terriorism we should just bomb every one of them and not stop or listen to anything they say. Just keep a year after year bombing campain going for ever that way none of them will ever get a chance to do anything but pray for peace. After a few generations they might stop there 3000 year problem

This is just the Iraqi government trying to “save face” or put lipstick on their pig. They have had years to stand up and fight for their country. They currently control 9 of the 18 provinces. They are only have way to controlling their country and they want to know when we will leave? Bush should tell them that we will leave when they control all 18 provinces effectively for atleast 2 years. We have WAY too much invested in this war to go home now.

Let the MILLIONS of people that get executed and beheaded over premature withdrawing of the troops be on the “anti-war-for-any-reason crowd” and YOU ! It is time for you folks to think more and flap your mouth less.

Ms. Ratner is naive or politically motivated (surprise) with this nonsense. Only a fool would fail to grasp that it is Al Qaeda in Irag who want us gone. They long for the days of the Mehdi Army.

We’ll get out when the time is right and we bloody well will not tell anyone when that is going to be. It will be when it most benefits us and most confounds our enemy.

Oh, right. One has to want us to win to grasp that necessity. Nobama, Ms. Ratner.

Now I really do understand that Ellen lives in Oz and has no real understanding of how the big boys play the game. The time line for withdraw will be around 2020 and then not totally withdraw. The Iraqis don’t have an Air Force, can’t defend their borders, etc.

Shouldn’t Iraq be giving US a time table? If they think they’re ready for us to leave, then give us a date…

Shouldn’t this article be on the Daily Kos? Seriously,’selective journalism’ 101???

What part of NO don’t you liberals understand. The American people want a presidential administration with conservative values. We have no desire to “cut and run.” We want to win the battle in Iraq.

“Men, this stuff some sources sling around about America wanting to stay out of the war and not wanting to fight is a lot of baloney! Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. America loves a winner. America will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise a coward; Americans play to win. That’s why America has never lost and never will lose a war.”

George Patton - 1944

I dont know what country he was talking about, but I would like to live there.

Oh, if the “National” printed it, well then it must be correct, visionary, and everything else the press has not been accused of in the Mid-East.

There are factions in the Mid-East who would love nothing better than no US presence in the area… Many of them are not nice people upholding the interests of common citizens. That such people find their way into governments around the world shouldn’t surprise. It’s been reported here that Maliki’s proposal is in response to difficulties in Parliament.

“…“be careful what you wish for”…”

Democracy is a messy business, as the world has proven over the years… Does that mean we stick with Kings, Queens, & military dictatorships? Or quit trying when you have an outcome like Mugabe?

We would be stupid to pull out the only tested and tried fighting force to ensure stability for the region based on the whims of the current unproven Iraqi leaders. Any leaders with intelligence know this and would only start a small incremental withdrawal when the Iraqi’s prove they are capable of handling a major assualt. Once they have proven their capability then we can start small withdrawals to see if the Iraqi’s can continue to succeed. We will need to have a base in Iraq just like we do in Korea and Japan for many years to come. The last anyone checked the Middle East is still far more important to ours and the world economy the either Korea or Japan. We have spilt to much blood and money to make this happen. This region controls the lifeblood of not only our economy but the entire world. With Iran beating their war drums and pushing for nuclear weapons we would be fools to walk out and let Iran setup a puppet goverment of their own and then control almost 50% of the worlds oil.

President Bush should tell that stooge Maliki; that the US will decide when to pull out of Iraq;
Sometime after they decide when to Pull out of Germany and Korea.

When you win a war, the loser doesn’t get to decide anything.

It seems when the liberals spin they just cannot stop. When is the message going to hit, we are a Nation that can think for ourselves, nice story that once again failed to mention all the facts, just enough missed points to justify another Bush bashing. What bothers me is this, we enjoy being informed, so please do us all a favor, just report the facts and allow us to decide for ourselves, we dont need our opinions fed to us, so get back to the basics of reporting, which is just actual facts and keep your personal agendas to yourself. Iraq clearly stated when they were able to protect themselves, would they want US troops out of Iraq. That was simplke enough, how did you miss that point, or was accuracy not considered.Thank you