Bad as things are in Iraq, a quick U.S. departure would make them worse: encourage terrorists, set the stage for civil war, send oil prices spiraling and ruin U.S. credibility throughout the Middle East.
A premature pullout from Iraq would open the door to all sort of anti-democratic movements and would jeopardize Iraq's still wavering and fragile march toward democracy. It would spell a clear victory for al-Qaida and its affiliates, who have been working in Iraq since the downfall of Saddam last March.
At this point, regardless of whether one agreed or disagreed that going to war in Iraq was the right thing to do, there is no going back now. The only way out of the Iraqi dilemma is forward. The United States must see Iraq through this difficult phase and assist it -- militarily, politically and financially.
President Bush hopes that by June 30, when Iraq reassumes its sovereignty, the United States will be able to take somewhat of a back seat in Iraq. By moving U.S. troops from the cities and towns where they are currently bivouacked to more secure back bases in the countryside, Pentagon planners hope to reduce the number of casualties sustained on a quasi-daily basis. This, of course, will look good for the administration, leading up to the November elections. And of course, Kerry will also jump onto the Iraq bandwagon if he feels it will win him votes.
A quick U.S. departure would have a devastating effect on the war against terrorism. Washington has called Iraq the "main front" in that war and a fast exit would hearten Islamic extremists -- regardless of the role they may actually be playing in the resistance.
From the southern Philippines to the Arab ghettoes of Western Europe, extremists would see a U.S. defeat as.....
