Vince,

Wow! I voted the straight "no" ticket! I expect we should maintain a long term presence in Iraq, but it's speculative and way too uncertain as to how that fits the U.S.' "permanent" national interest, as well as how long the Iraqi gov't. (assuming there is and will continue to be one) wants us there.

Withdrawing under a fixed timetable is generally a bad idea in that it limits our options, just in case we need options, and given the volitility of the region, options are generally a good thing to have.

I strongly doubt the Prez' capability to make any intelligent determination about pretty much anything. You didn't give me any room for analysis on this one. How about we let someone or someones capable of making determinations handle this one?

The U.S. made this mess, is responsible for it, and should take full responsibility for restoring as best a sense of order as might be possible in this country, with its tri-parte ethnicity, and secular and religious wacko demographics.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.