Vince,

I was going to try and articulate an answer, but Dan's cartoon is such an able summary. I couldn't be clearer nor more succinct.

There is no win option, only lose:lose alternatives. At this point, in the best of all possible worlds, Iraq could end up with a stable and independent government. Stable meaning no civil war and a democracy that functions about as well as the U.S. Independent meaning operable without direct or indirect interference or aid from the U.S. T'ain't likely, but I'll continue to wish for the best.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.