Are Iraqis really capable of running Iraq right now?
Reader comment on item: Let Iraqis run Iraq

Submitted by David E (United States), Oct 20, 2003 at 02:57

1) I don't understand exactly what Mr Pipes means by U.S troops in desert bases providing the ultimate authority for the Iraqi government. By what means will this be effected?

2) We do have a compelling reason to control this Muslim population and it is the same compelling reason that we went to war initially. We must insure that those forces desirous of reinstalling the same type of tyrannical government that we just toppled are completely wiped out. We are not dealing here with a homogeneous population that is simply waiting for the Americans to move to the sidelines so they can get on with the job of governing themselves in a civilized way. Pulling out now will simply lead to the various opposing factions (including the pro-Saddam Baathists)killing and car-bombing eachother instead of Americans. When the Americans then move in from their desert bases to stop the violence we're back to square one again!

3) Withdrawing to desert bases while maintaining ultimate control is not at all the same as "pulling out."

4) Militant Moslems don't want unbelievers ruling them at all, neither patrolling streets and protecting buildings in Baghdad nor controlling borders etc. from desert bases. We will be attacked wherever we are and will have accomplished nothing by withdrawing.

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