Reply #179: Unfortunately, that would destabilize the Middle East [View All]

[wpelb]

U.S. presence in Iraq provides some stability (such as it is) to the area. A quick U.S. withdrawal would embolden Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds and who knows what else to try to fill the power vacuum at the expense of everyone else.

Since the Middle East, unlike Vietnam and other parts of Indochina, has a natural resource (i.e., oil) that is demanded by much of the wealthy industrialized world, (more) political turmoil there is not desirable.

As much as most Democrats would like to get out of Iraq (so would some Republicans), it's not going to happen anytime soon. Getting the troops out of there in an orderly fashion (without it looking a surrender or retreat) is going to be enough of a chore. As proof, look at what has happened to Democrats (like Rep. Kucinich) who made an end to the war in Iraq a central plank in their respective platforms.

No matter who wins in November, either in the presidential race or in your local Congressional or U.S. Senate contest, things will not change dramatically in January.