Well, they say the pendulum swings. Maybe the end of a swing is marked by the extremism you talked about. If so, maybe their is an opportunity to decrease the power of Islamic extremism. Polls in Iraq show that the vast majority of Iraqis are sick of the violence and instability. However, our presence is the continued flash point.
Let's just consider a ridiculous hypothetical. Let's say we withdraw in six months or less. The country splits into three parts, and 1949 India/Pakistan violence results. But, the country eventually reaches an equilibrium, maybe as a federation, maybe as separate countries. The people realize that security and stability are THEIR responsibility, not us or the UNs.
In such a scenerio, many may die. But, will it be fewer than are dying now over a longer period of time?
My point is, in the above scenerio, I don't see a radical Islam theocracy taking over. Just like I can't see Russia going back to communism. They've already tasted the fruits of Western-style freedom. I could be wrong, only time will tell, but it is THEIR problem to solve. Even if you back Bush and the revisionist reason we went in (to remove the despot), the end result must surely be that we leave them to build their own country. |
