The United States has now been fighting the war in Iraq for longer than all of World War II. Only the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Vietnam War were longer than Operation Iraqi Freedom.
I think it is safe to say that we are all tired of this war and want to see our troops come home safely.
The question now is whether the Democrats be able to pull troops out without causing the collapse of the new Iraqi government.
I'm frightened for the people of Iraq when the U.S. leaves.
At this point, to leave the new Iraqi government alone to lead their country will be like leaving a young child out in the cold to fend for itself, when we could be there help them inside and help them gain strength.
The insurgents will in no way, shape, or form let up on their campaign of terror on the innocent civilians of Iraq when the U.S. pulls its troops out. We need to have more faith in the strength and the resolve of the Iraqi people. They are dedicated to sustaining themselves and simply need our help if they are going to get there.
President Bush has repeated time and time again what the criteria is for him to bring our troops home. "When the Iraqis can stand up, the U.S. will step down."
This was the goal as soon as the Baath government of Saddam Hussein collapsed, and is the goal today. While defeating the insurgency is a less tangible goal than we are used to in a war, it is the goal of all of our brave men and women in harm's way.
We need to support the government including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. If we do not support this government, it will be forced to struggle against the insurgency and will likely fall.
If you want evidence of how different Iraq is now than it was under Saddam, take the simple fact that Saddam is now on death row. He is going to be forced to answer for his crimes against the people of Iraq. Saddam has been held accountable for his slaughter of Kurds and it is beautiful to see. I love the fact that he is no longer able to hide behind a curtain of terror and intimidation.
During his trial, Saddam repeatedly referred to himself as still being the President of Iraq. It is evident that he is not used to having to answer for his actions, but his day is coming. In my opinion the last day of Saddam's life will be the greatest day in the history of Iraq.
My hope is that we don't look back on the war in Iraq in the same way that we look at Vietnam.
Iraq is in good hands right now and has a bright future. Heartless terrorists who blow up buses and kill civilians do not in any way represent the people of Iraq.
When we think of how this war has affected the people of Iraq, I hope we remember that the people of Iraq, for the first time in their memories, have a voice in their government.
For the first time in decades, Iraqis can speak out without the fear of genocide.
The Democrats won the elections earlier this month on the promise of changing direction in Iraq.
I just hope they don't forget the Iraqi people in the process.
Write to Alex at apcarroll@bsu.edu.
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