Perle is wrong and he fails to even acknowledge one of the main causes for the Iraqi theatre, that being the confluence of terrorists and WMD.
We still have not found the WMD. The notion that we conquer Baghdad and go home leaving Al Qaeda, the PLF, Ansar al Islam and there boss Zarqawi free reign to in Iraq with access to Sarin and Anthrax is beyond stupid, way beyond.
The ensuing chaos and blood shed and probable civil war in an abrupt exit is far more serious, then allowing the perps to get a respite. That is why there is a consensus that we are rather "stuck" in Iraq at present. And on that, there is a consensus, except for the kooks.
Have you seen this?
U.S. Announces It Intends to Move Tons of Uranium From Baghdad