[Arkinsaw]

Two different wars. The war to remove Saddam and the Baathists from power was won quickly and decisively.

The second war, to bring democracy to Iraq is the iffy one and one we weren't really prepared for. Its very difficult to just hand freedom and democracy over to someone on a platter. It's impossible if they don't want it and are either unwilling or apathetic about seizing the opportunity.

Bremer said as much in his latest speech. If the Iraqis do not seize the opportunity to save their country....then it won't be saved. The question is simply a matter of how patient we are and on when our time limit is.

Sooner or later we are going to have to announce that time limit. If the Iraqis don't seize their own future then we should pull back away from the cities and let them slug it out. In that event we should make clear that we are very good at removing regimes from power and putting their leaders in orange jumpsuits and would not hesitate to do that again if that regime once again became a threat to US interests or certain lines were crossed. We may not be able to determine Iraq's government, but we certainly retain a big old olive drab veto over them.

[Check_Your_Premises]

Sooner or later we are going to have to announce that time limit. If the Iraqis don't seize their own future then we should pull back away from the cities and let them slug it out. In that event we should make clear that we are very good at removing regimes from power and putting their leaders in orange jumpsuits and would not hesitate to do that again if that regime once again became a threat to US interests or certain lines were crossed. We may not be able to determine Iraq's government, but we certainly retain a big old olive drab veto over them.

Ok, now you make a lot of sense. This is the same approach I am leaning toward. I love the "olive drab veto" line by the way. You sir are a wordsmith.