What the US has done for the Kurdis is correcting one of the great historical wrongs of the 20th Century.
The Palestinians get all the world's attention but not the Kurds, screwed by everyone, neighbors, colonial powers and even the US in the 70's have achieved more of a modern tolerant society than the others.
I think we have to work hard and strong with the Baathis to create conditions for a halfway peaceful transition. The Shias have overplayed their hand and should be forced to accept a secular society. Period. Problem is, having a democracy means a theocracy in the south.
Heck. Don't understand why the old borders of the collapsing British Empire have to be so sacrosacnt. Kuwait, Iraq, Pak/Afghanistan Durand Line.
Problem is, three states create too much trouble for America. Or, take Mosul Kirkuk and turn them into Ramstein Kadena.
I'm thinking pretty clearly that Mosul-Kirkuk needs a series of very large and permanent US bases. We need a democratic Kurdish dominated country which, as part of the condition for our involvement, would respect the borders of Iran and Turkey. We can't abandon them again.
As to the Sunnis in the central and western regions, I'm happy to have a secular government but think democracy is beyond their scope. As to the Shia areas, well unless we want to fight them, then I guess they are drifting to theocracy, not because of Sadr, but because there is no Shia group willing to stand up to Sadr or the Iranians. I'm concluding we can knock their shackles off, but there is nothing to keep them from putting them back on again.
I'm appreciate you thoughts. For example, is there any alternative to the Baathists in the Sunni areas?