[ptmusic]

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I saw an inteview yesterday with an aid worker who has been there for 2 years and he said that the security situation is now the worst it has ever been. Average Iraqis in Baghdad are afraid when they walk outside. He said that they don't respect Americans, so either training the Iraqi police/army or getting in non-US soldiers is the only solution.

I agree and think that the best would be that US retreated and that EU and Arab League sent soldiers. None of those are ready to do that so probably the best solution is a Afghanistan-model. The US leaves and UN soldiers take control over Baghdad. A new election organized by the UN must be held as the US-organized election will never be fully respected.

I am aware that civil war might break out, but I see no better options.

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Right on - good thoughts. And you are right to use the word "might" break out. Even if civil war is likely, it is not as likely as the chances of more people dying by the end of this month alone because we are in Iraq (a near lock). And even if civil war is likely if we leave now, it is also likely if we leave at some point in the future. We will never have any assurance of peace when we leave.

A mother who lost her son was interviewed on MSNBC last night. She said that those who are protesting the war are the ones who are supporting our troops the most. It is our government who is not supporting our troops. One reason she suggested for why our government is keeping our troops there is so that we can set up permanent military bases in the area. That's not a good enough reason for all the death.

It's time to bring those troops home.

-ptmusic