Last Throes

[ACPlayer]

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but if we do have a plan is it wise to make it public?

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Absolutely, if the intent is to leave Iraq at some point. If the intent is to never leave Iraq then no end state plan is needed. It is wise politically as well as procedurally. There are a couple of thoughts:

1. The democratic process requires and good sense confirms that transparent decisions are best.
2. The ownership of the plan is then owned by the executive and legislature that should have oversight over it rather than just the executive.
3. The opponents know what are thinking is. Just as in poker it is often advisable to define your hand with bets so that the opponent can make rational decisions. In this case if the insurgents understood what our critiria was they can help meet the objectives so that one of their objectives (the departure of the US troops is met).

The insurgents, the AQ, the opponents of the President all want to know whether this is an open ended occupation for the next 30 years (or a new president) or if Bush et al WANT to stay forever regardless.

Without a plan, my assumption is that Bush et al, dont ever want to leave regardless of democracy or the absence there of in Iraq.