is formally splitting Iraq an option?

[mnmoderatedem]

Thoughts on this:

Suppose we now say OK we're just going to split Iraq into three separate sovereign regions with their own separate governments, as mass chaos and civil war appears inevitable anyway once we leave. So should we go ahead and formally do that now? Would this be the best option for as peaceful a resolution as possible, with minimal bloodshed, and get our troops home as soon as possible?

Thoughts/opinions?

[bryant69]

1. Be kind of high-handed

The kurds would like it, probably, but Turkey would hate it (because it gives justification for their kurds to get their own state).

And of course both the other bits would be made at being seperated from land that is traditionally theres.

Don't think it's workable.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[realFedUp]

2. ya mean, as in ours and theirs?

oil and non-oil?
Arab and everyone else?

The haves and the have nots?

sorry, I know you want serious thoughts...listening
to Bush just numbs my brain.

[Midnight Rambler]

3. The Sunnis would have none of that

It would seem like a reasonable solution to get our own troops out, and I'm all for that, but it would probably be one of the worst things we could do. The Sunnis want a piece of that oil wealth that happens to lie mostly under Kurdish and Shi'ite territory. It'll only exacerbate civil war, and probably make it bloodier.

Oh yeah, and that thing about Turkey and the Kurds too. And I'm pretty sure Iran would love another Shi'ite state.

[liveoaktx]

4. Uh, they are technically a *sovereign* nation-out of line for the US

to, at least publicly, interfere to such an extent. Or it would cost a lot of bribe money to the puppet administration.

[Loonman]

5. Brits did it with "Israel"

That worked out smashingly.

[tx_dem41]

6. Two problems with that.

1. Who gets the oil-producing regions?
2. How does Turkey feel about having "Kurdistan" on its SE border?

[Bridget Burke]

7. Not by the USA--it is not our right.

Colonial powers often draw borders as they are finally kicked out of their colonies. Problems ensue.