Can anyone fix Iraq?

[Toucano]

Condi's current venture to the Mes-o-potamia has begun to make me think (hope) that they can't continue to deny the complete failure of their war of choice.

If Bush woke up tomorrow and decided he wanted to get out, could anything be done to bring peace and stability to Iraq?

Specifically, I would like you opinion about the following:

1) If Bush were to admit that Iraq needs help, could he pursuade the UN to assist with peacekeepers until a true political solution could be found? Would France, Germany, and Russia send forces if they were allowed in on the rebuilding contracts?

2) Would the military assistance of other Arab countries help calm the violence if the U.S. forces withdraw?

3) What else do you think could be done to stop the bloodshed?

[Amonester]

1. First of all things, the PNAC crackpots should be:

1. Gone from power, put on trial for all their war crimes and crimes against Humanity in Iraq (and for their crimes against Democracy in the U.S.), and sentenced accordingly (including paying back all the money they robbed).

2. Once this is accomplished, the U.N. should put up an unprecedented council for all nations (including Arab countries) that would kindly offer their assistance in finding real solutions for peace (reconstruction + peacekeepers).

3. Once a feasable plan will be negotiated, gradually replace the U.S. troops (give the boy's and girls a break and give peace a chance).

[Toucano]

2. I like your take, but

I don't think Iraq can wait for the war crimes trials of the PNAC crackpots. That has to happen as part of reconcilliation eventually.

I'm just not sure that thousands of civilians who are being killed can wait for it to happen first.

[Amonester]

3. Of course, they can't wait. But I am afraid, like Vietnam, there is...

nothing the world can do except 'soft' diplomatic pressures for the 'new official' U.S. dicktator to withdraw the 'coalition' troops. Unfortunately, the 'new illegal' dictatorturor has made clear he has no intention to stop looting the taxpayers treasury and waste the working class's blood and health before the end of his devilish reign.

Bu$h will never 'admit that Iraq needs help' and he will never allow France, Germany, and Russia to send forces, either with or without any rebuilding contracts to start with.

So, as soon as he will be either 'removed' by impeachment (and don't forget to 'remove' the REAL dick: Chain~ey, too...), or out of the WH, then solutions will have a chance to get seriously examined.

I honestly can't see any other alternative, unless the Iraqi 'resistance' succeeds at chasing away their illegal invaders by themsleves... which I doubt will ever happen.

[kentuck]

4. Why must you ask such tough questions?

Yes, it can be fixed...but not by America. It cannot be fixed by the Iranians. It cannot be fixed by the Saudis. It cannot be fixed by the Jordanians. It cannot be fixed by the Egyptians. It can only be fixed by Iraqis. That is the bottom line. At some time, the killing has to stop and the talking has to begin. The problem will not be resolved by force. It must be done with negotiation of all parties involved. America should ask some of the Sunni leaders to sit down with some of the Shia leaders and see where it goes? That would be the start.

[Toucano]

5. That's a very good point.

Do you think there is anyone both Sunni and Shia leaders trust enough to help lead them to a diplomatic solution?

What is President Carter's stock worth in the Middle East (outside Iran, which I can fairly well guess is not good)? Maybe no U.S. figure has enough credibility. Maybe Kofi?

You're right. It's a tough question. I'm tired of hearing that the Democrats "have no plan". I thought floating some balloons out there might help solidify a plan that can be articulated in a sound bite.

I think you may have just about done it: Bring the Sunni, Shia and Kurds and their various militia leaders together and find out how to mediate a lasting peace - with all options on the table. Marines and the National Guard can't do that, and they're not stopping the violence, so let's bring them home.