After all, it might get in the way of cutting, running, and surrendering. So one simply chose not to hear what General Petraeus has to say – and the other declares anything that contradicts the assertions that the war is lost is a lie. At least one Republican has had the guts to speak out on this disgraceful situation.

On the other hand, the (relatively) moderate Arab states in region donÂ’t want the US to withdraw from Iraq because of the very real, very negative consequences of such a course of action.

The so-called axis of moderate Arab states - comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan - dreads an early US withdrawal. First, because it would be widely interpreted as an American defeat, which would weaken these pro-American regimes while both energising and radicalising their populations.

Second, if the US leaves, the emergence of a Shia regime in Iraq - in itself an offensive prospect to them - would only be a matter of time. Facing Arab antipathy, this regime would be likely to look eastward and forge close ties with its Iranian co-religionists. In the view of most Arabs, this would present a formidable challenge, setting in motion a series of dangerous events - an Iranian-Iraqi alliance; political and material support from Arab countries being offered to disgruntled Iraqi Sunni groups; retaliation by Iraqi forces; and the threat of broader regional involvement.

Third, a US departure risks triggering Iraq's partition. As some Arabs see it, the occupation is what holds the country together. So long as coalition forces are deployed, a full-blown breakup can be avoided.

But the no-faith (in our troops) based Democrats don’t care about the consequences of their strategy – except the hoped-for electoral success a perceived military defeat brings to their party. It must such, having to root against your country to get power for yourself. A patriot couldn’t do it.

Posted by: Greg at 11:56 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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