Bring the Troops Home -- AND.......?

[Sparkly]

Let's say a Democrat takes office in 2009, and does everything you'd wish with the troops -- whether a full and immediate withdrawal, a phased withdrawal, a partial withdrawal and redeployment, or something else.

Aside from the military aspect, is there more to the plan? If so, what is the rest of the plan? Anything about the political issues involved, the broader regional conflicts, etc. that the US should be involved with? Or should the US have a hands-off policy altogether?

And what would your likely outcome be in one year, five years, do you think?

Your thoughts?

[Warren Stupidity]

1. Bring the troops home and convert our miltary to a force intended

to defend our nation against attack, rather than one intended to occupy and garrison the planet.

Bring our military spending down in line with the other nations of the world. Back off on this whole empire thing.

Not that we are ready for this, at least not until we have a political leader with the courage and vision to lead us where we need to go.

[Sparkly]

3. Good points.

But what about the middle east -- in and around Iraq in particular? Do you think the US should have any non-military involvement there at all, or try to get others in to assist in some way, or leave them alone completely?

[Warren Stupidity]

5. non-military involvement? of course, we should trade with

them, engage them culturally, visit their wonderful ancient sites and grand new cities, invite them to visit our spectacular parks and wonderful cities, engage with their culture as equals. Somehow I think that is not what you meant.

[MikeNearMcChord]

2. Bring in the UN and also Arab Regional Councils

To bring in stability to the country, as for the rebuilding, we have to pay
(Tax the Rich Big time since this was their war)I also believe (though it probably won't happen)there must be accountability by the Bush Administration, an international court of inquiry into the dealings of not only Bush but also Tony Blair and private contractors. The oil of Iraq will not given to Anglo-American companies, but to whoever the Iraqi people decide once stability is achieved.

[Sparkly]

4. Totally agree about accountability and the oil. Questions about "stability...."

Do you mean politically, or in terms of the violence -- and if both, which do you start with? What would the roles of the UN and Arab Regional Councils be?

[MikeNearMcChord]

6. Sorry to take long in responding

I would give that job to the Arabs and the Iranians to broker a deal to stop the violence, with the UN in the background. I don't know if Iraq can be put back together again, then again the country was really slapped together from the old Ottoman empire by Great Britain and France. But economically if Sunni, Shia and Kurd get the a share of the oil wealth it can go a long way.