The Bush administration is making it clearer day by day that it intends to withdraw American troops from Iraq rapidly and roughly in step with the increase in the number of Iraqi troops deemed capable of taking over security responsibilities. Even while denying rumors of a rapid withdrawal of U.S. forces, President Bush has declared that "as Iraqis stand up, we will stand down."
This could be a big mistake. It is likely to simply sustain the current level of security in Iraq -- which is poor -- rather than take advantage of increasing numbers of Iraqi troops to improve the security situation. And, more important, relying on increases in the number of combat-capable Iraqi troops to make U.S. withdrawals possible ignores a serious set of challenges that have to be dealt with before the United States can depart with confidence in the prospects for victory.
Good grief, why shouldn't we reduce troops strength in some measure as the Iraqis come on line? And who on Earth has suggested we will abandon them? Since 170,000 trained Iraqi security personnel have come on line over the last year, have we reduced our presence by 170,000? Well, no. We have not.
Get a grip, people. Turning over primary responsibility for fighting the enemy in Iraq is not the same as cutting and running. Advisors, logistics, air power, special forces, conventional forces for tough missions and a reserve, and capabilities to deter invasion while the Iraqi military looks inward will all be provided by the United States until the war is won.
It's getting embarassing. Will war supporters please get a grip? Trust that the President means what he says and that we will win this war.
