A Made-to-Order Exit Policy in Iraq
The elected Iraqi government is probably too weak to stand, but additional time in this political impasse won't make it stronger. Malaki, desperate to keep the various factions within his fragile government talking to one another and equally anxious to keep his post as Prime Minister, wants us gone. The Iraqi majority want us gone. The American majority want us gone.
Wimp-fever has more hold on Iraq policy than a flu pandemic these days. Republicans have soured on their staying of an impossible course and the Democrats can’t come up with anything much beyond shivering in the corner, because there isn’t anything to offer that’s of value. Neither party dares suggest this mightiest military power on earth is whipped.
And now, they no longer need worry about that issue, because Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has come to the rescue like John Wayne galloping in on horseback.
Maliki has demanded American troops stand down from roadblocks and checkpoints, particularly in Sadr City, but gen…