by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: July 06, 2008

For the United States to even consider surrendering to a grossly inferior power such as Iraq is ridiculous. The Iraqi government cannot control its own citizens. The three different factions in the country, the Sunnis, the Shia and the Curds are fighting each other. Everyone is fighting the Americans who are busy trying to prop up the government, restore peace and repair the infrastructure of the country. If even a small fraction of the American forces decided to surrender, the government would be thrown into a panic. Officials rely on American support to sustain their government in power. Government officials would probably refuse to acknowledge the surrendering troops.

Nor is defeat an option. The Iraqi military is poorly equipped, poorly trained, and infiltrated with insurgents and traitors. Its ability to defeat a healthy American kindergarten class during recess is questionable. The notion that it could defeat American fighting forces is laughable.

Is there a third option of which America could take advantage to end the conflict in Iraq? Of course, but it would involve politicians having to admit that they made mistakes and this is something they are loathe to do.

The war would be brought to a quick conclusion if the President were to call a news conference tomorrow, and tell the world that American intelligence was wrong when it reported that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. He would then have to apologize for the destruction caused and the lives lost since the invasion, reminding the Iraqi people that, at least, they were no longer under the thumb of the dictator, Sadam Hussein.

The president would then pledge to reimburse government of Iraq for the repair of homes and infrastructure damaged or destroyed during the fighting. Government officials would receive this money as soon as the last American was out of Iraq. Then, in an orderly manner, the troops could begin to withdraw.

What would be the results of this strategy? Most importantly, America's young men and women would be brought home quickly, safe and sound. The Iraqi government, anxious for the money, would facilitate the withdrawal of the American forces. The insurgents, anxious to be rid of at least one enemy would probably hold their peace until the Americans had left. It would be costly for the American coffers, but less costly than carrying on a pointless war indefinitely.

The Iraqis would finally be forced to take full responsibility for their own peacekeeping and policing services. Their present government would either stand or fall according to the wishes and actions of the people of Iraq. This is how it should be. After all, it is the business of the Iraqi people, and of no one else.

Neither surrender nor defeat are options to end the conflict in Iraq. Will the third option be chosen? No, the war will drag on and on, more young soldiers will be killed, the economy will be savaged, the environment will be damaged , and the world will be dragged ever closer to global depression and perhaps military Armageddon... all because arrogant politicians will not admit to an error.

Next January, a new President will take office in Washington. Dare we hope for meaningful change? Dare we hope that the next leader will have enough humility, enough regard for the welfare of the common people to take the third option? We can only hope and pray that such will be the case. In the meantime, we must wait and count the body bags as they return home, even as the people in Iraq are similarly engaged in counting theirs.

Learn more about this author, Carolyn Tytler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.