2 of 123

Write now Article Tools

"It's not whether you win or lose its how you play the game". This is what we learned as children only to find as adults how wrong that is. We hear from both sides about winning or losing in Iraq. Is it necessary to "Win" or "Lose"? What is winning? How would you define losing? The president says winning is the establishment of a free a democratic Iraq, a partner in the "war on terror". Opponents say losing is being forced into a police role with no end in sight. Are the two mutually exclusive? Some say we must win to maintain our role as the leader in the free world. Others say we have lost already and better pull out before more die.

I say let's not talk about winning or losing. Let's talk about what is in the best overall interest of America. The feuds in Iraq are long standing. The country was put together with three regions of people that didn't like each other then and still don't. It does not matter how many on which side we kill; they still won't like each other. But our continued involvement in their country may have a uniting effect. We can give them something to agree on. They will agree that the US should get the hell out and leave the governance of their country to them. They will agree that they all have a common enemy and that is us.

Our poorly thought out invasion and subsequent occupation of a sovereign country has had severe consequences both domestically and abroad. It has had the impact of creating a battleground for other countries to get involved. Saudi Arabia is funding the Sunnis, the force behind the vast majority of the casualties. Iran is siding with the Shiites; the governing party that we helped bring to power. The so-called coalition has packed up and gone home. Remember the 30 plus countries that pledged their support?

It is time to let Iraq be Iraq. Let them fight it out. No, it won't be pretty. Yes, oil prices will go up and gas will cost more. No, we may not like the outcome, but it will be their decision and isn't that what democracy is all about?

Learn more about this author, Bruce Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Debate on the war in Iraq?
We want to hear your view. Write now!