Over time during the war in Iaq, General David Petraeus worked to stabilize Iraq by devising new strategies that included a build-up of troops and using resources effectively by reaching out to the Iraqi population. Today there are few isolated incidents of the kind of violence that was reported in the previous five years of the war.

Ending the war in Iraq is a debate that has almost come to an end with some goals met and others looming ahead. What options are available for ending the war in Iraq? What will happen to the country of Iraq when US troops are withdrawn? The current debate is built around troop withdrawal and leaving a residual army there to train Iraqis and keep the peace.

Many liberal progressives believe that sending the troops home immediately is the best option for the United States. Yet, the US has spent a considerable amount of effort and money to rebuild the nation it invaded in 2003. Despite the news media hype that Iraq doesn't want the US there, Iraqi officials are concerned about the aftermath of troop withdrawal. This concern took on added impetus with neighboring Iran developing nuclear weaponry.

If the US pulls troops out immediately, what impacts will that have on the global community? Unrest and global disturbances impact markets and trading not to mention the possible loss and spoilage of Iraqi advancement made in rebuilding their community. It was the Iraqis who were persuaded to turn against the terrorism of al Qaeda and others to make a stand for freedom from tyranny.

Having Iraq as a friendly ally makes sense in the attempt to stabilize the Middle East.

Can the US abandon Iraq entirely and withdraw our support from Iraq without repercussion and consequence? Former General Colin Powell once said, "If you break it, you fix it." Have we fixed it and what are other options for the war and Iraq?

Global rules and agendas are changing with the re-emergence of countries like Russia forming alliances with Iran, China, and Venezuela. The US needs allies all over the world as Russia moves their agenda to the western hemisphere. Minding our own business means having alliances like Iraq if possible. Isolation is out of the question if the US intends to remain safe.

In addition, there's the emergence of Iran as a nuclear power with an agenda. Iran promotes and funds (by some reports) Hamas and Hezbollah. These terrorist organizations have befriended Syria by providing medical clinics and other social services and Hezbollah now have parliament seats.

The world is watching the US and observing how we end the war in Iraq. Will our ending be the beginning for Iraq or the opportunity for another country to move in and dominate them with their own agendas? It's a question we should consider carefully.

The UN says we should Internationalize the war on terror

Background on Iraq and the UN: Members participated in oil kickbacks from Saddam Hussein from about 1996 to 2003. The "Oil For Food" scandal, robbed the Iraqi people of food and medicines. Given their history, one might wonder if the UN can be trusted to oversee an international force in Iraq. If they can handle the responsibility with integrity, an international force would be a sensible approach to end the war in Iraq..

Currently, we have a timetable in which US troops will be withdrawn and a residual presence will remain in Iraq. Most former critics see the war in Iraq as ended. Let us hope and pray that they become staunch allies of the United States. We cannot stand on our strength alone.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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