Hold a series of summits, both domestically and internationally. You start with the recognition that the American effort is unsustainable in its present form, but you must put the best face possible on things. It should not be an unilateral ending, but rather a passing of the baton to others who are more eminently qualified and positioned to take the effort down the final stretch. America can remain engaged, without ruling the roost.

The message that could be publicized is that America won an honorable victory, by deposing Saddam and beginning transition towards the new Iraq. Ceremonies could be planned with pomp and circumstance to make it clear there are Iraqis appreciated America's help ... perhaps among the Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites separately. Troops in areas with unacceptably high violence should be redeployed ASAP, as non-American replacements arrive on site.

America should be open to all possible scenarios, save al-Qaeda. Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas and Fatah, Libya, Sudan, etc. should not be ruled out. This is likely to be an extremely challenging diplomatic effort and America should be willing to consider inducements for being extracted from the mess of our own creation. The assumption is that replacements will be Muslim and ideally should speak the local language in the area deployed.

Economic development will be required and America took on an implied responsibility by spearheading the invasion and occupation. Financial controls should be be designed to ensure that the money goes where intended. Sub-minimum wages should be guaranteed to anyone who shows up and works. Public works projects should be the focus, so that the Iraqis can see the progress. Arabic intelligence services are needed to ensure security and provided with tools.

At America and the local people's discretion, American bases may remain in areas not plagued with unacceptably high violence, such as Kurdistan (and possibly al-Anbar, etc.) Thus, America could continue to provide deterrence for any foreign power invasions, but stay out of day-to-day patrol and security operations.

A confederation concept seems practical, with right of opting out, after x years, if a region is dissatisfied with results. The confederation government would be responsible for coordinating foreign policies and relations among the different regions. Each region could have effective autonomy in internal affairs, including security, economic development and possibly some

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