by Matthew J. Geiger

Created on: February 20, 2008

At some point, major military operations in Iraq must end for the sole purpose of supporting US interests with the hope that Iraq will become a stable and well-governed nation. This success will greatly depend upon the ability of the Iraqi leadership to unite an extremely divided people under a government that seeks to uphold all Iraqis' interests and the strength of the national military, police force, and tribal militias. Frankly, Iraqis must set and accomplish goals that will stabilize their country as the United States cannot serve as a permanent leader, but setting timetables that dictate when political and security resolutions need to be completed primarily serves to further US interests in ending major military occupation in Iraq. Though timetables are probably a good idea for America's interest in leaving Iraq and will help push the Iraqi government toward accomplishing some goals, it will likely leave the conflict in Iraq unresolved; timetables are a poor solution for a poor situation.

While the conflict in Iraq is an important step in building a pro-West Middle East, the US must put its interests ahead of Iraq's stability as this conflict is critically hurting America economically and militarily. There are efforts that America needs to invest in that would be more fruitful in securing our Nation. Not only could the United States apply military resources to secure the borders, but there are numerous other hotspots and conflicts around the world that could use US military pressure. Furthermore, by arguing that America must stay in Iraq because the Bush administration made a mess of what should have been an "easy win" and that the American people are continuously responsible for the poor governance of the Iraqi leadership and infighting of the Iraqi people, proponents of continuing the Iraq war are pushing people away their stance. Quite frankly, such an argument polarizes the issue between a fight or flight argument; as America's patient wanes, especially with a recession approaching, this argument will force the end of the American occupation of Iraq whether the conflict is resolved or not.

Instead of polarizing the Iraq issue, proponents must focus on viable solutions that will help Iraq stabilize. Senator Joseph Biden has long tried to form a solution that allows the Iraqi people to reorganize their government based on their inability to prevent civil war; although his solution may not ultimately be the solution employed, it allows America to open

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