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(Dec. 1, 2005)
It seems the question on everybody's lips
these days is not if we will win the war in Iraq, but when we
will get out. President Bush delivered his update on the
military effort today. As usual, not much was said. He gave no
specifics on withdrawal except to say that American troops would
continue to train Iraqis. He says that a hasty withdrawal will be
detrimental to American national security in the long run. He
says that American troops will stay until they have finished, or
until the Iraqi government tells us to leave. Unfortunately, I
agree with Bush that this is the best option. It is obvious that
we never should have gone to war in the first place. All the
arguments that lead us into war have been debunked. Even the
argument that the White House and Pentagon are still using--that
we are fighting the War on Terror in Iraq so we don't have to
fight it on American soil-- doesn't stand up. The War in Iraq
has acted as a recruiting tool for Muslim extremists all around
the world. Not only are American troops in harms way, but
American citizens should have more to fear. In the face of all
these concerns, politicians and citizens are calling for a
proposed timetable for withdrawal. But we shouldn't be too hasty.
We have already done enough damage. The last thing we need is
for a civil war to break out between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds
after Americans leave. We need to ensure that the government and
military can stand on their own feet. When either or both of
these tasks are completed, America can leave Iraq. Although I
was vehemently opposed to the invasion and occupation of Iraq, I
must agree with the president on the issue of withdrawal. We
can't be to hasty. But we can't just ignore the problem either. Stephen Lacey News Director, 105.3 WFPC-LP Franklin Pierce College VM- (603) 899-4100 x.2892 Home Phone- (603) 352-7470
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