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FINALLY, A QUICK, DECISIVE AND HONORABLE EXIT PLAN FOR IRAQ
Only a complete withdrawal of all U.S. troops - within six months and with no preconditions - can break the paralysis that now enfeebles our diplomacy and the greatest obstacles to cutting and running are the psychological inhibitions of our leaders and the public: Lt Gen William E. Odom ( ret)
Finally, a credible and highly respected General (Odom was the head of the National Security Agency during the Reagan administration ) hits the nail on the head by declaring we can only eventually win by declaring an immediate withdrawal, admitting we made a mistake and need help, create a diplomatic forum for Iraq's neighbors, cooperate with Iran in areas of shared interests and then real progress must be made on the Palestinian issue as a foundation for Middle East peace.
This war was founded on lies and deceptions and now it's time for the truth and its consequences ~ however humbling they may be.
How can we possibly justify the continuance of an illegal war and occupation of a sovereign country ~ that was initially based on lies ?
This intervention can only be accomplished with a dramatic change in Congressional leadership next Tuesday which will finally assert its true constitutional balance of power with the out-of-control executive branch.
Odoms plan makes complete sense for it appears the only way America can regain its lost honor and reputation in a world that longs for our former moral leadership.
Please read this carefully and pass it on,
Allen L Roland http://blogs.salon.com/0002255/2006/11/02.html
RETIRED NSA CHIEF SAYS CUT AND RUN
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-odom31oct31,1,7826686.story?ctrack=1&;cset=true
LT GEN WILLIAM E. ODOM [RET] - The United States upset the regional balance in the Middle East when it invaded Iraq. Restoring it requires bold initiatives, but "cutting and running" must precede them all. Only a complete withdrawal of all U.S. troops - within six months and with no preconditions - can break the paralysis that now enfeebles our diplomacy. And the greatest obstacles to cutting and running are the psychological inhibitions of our leaders and the public.
Our leaders do not act because their reputations are at stake. The public does not force them to act because it is blinded by the president's conjured set of illusions: that we are reducing terrorism by fighting in Iraq; creating democracy there; preventing the spread of nuclear weapons; making Israel more secure; not allowing our fallen soldiers to have died in vain; and others.
But reality can no longer be avoided. It is beyond U.S. power to prevent bloody sectarian violence in Iraq, the growing influence of Iran throughout the region, the probable spread of Sunni-Shiite strife to neighboring Arab states, the eventual rise to power of the anti-American cleric Muqtada Sadr or some other anti-American leader in Baghdad, and the spread of instability beyond Iraq. All of these things and more became unavoidable the day that U.S. forces invaded. . .
Some lawmakers are ready to change course but are puzzled as to how to leave Iraq. The answer is four major initiatives to provide regional stability and calm in Iraq. They will leave the U.S. less influential in the region. But it will be the best deal we can get.
First, the U.S. must concede that it has botched things, cannot stabilize the region alone and must let others have a say in what's next. As U.S. forces begin to withdraw, Washington must invite its European allies, as well as Japan, China and India, to make their own proposals for dealing with the aftermath. . . Rapid troop withdrawal and abandoning unilateralism will have a sobering effect on all interested parties. . .
The second initiative is to create a diplomatic forum for Iraq's neighbors. Iran, of course, must be included. Washington should offer to convene the forum but be prepared to step aside if other members insist.
Third, the U.S. must informally cooperate with Iran in areas of shared interests. Nothing else could so improve our position in the Middle East. The price for success will include dropping U.S. resistance to Iran's nuclear weapons program. This will be as distasteful for U.S. leaders as cutting and running, but it is no less essential. That's because we do share vital common interests with Iran. . .
Accepting Iran's nuclear weapons is a small price to pay for the likely benefits. Moreover, its nuclear program will proceed whether we like it or not. Accepting it might well soften Iran's support for Hezbollah, and it will definitely undercut Russia's pernicious influence with Tehran.
Fourth, real progress must be made on the Palestinian issue as a foundation for Middle East peace. The invasion of Iraq and the U.S. tilt toward Israel have dangerously reduced Washington's power to broker peace or to guarantee Israel's security. We now need Europe's help ... And good relations with Iran would help dramatically.
No strategy can succeed without these components. We must cut and run tactically in order to succeed strategically. The United States needs to restore its reputation so that its capacity to lead constructively will cost us less.
Allen L Roland is a practicing psychotherapist, author and lecturer who also shares a daily political and social commentary on his weblog and website allenroland.com He also guest hosts a monthly national radio show TRUTHTALK on Conscious talk radio www.conscioustalk.net
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