Reply #155: Here are the actual orders for re-deployment laid out. [View All]

You can find all that I am about to list in the "Strategic Redeployment: A Progressive Plan for Iraq and the Struggle Against violent Extremists" by Lawrence J. Korb and Brian Katulis - which is basically where both Murtha and Kerry got their ideas.

In a nutshell they wanted to begin their redeployment in two phases, but Murtha and perhaps Kerry didn't think it was fast enough. In effect it would bring the Guard and Reserve home, but divide the marines and army up between Afghanistan and Kuwait. This has likely changed significantly as the PPISA was written back in either 2005 or 2006. As things stand now if we "redeploy" we will have to pull out quickly, and this will result in leaving Iraq in chaos. We may be able to send most Guard and Reserve home, but the remaining military men and women will be stationed in either Kuwait or Afghanistan.

The PPISA also did not take into account Iran's involvement. It spoke of engaging Iran diplomatically, but no where did it speak of Iran's attempts to influence the Iraqi government. Furthermore, it did not explore the fact that Iran may simply refuse to speak to us, or even the fact that Iran would keep any deal it makes with us - both likely possibilities. If Iran will not engage us diplomatically or will not keep their end of any deals we make with them - we are screwed. A war with Iran would quickly become inevitable to preserve regional stability.

This is, of course, why we have those nice men and women waiting in Kuwait.

Everything that I proposed can achieve this, the elimination of combat forces - the return of reservists and the national guard. We may have to draw down the number we want to send to Afghanistan, but everything I proposed is entirely possible with the same end result. The difference being we actually, gasp, don't leave the Iraqi people hanging on a limb. We actively try and stabilize their country and ensure that a genuine democracy emerges.

As far as I can tell, Washington has given up for Democracy in Iraq. They figure if the Iraqi's just won't do what they say - then hey - they aren't worth the time. Pull out, kill them if the get uppity, and let Jeebus sort them out.