Dead-iraqi-childThe Bush Plan is nothing more than refried failure.

It should be clear to all by now that the situation in Iraq will continue to deteriorate whether we withdraw, have a surge, or put in 300,000 more troops which we don’t have. Further, the number of troops proposed to take control of Baghdad is not sufficient and will simply cause the insurgents to go elsewhere in Iraq to continue wrecking mayhem and violence.

Iraq must take the lead and get other countries to provide money and troops until Iraq is self-sufficient. Due to the tremendous resentment of the United States in Iraq, the Middle East, and throughout the world, this will not happen as long as the United States is in control and without a dramatic change. The Bush Surge Plan will not provide that change.

Here’s my plan:

The United States should announce:

  • We will begin to withdraw our troops in 60 days.
  • We will complete the withdrawal 90 days after the withdrawal start date.
  • It will be Iraq’s responsibility to gain international support and cooperation.
  • Upon invitation of the Iraqi government, we will provide 20% of the foreign funds for rebuilding Iraq and 20% of the foreign troops needed in cooperation with the other nations willing to participate.
  • If Iraq succeeds in getting international commitments for funding and troops, we agree keep our 20% share in place and not fully withdraw our troops if the troops from the other countries are deployed before we have drawn our troops down to 20% of the total international troop support.

Here’s the rationale:

  • The Unites States cannot solve the situation in Iraq on our own and shouldn’t be expected to do so.
  • Other countries will not provide troops or money as long as the United States is in control.
  • Countries throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and Europe, have more to fear from an out of control Iraq than the United States since they are geographically closer than the U. S.
  • The Iraqi government will be able to control the rebuilding and let contracts to companies they choose rather than companies the United States dictates. This will encourage other countries to get involved.
  • We should be willing to bear our fair share of the burden.
  • We can manage providing 20% of the international financial support and 20% of the foreign troops in Iraq indefinitely.

What do you think? Brilliant or Ridiculous?