The United States handover of control in Iraq is marked with fear as well as hope. Violence has been on the rise in recent months, and with combat troops due to leave in a little more than a year, the future is uncertain.
But June 30 was marked as a state holiday ”“ National Sovereignty Day. Some day in Iraq, elders may tell their grandchildren how U.S. occupiers formally handed over security responsibilities in Iraq’s cities.
Despite all the dangers that lie ahead, the start of U.S. withdrawal is being celebrated by many Iraqis. It is an essential step toward recovery from the crimes of Saddam Hussein and the mistakes of the United States. The withdrawal is also essential for the United States, in fulfillment of a campaign pledge by candidate Barack Obama.
Just a year ago, John McCain and other Republican candidates described any pullout from Iraq as a surrender to terrorists. President George W. Bush described America’s efforts in Iraq as “noble” and Vice President Richard Cheney told troops in Baghdad that the war “has been a difficult, challenging, but nonetheless successful endeavor.”
Those who argued for a pullout were warned that that the U.S. should not “cut and run” because it would embolden al-Qaida and secular militias.
Such rhetoric has become part of the past, but an upsurge of violence in recent months is a reminder that there is no certainty that Iraq will remain stable. It is entirely possible that the country could once again slip become caught up in secular violence. And it is worth noting that the U.S. military believes that al-Qaida is attempting to reassert its influence in the country.
There is no way to know what will happen in Iraq as the U.S. presence recedes, but the only way to find out is to gradually withdraw. The relative peace of the last two years has been partly due to a new U.S. military strategy, but partly due to strategic decisions by Shiite and Sunni leaders to pursue their interests by political means.
In the months ahead, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Iraq’s parliament must face the responsibility for rebuilding the country and providing a political alternative to violence. And although U.S. influence will recede, U.S. aid for rebuilding must continue.
As Iraq moves to assert its sovereignty, the U.S. goal must be broader than simply getting troops out of Iraq. We must remain involved enough to provide support in case of a crisis and to build a long-term friendship with the people of Iraq. Perhaps the U.S. will even help achieve the goal pursued by the previous administration ”“ establishing a stable democracy in the middle of the Mideast.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen Schulze Muszynski or Nick Cowenhoven at 282-1535 or kristenm@journaltribune.com or nickc@journaltribune.com.
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