Commentary: Abandonment

If 160,000 U.S. troops are not safe in Iraq now, fewer troops would face
increasing danger in a gradual withdrawal, as those left behind are
gradually abandoned by their support. Wars end when there are peace
accords, and safe withdrawal of troops must be effected by agreement with
insurgents. It is not a matter of leaving Iraq "hijacked by international
terrorists," as the July 8 New York Times editorial so colorfully
expresses it. It is a matter of giving back to Iraqis the land which is
theirs. We will have to pay a high price for a peace agreement, but it
will be far cheaper than 10 more years of war. Here is a suggested message
to Congress: "Negotiate peace and convert $100 billion of the Defense budget
to build affordable housing."

- Jean G. Braun