Our Opinion
Iraq conflict troubling

THREE YEARS AFTER the invasion of Iraq, troubling questions still remain about the American-led occupation of the country and the future of Iraq in general.

For a sense of how U.S. efforts in the country have gone since 2003, simply examine some of the news out of the country from the past weekend.

According to the Associated Press American troops fought with gunmen in northern Baghdad while insurgents launched mortars in the city of Karbala, which is presently filled with pilgrims heading to religious observances.

In a BBC interview, former Iraqi prime minister Ayad Allawi classified the conflict, saying “if this is not a civil war, then God knows what a civil war is.”

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney quickly denied this claim, stating that the continuing violence is desperate tactic by terrorists determined to stop the spread of democracy.

As of this weekend, a total of 2,318 U.S. troops and 103 British soldiers have been killed since the start of the conflict.

Three years after the beginning of the conflict to topple Saddam Hussein, it is clear America’s efforts to stabilize the country have left much to be desired.

The American people have largely adopted this view, with a new Newsweek poll finding only 29 percent approving of the President’s handling of the situation with 65 percent disapproval.

Regardless about how one feels about the conflict and the reasons ostensibly behind it, it is clearly time for every American to consider his or her opinions on the future of the nation’s presence in both Iraq and the greater Middle East.

While it could be argued that a full-scale pullout from Iraq would be both premature and have long-term consequences for American power abroad, it is important to consider equally the consequences of continuing the conflict in terms of both lives and money.

The Iraq conflict will likely prove to be an important moment in America’s history. It is therefore critical that every citizen consider their opinions and decide for themselves how the nation should proceed.

While the rallies around the nation this past weekend opposing the war will likely do little to bring American troops home, hopefully they will at the least cause some to question their existing opinions on the war in either direction.

A public dialog and debate on the future of the American presence in Iraq is now required. There will certainly be downsides to any course of action — yet it is critical that Americans consider all of the nation’s options carefully before deciding one way or the other and electing officials who will fulfill this vision.

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