At this point, I’m in favor of an orderly and phased withdrawal from Iraq beginning immediately, followed by a redeployment of US resources and military to areas in the ME that are a more immediate and substantive threat. My view is that Iraq, even if it implodes, is a minor player in the scheme of things. I think Al Qaeda is threat #1 and their center of gravity is in Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Africa, supported by Saudi money (US petrol dollars, energy is another issue).
Here are my questions:
In your view, how much of our troop presence in Iraq is a strategic move which provides the capability to respond to a disruption in tanker traffic through the Straights of Hormuz, possibly initiated by Iran? If so, what does this say about the energy issue and our dependence on ME petrol supplies?
Also, what is your view re: the downsizing of US presence in Iraq leading to a regional alliance between Iraq and Iran (and a subsequent strengthening of both states) that might evolve into the major US threat in the region? If so, what does this say about the time frame of our commitment and the resources required to sustain it?
Just curious if you had any opinion on these questions. I’d be interested in your views.
