Iraq orders end to Sadr blockade - an opportunity to "cut and run"?

Great Debates
1

As reported here and elsewhere, the Iraqi government apparently took the opportunity to actually function as a government, and rebuke US policy.

Would this - or similar expressions of sovereignty by the Iraqi government - be sufficient pretext for us to say, “Great to see you are able and eager to handle things. See ya. We’ll be glad to come back as part of any multinational force you may wish to invite in at a later date.”

Would our “cutting and running” in such a manner clearly be better or worse for Iraq? The US? The region and the world?

IMO, such an action by the US would leave Iraq truly fucked. But, IMO, they are currently truly fucked as a result of our ongoing occupancy. I think withdrawing as soon as possible under a presentable pretext would allow us to appear to save face, while actually saving tremendous American wealth and lives. And our withdrawal would set the stage for the international community to attempt to craft some solution to rectify what we wrought.

2

The phrase “cut and run” has been ruthlessly misused by the Republicans, and now the other side is having its turn on the bullhorn. If I never hear it again, it will be too soon.

Our president and the last two secretaries of state have chanted the mantra of stand up, sit down (or something like that.) When the Iraqis are ready, we’ll let them have the reins. We didn’t do much to help them get ready, but they are gradually, slowly, taking charge. The sooner the Iraqis can fight their own damned war, the sooner our folks can come home. I believe it’s happening in spite of, not because of, the efforts of the US military.