WHAT IF?

The President's decision to withdraw our troops from Iraq is hard to oppose when it does bring our troops back home to safety but its wisdom remains to be seen.  The motive appears to be political but that is only an assumption.  The gratitude of the families and troops could be transformed into votes and that part of his constituency who have been long time opponents of the war will be pleased.

But, what if it turns out to be a brilliant military strategy?  Suppose, and it is likely, the Iranians overrun Iraq and we have to respond.  We  have been deeply concerned over Iran's nuclear program and have tried in vain to get them to abandon it.  Attacking or just bombing Iraq has been an option for a long time but such action is opposed by most of what we laughingly call our "allies".   If and when Iran interferes in Iraqi affairs and becomes a dominant force in that country, and they will, we have manufactured the perfect excuse to take action against them.  It"s like a "trap play" in football where you allow an opposing, defensive lineman through the line and set a trap for him when he comes through.

We can only hope that our efforts, the sacrifices of our troops and the money spent will not have been wasted in our effort to free the Iraqi people.  Only time will tell if it is possible to free people from tyrants and do it successfully.  If this effort fails, the American people will never again  support similar actions.