On Tuesday when the troop pullback was conducted in Iraq, I couldn’t help but feel some elation. We have lost over 4000 soldiers lives to this war. It has been a financial drain on our country and on thousands of US families. While I am happy that our role will be declining, I am still weary of what is to become of Iraq. Can the fledgling democracy make it on their own. True, the United States soldiers will still occupy bases in Iraq for the time being. It is also true that US soldiers will continue to drive through cities to make routine patrols. However all of that is likely coming to an end, soon. Where does that leave the nation of Iraq? It will undoubtedly leave it in a vast state of turmoil. Once the US presence is gone for good, the nation will come under vicious attack from militants.
This brings me to ask a question – could the inevitable instability be avoided even if we occupied the region another 10 years? Won’t unrest be prominent whenever the United States fully evacuates? If that is the case then it is better that we are getting out sooner rather than later. However if that is not the case, if additional time in the region would secure a better future for the Iraqi people, would it be worth it to stay? If it would be for the best, I would advocate troops staying in Iraq for additional time. But honestly, who can say. Only time will tell what will happen to this nation.
