[marshmallow]

How is it that you think that Iraq is worse off than before Saddam? The Kurds certainly aren't. Most of the country is far better off. Baghdad is a violent cesspool, but I imagine that will be cleaned up within the year.

That would be one of the more optimistic assessments I've heard recently. Even the President himself refuses to give a timeline. I notice you didn't mention our Christian brothers and sisters. Have you seen what's been happening to them? Many are fleeing the country. According to one of the bishops, half of Iraqi Christians have fled since 2003. Those remaining are congregating in enclaves for protection. Nothing that results in an increased suffering of Christians is ever a step forward. "Liberating" Muslims at the expense of Christian suffering is not an exercise in which America ought to be involved, in my opinion.

The Baker-Hamilton report was succinct. "The situation in Iraq is grave and deteriorating.

I doubt if anyone knows where Iraq will be in one year.

[Miss Marple]

I know that in some areas Christians have been endangered and have fled. That is a shame, and until the Islamic extremists are removed that will be the situation. If we stop now, the Christians will never be able to return.

I am more optimistic than you because I read the troop blogs. Yes, the Baker group said things were grave and deteriorating. In Baghdad, things ARE bad. In Kurdistan, things are good. You have to look at the whole country.

Would you judge the whole USA by the situation in South Central Los Angeles?

[Miss Marple]

Are you reading any of the other replies to you above, such as the excellently documented one by Peach?