Intelligence estimate warns on quick Iraq pullout

Washington Times ^ | 2/3/07 | By Bill Gertz

[JohnHuang2]

A new National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq warns that pulling U.S. troops out of the country too soon would lead to a collapse of the Iraqi military, outside intervention and the creation of safe havens for al Qaeda terrorists.

An unclassified summary of the 90-page estimate, "Prospects for Iraq's Stability: A Challenging Road Ahead," stated that U.S. and allied troops "remain an essential stabilizing element in Iraq."

"If coalition forces were withdrawn rapidly, ... we judge that this almost certainly would lead to a significant increase in the scale and scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq, intensify Sunni resistance to the Iraqi government and have adverse consequences for national reconciliation," the report stated.

The conclusion is a blow to Iraq war critics in Congress and elsewhere who are advocating a pullout of U.S. troops.

"If such a rapid withdrawal were to take place, we judge that the [Iraqi Security Force] would be unlikely to survive as a non-sectarian national institution; neighboring countries ... might intervene openly in the conflict; massive civilian casualties and forced population displacement would be probable," the report stated.

Also, the al Qaeda terrorist group in Iraq would try to "use parts of the country -- particularly al-Anbar province -- to plan increased attacks in and outside of Iraq."

[Wilhelm Tell]

neighboring countries ... might intervene openly in the conflict...

That's what the libs want -- Iran and Syria to take over parts of Iraq and set up terrorist bases. That is what the leftists mean when they say the U.S. should get out immediately and leave "Iraq's neighbors" to do the "peacekeeping."

[madconserv]

This is a great big DAH for most of us(hopefully all) here in FR land. But the moonbats need to be told this stuff over and over again until its pounded in there heads. But this report probably still won't help.
General Casey said of the Iraqi troops "They work better when they are with us." Meaning that when we back them up and give direction as to how to accomplish any given mission they do well. That is why I support the troop surge. The more of our support the better they work with us!
They will never get this fact either.

[freema]

Political Pressure Pictures Presents... DIAL B FOR BACKSTAB Starring... Ramsey Clark as the Prosecutor Cindy Sheehan as Lt. Gen. James Mattis Cute Golden Retriever Puppies as the Civilians of Haditha The Hillbillies from "Deliverance" as the Marines and Introducing... His Eminence Abdul-Aziz Al-Hakim, Leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq as Himself Produced, Written, and Directed by John Murtha Executive Producers: Ho Chi Minh and Mullah Omar Based on a Concept by Judas Iscariot and Benedict Arnold In Smell-O-Vision!

[sure_fine]

how much do these people get paid for printing the obvious?

[libertylover]

The conclusion is a blow to Iraq war critics in Congress and elsewhere who are advocating a pullout of U.S. troops.

Unfortunately, no, because they simply don't give a damn about the bloodbath and the terrorists bases.