Iraqis say 'wrong time' for US withdrawal: poll

AFP ^ | 24 August 2010

[george76]

A majority of Iraqis believe it was the wrong time for a major withdrawal of US combat troops, a poll said on Tuesday, with more than half also warning that it would have negative consequences.

When asked if it was the right time for American soldiers to leave -- the US military earlier confirmed troop numbers in Iraq had fallen under 50,000 for the first time -- 59.8 percent said no, compared to 39.5 percent who said yes.

51 percent said the withdrawal would have a negative effect, compared to 25.8 percent who said it would be positive.

[RC2]

No....they want the US to do what they refuse to do for themselves and they want our money. Has anyone noticed that every time our country had even talked about pulling our troops out, attacks increased?

[IronJack]

Aren’t these the same jamokes that were demanding we leave a couple of years ago?

[Nachum]

The list, ping

[Nachum]

Cut and run.

[kbennkc]

Is Imam Obama a shiite or sunni?

[blau993]

I've heard this argument before, and it has some merit. That said, there are some big differences between those cases and anything in Ragheadistan.

In Europe, there was a shared system of heritage, values and religion.

In Japan, there was an united ethnic population, with a strong tradition of central government and submission to authority.

In Korea, we had no choice. There was only a truce, not a peace treaty. Plus, South Korea's capital city was less than a day's march from the DMZ. And, for all of these reasons, we had a government and population totally behind us.

I don't mean to suggest the withdrawal is correct. I have mixed views on that subject. I mean only to point out that these historic references are poor precedent in terms of predicting any result.

[SunkenCiv]

How about a referendum? Then we’d know for sure. And we should have one too.

Thanks george76.

[bigheadfred]

Got a case of popcorn ready.

Let the comedy begin

[justiceseeker93]

From what I've been hearing, there is no widely recognized Iraqi government in place, and the pro-Iranian party is making waves about the results of the last election there. There are concerns about a pro-Iranian coup and even an Iranian incursion. With Iran on the verge of a nuclear weapons capability, this does not bode well for the entire Middle East.

[Future Snake Eater]

Exactly. Screw ‘em. I hope their cities burn.

[PigRigger]

Hate to say it.....we can stay there forever but it will never overcome the reality that the Iraqi's themselves will one day need to stand-up for their freedom.....

Unfortunately, that day has come....if you really want it....you will have it....it means sacrifice....and blood....but freedom is never free.

I'm no Obama supporter, but our troops did their job....now it is time for the Iraqi's to do theirs....

[Eleutheria5]

Those infidels have nifty military hardware and battle experience, and big hearts, and no interest in any one faction screwing everyone else over. So yeah.

[Impy]

I’m shocked but I think I have to agree....with you. :o

[stephenjohnbanker]

;-)