[aharris]

Mike

You are right about consequences. I wasn't trying to be flippant. Its the consequences that are scaring everyone. To leave means a great deal of suffering and death for the people left there. Some people also insist that it will result in a resurgence of terrorist activity against the West meaning deaths and suffering here too. It's a "no win" situation.

The issue beyond Iraq is that of radical Islam. But that is not an enemy that will be defeated with conventional military force. It must be fought with cunning and persistence at home and abroad.

If this were 500 years ago, the solution would be to annihilate entire populations. Cut off the limb to save the person. Is this a conceivable choice today?

Andrew