Reply #8: We removed their controlling authority which kept warring factions apart

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and protected Iraq against invasion by Iran and others who would assume power there by force. I'm always amazed at those who profess concern for Iraq's sovereignty and disregard forces other than the U.S. who would achieve power through the intimidation of their violence. Sure, there are citizens of Iraq who have taken up arms in defense of their homeland against U.S. troops and their Iraqi collaboraters.

But there are also other outside forces who are engaging in violence and intimidation who I don't believe would stop their bloody pursuit of power even if we withdrew all of our forces and renounced all claims to Iraq's resources or control of their government. These rouge elements must be faced down by someone. We bear the ultimate responsibility for the collapse of any interim authority if these outside forces succeed in disrupting the process of transition and seize power.

So far, I haven't heard whether or not these rouge elements want to subject themselves to a vote of the Iraqi people. The installed authority will need protection from some quarter. I don't see how we can, in good conscience, leave the Iraqi people to the violent fate of these murderous elements without helping them prepare to defend themselves again.