Reply #4: The majority of Sunnis and Shiites want a unified Iraq, but where does that

[gateley]

leave the Kurds? A target for more genocide? And do the Sunnis consider unified Iraq with one of theirs at the helm? Do the Shiites feel the same? With the thousands of years of tribal wars, I'm not sure how that would work out. I understand it's their country and we're the invaders, but we've caused incalculable harm and I feel we need to help during the transition, at least. Richardson's suggestion for a UN Muslim force sounds ideal, but is it fair to ask a Muslim to be un-biased in protecting the rights of Muslims whose approach and beliefs might differ from theirs?

I understand that the people don't want us there I would feel the same way if I were an Iraqi citizen. But I still feel strongly that at this time the emotions are too high to just say -- here you go, guys -- good luck.

And I'm sincerely trying to understand all the approaches to this situation. I'm trying to understand why most of the candidates feel it's worthwhile to leave residual troops in Iraq even though that can't be popular with the American citizens, because as I said, initially I was simpatico with Richarson's approach, but now it makes me feel uneasy.