Leave IRAQ by 2013? Leave earlier? How about an intelligent discussion, policy, NOT candidates.

[autorank]

Can we all agree to this sequence on Iraq or improve it based on shared values about the right of
people to determine their own destiny? My suggestion is to NOT mention any candidate names. Use an
inductive process - figure out what what you and we believe as Democrats then move to the candidate
questions after settling the issues.

There are two legitimate factors determining our extended stay in Iraq.

1) The desires of the Iraqi people

a) The Iraqi people, like people everywhere have a right to choose their own destiny.
b) Their choice should not be influenced by another state or puppet leaders
c) Therefore the manifest will of the Iraqi people should guide the presence or absence of our troops.

2) The safety of the troops and the American people

a) Our troops are clearly safer at home.
b) Our presence in Iraq creates more hostility toward America
c) Therefore troop and citizen safety is served by leaving Iraq.

3) The information below along with previous surveys confirms the desire of a clear majority of
Iraqi’s to end the presence of U.S. troops in their country

The Iraqi people want us out. Some want us out right now. Some want a timed withdrawal in less
than a year. There is no indication that a majority of Iraqis want our presence on their soil
through 2013.

As a result of this, we have two choices.

1) Meet directly with the Iraqi groups and individuals to negotiate our way through a withdrawal
that works for all sides,

OR

2) Continue our policy of ignoring what Iraqis really want. Rely on a government that allows
death squads to express the will of the Iraqi people. Stay until 2013.

Which choice do we want as citizens of the United States?

79% of Iraqis oppose our presence. This is consistent with previous surveys
Can we also agree that staying in Iraq on the basis of our military position? 79% of all Iraqis OPPOSE our presence. THEY WANT US TO LEAVE. ABC, BBC, NHK Survey, 9/10/2007. They want us to leave, in part, because their lives are in free fall. Only 39% say their own life is going well while fewer, only 29%, expect their lives to improve. Failure to secure the safety of citizens is the cause.