There has been a US troop presence in Iraq that spans decades, and some of those who are now serving there are at an age that they could have been the children of those who were the first to serve in Iraq. The US presence in Iraq has been an incredibly costly affair that doesn’t seem to have any end in sight — without restraint by the Iraqis themselves.
Three US presidents have overseen US occupation and policing in Iraq with no appetite to end it. It seems like there is a desire by both major political parties to permanently occupy this sovereign nation. The US is no longer at war with Iraq, yet the presence remains. It’s a bipartisan effort to keep Iraq firmly under the control of the US and its designs on reforming the Middle East into a power support that forces influence upon all Middle Eastern governments. The goal here is less about strategic protection of US citizens from attack and more about protection of US influence.
Iraqis are fed up with being subservient to the whims of US foreign policy. They seek their sovereignty like all other nations desire. They want self determination and do not have any desire to attack the US or its citizens. They understand the rogue elements within their borders, and they want them dealt with, too. They just want to deal with the problems themselves — without the US continuing to stir the pot and create barriers to reconciliation.
So, when it was revealed this week that Iraq’s government has voted to request the US to leave, it made perfect sense, and it is not at all unreasonable. If the US refuses to leave, then it’s a strong statement to the rest of the world that once the US moves its troops into your neighborhood, they are there for good, and you must become subservient to their goals. It’s a very bad message to send. It’s also bad form for American freedom in that Americans are paying to protect the interests of the power of politicians and central government rather than paying for their own protection.
The birth children of ISIS have no means to attack the US from their position and do not possess the resources to do so. Iraq is equipped enough to deal with them, and they will deal with them better without a US presence that undermines diplomacy. There are no more WMDs in the hands of dictators that have issued warnings and threats against the US, there are no troops massing on the borders of allies that are in eminent danger, and there are no nukes and missiles pointed at the US or its allies. There is no reason for a US presence there, and it is long overdue to bring those troops back home.
So, thank you Iraq for your help in attempting to persuade the US government to exit your country. Hopefully, US government officials will listen and will recognize your sovereignty and will do so as much as any other legitimate nation requires. If the US respects Iraq as an important ally, then it will listen and it will leave. As an American citizen, I thank you for the potential savings of needless costs to human lives, to US diplomatic integrity, and to American citizens who simply should not have to pay for politicians seeking more power and influence. Your efforts, Iraq, are appreciated.
Danny Chabino
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