Military Pullout

Word came today that the American military presence in Iraq may be diminishing as soon as March of 2006. Lieutenant General John Vines eluded to the possible reduction today. For the Democrats, moderate Republicans, and anti-war individuals it must feel good to think that they have finally been able to do something. But Lt. Gen. Vines said that a full large-scale withdraw would "be unwise", alluding to the fact that there is still much to be done before bringing all the boys home.

The troop reduction means to me that the policy in Iraq is working. The government is being assembled and Iraqi police and military are making great advancements in stomping out the terrorist threats. New missions are launched almost weekly with great planning to corner, trap, and kill as many insurgents and terrorists as they can. With another election set for early next year, Lt. Gen. Vines says that he "suspect[s] we will probably draw down capability after the election, because Iraqi security forces are more capable."

Four or five brigades could be brought home following the early year election in Iraq. Although that will leave several brigades still left in Iraq, the policy of getting our troops out of Iraq as soon as possible without compromising the mission is important. The Iraqi people, contrary to CNN and the liberal media, want democracy to take root and for the violence to end. Focusing on the insurgency in Iraq is like focusing on gang activity in LA. You see all the bad, but ignore the people that actually try to to good and survive in that environment. Not all people want violence in their lives.

The troops will be coming home soon, you can rest assure on that. But it would be immature and irresponsible to cut and run when Iraq still needs us. A year ago, many believed that the Iraqi people, police, and military would never be able to be strong enough to fight the insurgents trying to poison Iraq. But as of today, they have made great strides and are willing to do what it takes to succeed. So Dick Durbin, Harry Reid, and you other naysayers out there, remember the old saying, anything worth doing is worth doing right.