With the start of a new year and soon to be start of a new presidency, the time is now for Americans to choose a leader who will effectively mend the problems of the past. These controversial issues debated over range from the increasingly harmful global warming, problems with illegal immigrants, to new security measures that will ensure safety against terrorism – all of which require fresh new opinions and ideas to efficiently resolve.
Another issue hotly debated upon that desperately needs a solution is the war in Iraq and the presence of American troops in Iraq. Although the answer to this problem is neither clear nor definitive, some action must be taken in order to see some kind of progress. American troops in Iraq should be gradually withdrawn from the country until ultimately Iraq will take responsibility for itself and devise a solution to become stable.
“2008 will be the year of reconstruction and development following…the defeat of al-Qaeda and terrorism” says Iraq Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, and with America out of Iraq, the country will finally be able to come up with solutions to problems on its own (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7143953.stm). Much like a tamed animal could not survive in the wild, Iraq will not be able to survive as a united country and as an economic competitor in today’s world if Americans remain stationed in the country. Iraq must construct adequate political and economic strategies, without outside help, to have any chance of remaining internally stable.
The presence of American troops in Iraq has drastically improved conditions in the previously war-torn country. “Over the past three months, there has been a sharp and sustained drop in all forms of violence,” statistics say, proving that America has succeeded in starting the movement of stabilizing Iraq (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7089168.stm). Now Iraqis must step in and ensure that the progress made towards becoming a peaceful country is protected.
America’s existence in Iraq has no doubt been beneficial to the country and its overall quality of life. Insurgent groups are still not completely defeated, but Iraq citizens no longer have to hide in their homes in fear of being victim of an al-Qaeda car bombing. With Iraq in the most peaceful conditions the country has seen in years, American troops have done their job and should be withdrawn.
Sam Karns
