Cleaning up the Mess in Iraq

In our households as well as in our international affairs cleanup is a messy but necessary affair. In the ongoing occupation of Iraq, cleanup is not possible. The threat to anyone involved in positive events is too large. International groups offering aid are often attacked. Civilians involved in various humanitarian efforts are highly at risk of kidnapping or murder. To stay the course is to continue or worsen the messy situation. We, the American public, need a new and different plan.

On the surface it appears the continued presence of foreign troops acts as a catalyst for terrorists. The foreigners are an easy target with their uniforms and vehicles. Only inside the fabled Green Zone are troops and foreign civilians safe from attack. When one cleans a kitchen made a mess by the children, one begins by removing the children from the area. Removing our troops from Iraq would allow the locals to being the process of cleaning up the mess we have made. With help from outside agencies that cleanup may be a successful venture. So long as the children stay in the kitchen the mess cannot be cleared.