Polk: Get out of Iraq: William Polk argues that the occupation has failed and the United States is facing defeat in a classic guerilla insurgency: "Among the principles we will have to make completely clear is that 1) we will get out; 2) we will not so build ourselves into the Iraqi economy that, like the British did from 1932 to 1958, we will run the country behind a native façade; 3) that we will not seize or denationalize Iraqi oil; and (4) that we will, in some transparent fashion, allow a high degree of self-determination."

But if the US loses control over the oil and the right to maintain bases in the region, then what is the point of the invasion? The Bush administration (and probably a Kerry administration) could not allow a return of sovereignty and democracy in Iraq. They will be driven to maintain the occupation in the hope of 'light at the end of the tunnel'. It would take real statemanship to order a genuine and timely withdrawal along the lines of the Polk plan.

Polk: Get out of Iraq: William Polk argues that the occupation has failed and the United States is facing defeat in a classic guerilla insurgency: "Among the principles we will have to make completely clear is that 1) we will get out; 2) we will not so build ourselves into the Iraqi economy that, like the British did from 1932 to 1958, we will run the country behind a native façade; 3) that we will not seize or denationalize Iraqi oil; and (4) that we will, in some transparent fashion, allow a high degree of self-determination."

But if the US loses control over the oil and the right to maintain bases in the region, then what is the point of the invasion? The Bush administration (and probably a Kerry administration) could not allow a return of sovereignty and democracy in Iraq. They will be driven to maintain the occupation in the hope of 'light at the end of the tunnel'. It would take real statemanship to order a genuine and timely withdrawal along the lines of the Polk plan.