And--hard to believe, I know--much more pressing (not that I'm expecting motu-level comments here): Yesterday the New York Times editorial page called for the United States to withdraw from Iraq. Some highlights:

Continuing to sacrifice the lives and limbs of American soldiers iswrong. The war is sapping the strength of the nations alliances andits military forces. It is a dangerous diversion from thelife-and-death struggle against terrorists. It is an increasing burdenon American taxpayers, and it is a betrayal of a world that needs thewise application of American power and principles.

(snip)

That conversation must be candid and focused. Americans must beclear that Iraq, and the region around it, could be even bloodier andmore chaotic after Americans leave. There could be reprisals againstthose who worked with American forces, further ethnic cleansing, evengenocide. Potentially destabilizing refugee flows could hit Jordan andSyria. Iran and Turkey could be tempted to make power grabs. Perhapsmost important, the invasion has created a new stronghold from whichterrorist activity could proliferate.

The administration, theDemocratic-controlled Congress, the United Nations and Americas alliesmust try to mitigate those outcomes and they may fail. But Americansmust be equally honest about the fact that keeping troops in Iraq willonly make things worse. The nation needs a serious discussion, now,about how to accomplish a withdrawal and meet some of the bigchallenges that will arise.

(snip)

The United States military cannot solve the problem. Congress and theWhite House must lead an international attempt at a negotiated outcome.To start, Washington must turn to the United Nations, which Mr. Bushspurned and ridiculed as a preface to war.

(snip)

For this effort to have any remote chance, Mr. Bush must drop hisresistance to talking with both Iran and Syria. Britain, France,Russia, China and other nations with influence have a responsibility tohelp. Civil war in Iraq is a threat to everyone, especially if itspills across Iraqs borders.

(snip)

This country faces a choice. We can go on allowing Mr. Bush to drag outthis war without end or purpose. Or we can insist that American troopsare withdrawn as quickly and safely as we can manage with as mucheffort as possible to stop the chaos from spreading.

Grant Gallicho joined Commonweal as an intern and was an associate editor for the magazine until 2015. 

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