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Originally Posted by makikomi
It seems like the military action was carried out without serious consideration given to what to do in the aftermath.
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Yep.
Well, the US State Dept did come up with a plan for the aftermath, as they could see what could happen. But the Pentagon ignored it.
The Administration & the Pentagon thought it would all be a cakewalk. And Rummy & co thought it would be ****-easy with all the "shock & awe" bombing & a (relatively) small number of troops, no need for the "Powell Doctrine", no need for vast nos of troops to handle the aftermath & the security. Just quickly topple Saddam, liberate the country, & then parade through the streets while all the Iraqis happily throw flowers at the feet of the soldiers etc.
Should we pull out?
I don't know.
If we pull out soon all at once, the country will surely fall apart.
But if we stay, our very presence will continue to exacerbate the problem, & fuel the insurgency.
Stay for a short while then pull out "when Iraq is ready"? Well, when is that? How long would it take to train the Iraqis effectively & help them build up sufficient security forces? Especially considering it now seems that insurgents & radical groups & so on already have a presence/following amongst the police etc in some areas.
I think we - & they - are screwed either way.