Juan Cole's 10-Point Plan for U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Iraq

More than two years after the US invaded Iraq, there is a debate in this country that is increasingly dominating the public discussion on the occupation: the issue of withdrawing US troops. Last month there were some indications coming from senior U.S. commanders that the Pentagon could begin some initial troop withdrawals sometime late next year but those statements have since been clarified and in some cases outright contradicted by senior administration officials, most importantly, the President himself. But it is a discussion that is rapidly making its way into the mainstream and one that both Democrats and Republicans realize they cannot ignore. That is due in no small part to the ongoing vigil in Crawford of military families initiated by Cindy Sheehan.

DN! speaks with one of the most respected independent Iraq analysts, Juan Cole, who released a 10-point plan, outlining what he calls a responsible stance toward Iraq.

There is an increasingly heated debate brewing on Capitol Hill. In the Senate, Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold has been focusing a lot of attention on his proposal calling on the president to announce a clear timetable for beginning the withdrawal. His effort is being bolstered by Republicans like Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, who last weekend compared Iraq to Vietnam drawing criticism from his fellow Republicans. In the House, an unusual coalition is developing, led in part by the man who proposed changing the name of French fries to “Freedom Fries” in the Congressional cafeteria – North Carolina Republican Walt Jones. They too are asking for a timetable.

This is also an issue very much on the minds of many in the peace movement in the United States. Some are calling for “US out now,” while others are proposing a phased pullout.

This week, one of the most respected independent Iraq analysts, Juan Cole, released a 10 point plan, outlining what he calls a responsible stance toward Iraq.

• Juan Cole, Professor of History at the University of Michigan and runs a blog called “Informed Comment,” which can be found at JuanCole.com.

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AMY GOODMAN: This week, one of the most respected independent Iraq…

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