Is Iraq Ready for Total Autonomy?

Former Vice President Dick Cheney recently made clear his concerns with Iraq’s ability to remain stable after U.S. troops moved out of major Iraqi cities last week according to a concession orchestrated by the Bush Administration.

No one can deny the recent increase in sectarian violence — some assume it to be associated with the upcoming relocation of U.S. troops. Without a doubt, this is the time for insurgents to test Iraqi hearts. Iraqis knew this time was imminent and obviously a huge cost in human lives is always at stake.

However, there are some who are hopeful, including: the U.S. ambassador to Baghdad, Gen. Ray Odierno and Iraqi Gen. Abud Kambar al-Malliki. The basic consensus is that it's the Iraqis’ time to fight and take over with their power. Circumstances have vastly improved since the surge. Are they ready for this monumental change?

The truth is that there will never be a perfect time for the U.S. to pull out of Iraq. The determination and dedication of newly trained Iraqi soldiers has been in contention for quite some time. Now fellow Iraqis will have to prove their dedication to a new regime on an international stage.

The benefits to pulling out of only the major cities is if they begin to implode, U.S. forces could come back to the rescue. However, as the U.S. is overstretched, this can also be a waste of resources. No matter what the future circumstances are for the Iraqis, the return of U.S troops can never be seen as an option.

Irrespective of which way you want to analyze this issue, everyone yearns for an autonomous Iraqi that will be a faithful U.S. ally. Will that time ever come?


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