CAN PETRAEUS’S ADVICE ON IRAQ BE WELL-CONSIDERED IF HE KNOWS OF NO PLAN FOR WITHDRAWAL?

Given that the way any withdrawal of US troops from Iraq proceeds will make a difference to the situation left behind, the testimony that Petraeus and Crocker have given about the dire consequences of withdrawal are unreliable. For, as became evident under questioning by Congress, they have not considered any plan for quick withdrawal (withdrawal within three months, for example). Some plans would identify sources of instability and violence and make provisions for forestalling their activity, at least in part. The consequences of withdrawing under a well-considered plan is what decision-makers should be focusing on.