Iraq-The beginning of the End Game for USA

I think the end game for US and UK in Iraq has already begun.

Tony Blair is openly talking about a time table to pullout. Bush is perhaps waiting for the James Baker Commission to give similar recommendations. Then he can seize the opportunity and quote Public Opinion as a reason to pullout. He will quickly forget his current blusters about 'Getting the job done and not running away, et al'. The ground situaion in Iraq is deteriorating very fast and Bush and Blair may not have the stomach to commit more troops. Which is good, because more troops will only add fuel to the fire.

It is also good that Iraqi and Iranian leaders are talking. But they need to rope in Saudi Arabia as well. I believe it would be a top level rapproachment between Sunnis and Shiites that will send the message to the people that sectarian fighting will bring the whole region down. Bush and Blair would do well to influence the King of Saudi Arabia to take the lead for a conference of all players where a quick agreeement to end the Sunni-Shia fighting can be worked out.

This will allow a quick withdrawal of foreign forces, to be replaced by UN troops drawn from neutral countries. These troops can administer the peace in Iraq while the factions can quicly work out a new National Government, with majority representaion to Shias but equally respectful places to Sunnis and Kurds.

The offer of reconstruction aid from USA, UK and Saudi Arabia can be the carrot to have all this in place. They should commit to unlimited funds to rebuild Iraq as quickly as possible and give wide publicity to the proposal among ordinary Iraqi citizens. They then can pressure their leaders to stop fighting and start on the path to peace.