Democratic leadership in Congress have recently criticized Barack Obama's plan to withdraw troops from Iraq. Their main contention with the plan is that Obama plans to leave up to 50,000 troops until 2011 (the plan would have the remaining number removed gradually until August of 2010, down to the 25,000 to 50,000 number).
While I've always been a harsh critic of our occupation of Iraq, I feel that the president's plan adequately addresses the main concerns I have for the region. It does leave behind a large number of forces in Iraq -- but it does so only as a precaution and as a way to help the Iraqi army become responsible for their own security, over time.
An immediate withdrawal would be irresponsible; a phased withdrawal is more pragmatic. I don't like the size of the forces being left behind after August 2010, but I also feel Obama's plan is one that most sides -- conservatives as well as liberals -- can appreciate.
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