Iraq Fears Of Iranian Influence Grows As U.S. Soldiers Prepare To Leave

ABU GHRAIB MARKET WALK - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tours the market place in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, Dec. 19, 2009. Mullen and his wife Deborah are hosting the USO Holiday Troop Visit to Afghanistan, Iraq and Germany. They're accompanied by tennis star Anna Kournikova, comedian Dave Attell, tennis coach Nicholas Bollettieri and musician Billy Ray Cyrus DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

As US Withdrawal Nears, Iraqi Fear Of Iran Grows -- Christian Science Monitor

On a tour of Iraq, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to Iraqis about the threat posed by Iran. Iraqis worry that Iran will fill the void left by the withdrawal of US forces.

Ramadi, Iraq

Iraqis remain deeply concerned about Iranian influence in their country five months before the US begins the massive drawdown of its troops from Iraq.

Next year, elections will be held in March, and the 112,000 American forces will shrink by more than half by the end of August. As that transition nears, Iraq has made significant progress toward greater security.

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My Comment: In my own personal opinion .... I wish that the American withdrawal from Iraq was delayed by at least 2 - 3 years. Having the soldiers in the desert (and out of sight) would not only have a stabilizing influence in the region, it will also give the Iraqi Central Government the time to reach accommodations with all (or most) of the different factions within the country.

But this is not going to happen. The growing war in Afghanistan and the high cost of maintaining over 100,000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq is having a drain on our treasury, and making it politically unacceptable for President Obama and his supporters to continue with this arrangement.

The net result will be the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops .... and yes ....the Iraqis will now be responsible for their own future.