Iraq: We'll Take it from Here

Putting aside numerous differences at a reconciliation conference in Cairo, Iraqi leaders called for a timetable to be set for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. The Associated Press reports that the gathering of Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish leaders (under the auspices of the Arab League) also said that Iraq's opposition had a "legitimate right to resistance."

The communique – finalized by Shiite, Kurdish and Sunni leaders Monday – condemned terrorism but was a clear acknowledgment of the Sunni position that insurgents should not be labeled as terrorists if their operations do not target innocent civilians or institutions designed to provide for the welfare of Iraqi citizens.

While the document called for a withdrawal timetable, it didn't give any specific dates. Most Shiite and Kurdish members of the government have echoed the US position that setting a definite date would "encourage the terrorists." But recently President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, said that foreign troops could start leaving in 2006 or 2007.

Of course, they want a timetable just because they hate America and want the terrorists to win.

It wouldn't serve to oversimplify this event; there was a great deal of debate (as there should be) about what the U.S. should do and how to promote internal security and sovreignity. Still, the fact that this strikingly moderate proposal (start leaving in 2006... or maybe 2007) has been contemptuously brushed aside by the White House and Congress gives some idea of what the 'liberators' of Iraq think of the people who they set free.