Which Way To Run?

Finally the U.S is having a substantive debate on Iraq policy. For months, with the Republicans in power and the Bush Administration in denial, discussions of the crumbling situation in Iraq were dominated by conservatives who tried to brand any break from their slug-it-out policy as "cut and run."

Now we see a variety of proposals on the floor, all worthy of discussion. Sen. John McCain, hoping to burnish his credentials with the hawkish right wing, is eager to send more troops. So too is William Kristol, editor of the neoconservative publication Weekly Standard, a man who has his thumb print on the original Iraq invasion. (Editor's note: Kristol also has been a big supporter of supply-side economics, so it is clear he is not seeing too clearly.)

On the other hand, General John Abizaid has called the troop level in Iraq correct and is urging civilian leaders not to set a timetable for withdrawal. Also weighing into the morass is Henry Kissinger, who says negotiations with Syria and Iran must take place. Kissinger also is of the mind that a military victory is no longer possible - a statement that pulls the rug out from under the slug-it-out conservatives. (By the way, that includes Dick Cheney who is suddenly now pleading with the Saudis for help.)

On the other edge of the spectrum is Sen. Carl Levin, who wants to begin a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops. Giving him support is Sen. Joseph Biden suggesting that Iraq be divided into three semi-autonomous regions: Kurdish, Siite and Sunni. Each will share in the country's oil revenue.

It is finally time for the nation to have a meaningful discussion. So please, what are your views?