Pull Back, No Matter What
Reprinted from USA TodayBy William Martel
July 01, 2009
Sticking to deadlines boosts U.S. credibility, may strengthen Iraq.
Iraqi officials greeted Tuesday's deadline for withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq's cities with great enthusiasm. For Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, expelling foreign occupiers was "a victory that should be celebrated in feasts and festivals." One Iraqi general, Karim Falhan, said the U.S. withdrawal "shows we can handle it now ourselves, we can take over." Despite optimism among Iraqi officials, signs of instability persist. In June alone, insurgent attacks killed more than 300 Iraqis.
Nevertheless, there are several reasons why the United States should continue its stated policy of withdrawing combat forces from Iraq's urban areas, no matter what:
First, America's commitment is sacrosanct. When the U.S.-Iraq security agreement went into effect on Jan. 1, we agreed to withdraw combat troops from Iraqi cities and towns by Tuesday — and withdraw all combat forces by the end of August 2010 and all U.S. forces by the end of 2011. States that renege on such public commitments devalue their very credibility. Washington cannot afford to give states the opportunity to believe our pledges do not bear close scrutiny.
Second, strictly adhering to withdrawal could strengthen Iraq by telling insurgents and Iran's leaders that Baghdad intends to defend itself against forces that seek to rip it apart. A crucial test of democracy is whether the state can and will defend itself. If Iraq cannot, then it is doomed to fail. Because failure is not an option for Iraqis, they must successfully manage the withdrawal of U.S. forces.
Third, withdrawal demonstrates the United States is confident that Iraq's government and army can succeed. Signaling Washington's doubts about Iraq's leadership under Prime Minister al-Maliki would instantly undermine Iraq's government.
Fourth, withdrawal has geostrategic benefits well beyond Iraq. It reassures the Middle East that the U.S. has no imperial ambitions to conquer and exploit Iraq. Reinforcing Washington's message that our word is our bond has immense dividends for restoring America's tattered image abroad.
While U.S. policymakers rightly worry about Iraq's future, we cannot renege on withdrawal without weakening Iraq, strengthening insurgents and undermining our credibility. Even invoking an "escape clause" should Iraq descend into catastrophe carries great strategic risks.
Admittedly, Iraq faces extraordinary risks as U.S. combat forces withdraw, but it is time for Iraqis to take charge. In the end, we gave Iraqis a historic opportunity. Whether they can build a democracy remains the great unresolved question.
• William C. Martel, author of Victory in War, is an associate professor of international security studies at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.