The Iraqis want us out

Nicholas Kristof: Listen to the Iraqis

Synopsis: Iraqis, by 71%, want us to set a timetable to withdraw within a year.

Belief that the U.S. will establish permanent bases in Iraq is fueling support for the insurgents by 61% of Iraqis; 78% believe the U.S. presence is provoking more conflict than it is preventing.

At this point, Bush's best hope for an October surprise would be to announce that we are pulling out within a year and that we will not establish permanent bases in Iraq. This would dramatically reduce support for the insurgency.

We might even see an immediate, dramatic stop to the spiraling rise of violence in the country. Maybe even in time to affect the election results.

Thanks to Tennessee Guerilla Women for the link to Nicholas Kristof.