The stakes?

The last post begs the question, what happens when we do withdraw and if the fragile Iraq government does collapse?

This may happen regardless of our staying there a while longer.

Well, right now Iraq is not a big oil producer - nor would it be under chaotic conditions. Though they were notably absent in helping in the current "reconstruction" of Iraq, you can bet that Iran and Syria will step in to become major power brokers. Saudi Arabia and other Sunni dominated countries may step in to defend that minority of Iraqi's. Kurds in both Iraq and Turkey will push for an independent Kurdistan.

Iraq in chaos and perpetual civil war may have little impact on the West unless unrest spills over into the entire region. A big consolidated theocratic government in the mold of Iran may pose even larger threats to Israel - though Israel is well prepared for conventional military attacks. What is of greater concern is terrorist camps moving in amongst the chaos. I think they are already there.

All I hope for is stability. Iraq may well look like Yugoslavia in the future, which is acceptable only IF the violence ends. I'm not too concerned over the form of government which comes - I hope it respects human rights, but Americans have to realize they can not impose their way of life on everyone. More than likely is some kind of harsh and repressive government that moves in to control everyone.

On the positive side, a lowered American footprint in the region may work to quell resentment against our dominance. I look forward to the world's countries moving deeply into renewable energy. This way, when we do not depend on the region, we can let the respective peoples sort things out themselves. You can not convince me that we would be there had there not been oil in the region...