A Running Commentary

It has been suggestted that U.S. Congressman Randy Kuhl, and others in his position, have“…balked on taking a true stand…”, apparently because he has failed to join the popular and politically expedient “bring the troops home no matter what” philosophy being advocated by many politicians. But Mr. Kuhl’s responsibility to this district is to avoid the vote-mongering motif and support a policy that leads to the exit of American troops with dignity and preserved diplomatic prestige.

Gen. David Petraeus, the American with the most practical knowledge and understanding of the situation in Iraq, reported to congress on Monday that progress has been made and can be continued, but stressed that a premature pullout would dramatically diminish if not destroy these gains.

Kuhl has the political advantage of the day: he wasn’t in office to vote on the war. Kuhl need apologize to no one for the war and can leave the debate over its inception to future legions of political historians. Kuhl’s lone responsibility is to take a clear and objective stand on what is best for our long-term objectives in the region.

There is opportunity to leave an Iraq that helps stabilize its region and provides its people a brighter future should they choose to pursue it. Not having a dictator who executes rivals and gases minorities en mass is a good start, and they can thank our troops for that. Let’s not dishonor those troops by turning back with land in sight.