The referendum would be a win/win proposition for the United States; if the Iraqi people vote yes we will gain legitimacy for our presence in Iraq and a mandate for ongoing military operations. If the Iraqi people vote no we can bring our troops home.

Currently, our occupation has no legitimacy other than the fact that the new Iraqi government has not asked us to leave. If the Iraqi people refuse to support our efforts we should withdraw our forces.

Some may argue that our withdrawal would lead to civil war, however a civil war is already underway. The question is will our presence help or hinder a peaceful resolution to the conflict? We will not be effective unless we have the support of the majority of Iraqi people.

In the event of our withdrawal the members of Iraqi government would have to work more closely together or split up the country into Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish autonomous regions. A united Iraq may be preferable to a divided Iraq, however a divided Iraq would be preferable to a prolonged civil war, particularly if that war involves American servicemen and servicewomen.

If we really want to get in the Democratic spirit we could let the American people vote the same question. If the majority of Iraqi voters support our military operations I would bet that a majority of American voters would be willing to sustain our efforts.

What is your opinion???
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