What should America's mission in Iraq be now?

What should Amrica's mission in Iraq be now?

The US strategy in Iraq has turned a corner. Gen. David Petraeus has arrived as the new US commander. The first operation in the new approach – a move to establish security in Baghdad neighborhood by neighborhood – was already underway. Back in Washington, the US Congress wrangles over whether to proceed with resolutions which would oppose President Bush's "new way forward" and its 21,500-troop surge in force level. In Iraq, the violence has continued to escalate in recent months, and even the latest report from US intelligence agencies uses the term "civil war."

President Bush speaks of seeking victory in Iraq. Many in Congress seek to get American troops out as soon as possible. Americans struggle to find a position that weighs what's possible, what's just, and what makes the world safer. What do you think?

Read what others are saying.

YOUR VIEWS

"There is a just war on terror in Afghanistan that needs the resources that we are using in Iraq."

Will Collins, Springfield, Va., USA

"I don't think we should keep troops in Iraq, but we can't just "leave." I believe for moral reasons we can/should give support since we are responsible for the instability in Iraq."

Chardelle Hull, Berwyn, Penn., USA

"The end to conflict will undoubtedly be long and arduous, yet anything worth fighting for always is."

Curtis Girginoff, Hudson, N.H., USA

"What we fought since WWII we have lost because of political demands on the military, not because of a superior opposition. "

John Fulk, Peachland, N.C., USA

"It seems to me that the Iraqi people are being killed whether we're there or not. I say pull out and let them take care of their internal affairs."

Andrew Shupp, Fort Wayne, Ind., USA

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Disclaimer

Steny Hoyer, House majority leader, spoke at a news conference Tuesday as debate began on a US troop buildup in Iraq.

JASON REED/REUTERS

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February 13, 2007

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