Liberal Myth
For its own security, America should withdraw its troops from Iraq as soon as possible.
The Facts
An immediate withdrawal would undermine and possibly destroy Iraq’s democratic government, raise the morale of terrorists in Iraq and elsewhere, and hurt American credibility in the war on terror.
Military disaster
A politically driven pullout would be a military disaster.
- A political pullout would send a dangerous signal of weakness and fecklessness to both our allies and enemies.
- The Iraqi government forces would be demoralized and could begin to hedge their bets by making deals with, or even defecting to, the insurgency.
- Insurgent groups would be emboldened to redouble their efforts against Americans to strengthen their claim to a military victory and attract more recruits.
An Al Qaeda victory
Many would perceive a sudden U.S. withdrawal as a major victory for Al Qaeda.
- Al Qaeda has made Iraq a crucial theater in its global terrorist campaign.
- Osama bin Laden would gain a flood of new recruits inspired by the successful “jihad” in Iraq.
- Iraq would be transformed into a base for a global terrorist network.
- Bin Laden or other Islamic extremists might be able to use Iraq’s oil wealth to finance terrorism around the world.
Political disaster
A withdrawal would undercut efforts to increase international support for the Iraqi government, just when it appears to be gaining momentum.
Related Heritage research
- Progress in Iraq
- James Phillips, "Dispelling the Myths About Iraq," December 2, 2005
- James Phillips, “Firm and Patient Realism Needed in Iraq,” June 23, 2005
- James Phillips, “Slow But Steady Progress in Iraq,” April 15, 2005
