A call for care as U.S. withdraws forces from Iraq

From RAND

While the U.S. incursion in Iraq may not dominate the headlines as it once did, a well-crafted, thoughtful withdrawal from the American presence there will matter hugely to the stability in the region, analysts in Santa Monica say. They urge U.S. planners to take careful note of the interests of the minority Kurdish population in Northern Iraq and to ensure those are not overrun by the Arab majority. The Americans also will need to continue their military, political, diplomatic and economic juggling act to tamp down tensions among the Shiite and Sunni factions. The reduced violence among the groups has given Iraq greater stability in recent days but they remain restive and potentially violent, even as the U.S. draws down its troops and its ability to project peace-keeping force. The researchers recommend increased U.S. support of Iraqi security forces so they can attempt to keep a more enduring calm in their country.  

Stability in region depends on striking balances among Kurds, Shiites, Sunnis 

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