From RAND
With a flailing U.S. policy in Afghanistan commanding glum headlines, the American presence in Iraq somehow manages to slip ever so slowly from public view and deep, necessary consideration. Which, taking in account the nation's investment of blood and treasury there, could be a big problem. Still, as the experts in Santa Monica make clear, figuring the American role in Iraq after the planned Obama Administration major troop draw-down there turns the incursion there into a daunting, complex regional balancing of threats, alliances and interests. These include the right response by the U.S. and its allies to Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Turkey and what to do about restive religious, ethnic, nationalistic and insurgent movements (from Islamic fundamentalists to Kurdish nationalists). And, of course, what, including oil, are America's real, long-term interests and at what depth in the troubled area, Baghdad included? Got a headache yet?
Even with lesser role in Baghdad, U.S., allies urged to redefine a complex regional policy approach
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