Our options in Iraq

Re “In Cairo, Iraqi Delegates Call for Troop Pullout Schedule,” Nov. 22

When and how to withdraw from Iraq has become a divisive and vexing problem, a problem made worse by the overall global impression that the Iraqis don’t want us there. I have a suggestion: Call for a vote.

An Iraqi referendum on our presence would be a political boon as well as a morale boost.

If the Iraqis vote that we should stay, then we would have a tremendous political tool in the Muslim world for justifying our presence and combating the claims that we are a crusading army. It would also boost the morale of the troops who increasingly feel unappreciated. If the Iraqis vote that we should leave, we can leave with dignity and strength. We did not leave out of fear or defeat; we left out of our respect for democracy and the Iraqi people.

RANDOLPH RHETT

Del Mar

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Re “Attack on Iraqi Family in Van Called Tragic,” Nov. 22

The report of the family killed by U.S. troops because their car didn’t respond to warning shots makes me wonder. If every car, truck, man, woman and child in Iraq is a potential suicide bomber, could it be that we’re not wanted or appreciated by 99% of the population? They’re willing to die to send a message. Why aren’t we listening? Where is the democracy in insisting to complete the occupation they don’t want?

LYNDA UNTETHINER

Rancho Mirage

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Reading Max Boot’s article, “Iraq’s a lost cause? Ask the real experts” (Opinion, Nov. 23), I wondered about his expertise. I turned to his biography and found no mention of military service, nor mention of combat experience, in uniform or as a reporter. If he has never served his country, Boot is just talking the talk without having walked the walk. As a Vietnam veteran, I respect walkers, not talkers. If The Times is going to air the delusions of Iraq war supporters, please let it be the views of combat veterans, not people who never wore a uniform.

BILL SMART

Santa Barbara

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When debating how to deal with Saddam Hussein, the Bush administration framed the debate in terms of this false choice: Invade Iraq or do nothing. Boot takes a page from that playbook and offers to frame today’s debate about Iraq in terms of these false views: optimism for the future or “a lost cause.” In reality, Americans are united about our goals. No leader in America has ever argued that Hussein was a good and generous leader or that Iraq would be better off under his totalitarian rule than as a stable democracy. The issue before the war, and now, is not about the goals of American policy; it is about the means by which those goals are realized.

The sooner that this administration and its supporters stop spewing false choices to stifle debate, the sooner the nation can discuss and unite behind a plan to achieve the goals we all share.

Americans and Iraqis deserve a fair debate about how we achieve our goals without being distracted by a false debate about the goals themselves.

CHRIS PLOURDE

Venice