Why we need to stay in Iraq

Re “U.S. to keep most troops in Baghdad,” Dec. 16

This article referred to a plan to keep most U.S. troops in Baghdad rather than in the outlying provinces. No surprise; they will be needed there indefinitely to protect our recently completed $600-million Embassy-cum-fortress.

Art Cohen

Los Angeles

--

Re “U.S. notes lower death rate for its troops in Iraq,” Dec. 15

The news in Iraq is better than reported in this article. Fewer American soldiers were killed in the three-month period ending in November than in any consecutive three-month period since March 2004. If the second half of December continues at the rate of the first half, the current three-month period will be the lowest consecutive three-month period since the Iraq war began. There is no doubt that we have turned the corner militarily. Give diplomacy and Iraqi self-determination a chance. Now is no time to withdraw.

Thomas R. Damiani

Newport Beach