Securing Baghdad

Re “Bush opens door to troop withdrawal,” May 25

So now President Bush is paying lip service to the Baker-Hamilton plan he previously renounced. Now he is using Bush-speak to say he favors bringing the troops home, as recommended, but only if Baghdad is secured.

It’s time for the military to call Bush’s bluff. Simply pull all U.S. troops and allies from all over Iraq and place them in Baghdad. The insurgents will split to the open areas and Baghdad will be secured. The president either keeps his promise of starting troop reductions or shows himself to still be the dictator in chief.

LLOYD A. FRADKIN

Newhall