al-Miki does not speak for all Iraqis. What would the next political administration wish to have happen? And let's say we pull out, does that invite insurrection, kaos, civil war, or a blood bath?

This is a damned if you do and damned if you don't situation. Unintended consequences have dominated this whole invasion. We must not create more turmoil in our exit.

I suggest a staged with drawl. Leave our forces in Bagdad, until all others are out. Then leave a few thousand troops in the city to protect our embassy.