Pullout

I hear that the Brits have a plan to get most of their troops out of Iraq next year, and the Pentagon does, too.

There was a time when I would have welcomed such news. I hesitate now, though. I think we've got to have some responsibility for restoring the country, since we've done so much to break it. The world will be in trouble if the current pack of murderers manages to bomb its way into power.

But then, I don't want my friends to die there. I think I'll have a hard time asking those I know to stay for the sake of people I don't.