Fixing Iraq - Alternatives to Bush's Plan

The right is fond of stating that there are no alternatives to the Bush plan of "stay the course, lie and die." Unfortunately, military experts and other analysts keep bringing up those damn inconvenient facts to the contrary. Let's look here at LTG (retired) William Odom's solution, seen in the LA Times:

Some lawmakers are ready to change course but are puzzled as to how to leave Iraq . The answer is four major initiatives to provide regional stability and calm in Iraq . They will leave the U.S. less influential in the region. But it will be the best deal we can get.

First, the U.S. must concede that it has botched things, cannot stabilize the region alone and must let others have a say in what's next. As U.S. forces begin to withdraw, Washington must invite its European allies, as well as Japan , China and India , to make their own proposals for dealing with the aftermath. Russia can be ignored because it will play a spoiler role in any case.
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The second initiative is to create a diplomatic forum for Iraq 's neighbors. Iran , of course, must be included. Washington should offer to convene the forum but be prepared to step aside if other members insist.

Third, the U.S. must informally cooperate with Iran in areas of shared interests. Nothing else could so improve our position in the Middle East . The price for success will include dropping U.S. resistance to Iran 's nuclear weapons program. This will be as distasteful for U.S. leaders as cutting and running, but it is no less essential. That's because we do share vital common interests with Iran . We both want to defeat Al Qaeda and the Taliban ( Iran hates both). We both want stability in Iraq (Iran will have influence over the Shiite Iraqi south regardless of what we do, but neither Washington nor Tehran want chaos). And we can help each other when it comes to oil: Iran needs our technology to produce more oil, and we simply need more oil.

Accepting Iran 's nuclear weapons is a small price to pay for the likely benefits. Moreover, its nuclear program will proceed whether we like it or not. Accepting it might well soften Iran 's support for Hezbollah, and it will definitely undercut Russia 's pernicious influence with Tehran .

Fourth, real progress must be made on the Palestinian issue as a foundation for Middle East peace. The invasion of Iraq and the U.S. tilt toward Israel have dangerously reduced Washington 's power to broker peace or to guarantee Israel 's security. We now need Europe 's help. And good relations with Iran would help dramatically.

No strategy can succeed without these components. We must cut and run tactically in order to succeed strategically. The United States needs to restore its reputation so that its capacity to lead constructively will cost us less.

There are alternatives which will work. What we need are political leaders who have the gumption to propose them. This current cast of Republican yes-men aren't the ones to do it. That's why we need a Democratic Senate as well as a Democratic House. Help make it happen next week.