The question then becomes, what to do with our troops next? Considering that Iraq is no longer an option, we then have to focus on the greater war on terror. Obama favors a regroup in Afghanistan, and a focus on the Afghan-Pakistani border regions. I tend to agree with this considering that troops are sorely needed in Afghanistan, and the Pakistani government claims that there are 50-60 Al-Qeada leaders based in Pakistan, including Zawahiri.

McCain, on the other hand, favors an attack on Iran. Considering the political, economic, social, and military ties between Iraq and Iran, I believe this would be a disastrous course of action. Our own intelligence agencies have no evidence that ...

The question then becomes, what to do with our troops next? Considering that Iraq is no longer an option, we then have to focus on the greater war on terror. Obama favors a regroup in Afghanistan, and a focus on the Afghan-Pakistani border regions. I tend to agree with this considering that troops are sorely needed in Afghanistan, and the Pakistani government claims that there are 50-60 Al-Qeada leaders based in Pakistan, including Zawahiri.

McCain, on the other hand, favors an attack on Iran. Considering the political, economic, social, and military ties between Iraq and Iran, I believe this would be a disastrous course of action. Our own intelligence agencies have no evidence that Iran is attempting to produce a nuclear weapon, and there are no signs that they are a threat to us in any way. From my perspective, an attack on Iran would be another distraction from the real global war on terror, while our troops in Afghanistan flounder, and Al-Qaeda grows stronger.

What do do with our troops?

I'd suggest that taking in a task force to kill or capture bin Laden, where ever he is, is a good idea and would be a good use of our troops.

(Note: This does not mean overthrowing governments, killing half a million people or more, and establishing permanent bases for what every false or paranoid reasons we can come up with).

Then, the troops could come home and have a victory parade and party and it would be nice if they got WWII benefits and care; if they are not getting that now.

Next I would suggest that we consider using troops to protect our borders. Most countries do this and it should be a no-brainer to realize a nation has to control it's borders.

I...

What do do with our troops?

I'd suggest that taking in a task force to kill or capture bin Laden, where ever he is, is a good idea and would be a good use of our troops.

(Note: This does not mean overthrowing governments, killing half a million people or more, and establishing permanent bases for what every false or paranoid reasons we can come up with).

Then, the troops could come home and have a victory parade and party and it would be nice if they got WWII benefits and care; if they are not getting that now.

Next I would suggest that we consider using troops to protect our borders. Most countries do this and it should be a no-brainer to realize a nation has to control it's borders.

I would also suggest that all 'trainers,' 'advisors,' private security contractors,' and troops overseas be withdrawn.

This leads to the final and perhaps most radical and perhaps shocking: I would prohibit the use of any troops overseas unless there is a specific Declaration of War and or an open, public, clear, forthright discussion and approval by Congress that makes it clear we are sending X-number of troops to X-country for X-reasons.

I know this hope that these proper and more Constitutional, open and honest acknowledgement of our use of military force might not be considered realistic by those who advocate covert actions, secret wars, secret prisons, lies and deceit but I think not.

One of the reasons why much of Pentagon propaganda sounds so stupid and our wars bring so little benefit to our people, IMO, is when they are neither based on true, open and honest democracy and/or begun without the knowledge of the American people.

I don't think, BTW, that Obama is "acquiescing," to Iraqi demands. His timeline proposals came well before theirs and I believe he realizes you can win a war started on lies.

There is no "victory," in Iraq. There never will be.

There is only getting ourselves out of a misguided misadventure.

Stopping our own terrorism would also be good.