Not sure what we should do in the Iraq thing. It seems that the US is trapped. If we take our medicine and leave, will that bring out more terrorists? There is way too much pinned on this handover next month. I don't think it will change anything (other than provide even more targets for the terrorists).

The most important thing that history has taught us about nation-building (both colonialism and the rise of nation-states, is that public safety is most critical thing that people want (you can do business with out fear of getting robbed, you can take roads without fear of dying, etc.) Look at China and the commies (or Russia), it was based on control of the people thru a police state. Before there was no control and the people looked for strong leadership.

There is no control in Iraq, nothing tying anyone to being an Iraqi (I'm a Kurd, Sunni, or Shia). Break the country up into three parts and let things fall where they may. Don't let imperialistic designs from the defunct British and French "Empires" outline what is going to be a long-term problem.