I see that point but am looking more towards a future state. Weimar and the Current Iraqi Gov't have similiar weaknesses. Weaknesses that can be exploited by the unscrupulous: be they sectarian or socialist and communists. In the end of the Weimar era a brutal dictator assisted partially by militia forces who promised greater security and economic recovery took control. The anaolgy I see is from chaos and weak democracy rises (or potentially rises) dictatorship. By keeping U.S. forces in country we prevent the rise of the dictator, giving the fragile democracy a chance to survive.--T