Iraq is the ultimate example of special-interest government. The men and women who occupied the top decision-making posts in the foreign-policy apparatus of this government had vested financial, ideological, and personal interests at stake in invading Iraq. That is why world opinion, historical precedent and common sense were unable to penetrate into the decision-making process and why administration communications during the run-up to the war were so one-sided and devoid of opposing views. This administration wasn't having a discussion with Congress, the American people, and the world. They were making a sale.

That is visible to ordinary people all over the world, except, until recently, here in the United States. That is why our occupation has been unable to acquire legitimacy in the eyes of the Iraqi people. That legitimacy gap extends to the government we are protecting, which explains why they are unable to secure the support even of many fellow Shia.

The consequences of the invasion have been catastrophic: hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and thousands of American servicepersons dead; millions displaced; millions of Iraqis and tens of thousands of Americans maimed; a region in chaos as extremist groups have been given the most powerful recruiting and fund-raising tool they have ever possessed; our credibility around the world destroyed.

The root cause behind the civil war in Iraq is the lack of legitimacy. As long as American troops are in Iraq, its government will be viewed with suspicion by the Iraqi people. Thus, the argument that withdrawal of American forces would leave chaos in its wake is based on a faulty assumption, namely that the presence of US forces is capable of bringing stability to Iraq. Any responsible policy in Iraq begins with withdrawal, on a timetable consistent with force protection.

Although I disagree with some of its assumptions, I endorse the Responsible Plan to End The War in Iraq:
http://www.responsibleplan.com/plan

It provides a timetable for withdrawal, and a legislative agenda for dealing with the causes and consequences of the war. This systemic view makes it a valuable starting point for discussion and legislation.

Dealing effectively with the causes and effects of the Iraq War will facilitate tackling other issues of American governance.