The Turkish Weekly reports (hat tip: Juan Cole):
“Eighty two Iraqi lawmakers from across the political spectrum have pressed for the withdrawal of the US-led occupation troops from their country.
“The Shiite, Kurdish, Sunni Arab, Christian and communist legislators made the call in a letter sent by Falah Hassan Shanshal of the United Iraqi Alliance (UIA), the largest bloc in parliament, to speaker Hajem Al-Hassani, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).”
This is significant: if prominent members of the elected Parliament of Iraq are asking us to leave — including members of the majority UIA coalition — then it seems to me the days of the occupation are numbered. How can the U.S. credibly claim to be for “democracy” in Iraq if it stays in the face of an increasingly vocal and nonviolent opposition?
Prediction: The “political wing” of the insurgency is bound to link up with dissident Iraqi politicians, who will demand U.S. withdrawal. This will become increasingly an issue as the next round of scheduled Iraqi elections draws nearer.