Wow, Nick.
AS someone who has opposed the Iraq War since before Bush became President (I predicted three things when he got elected and got two of them. Much to my chagrin it wasn't the one that was best for the country -Predictions were 1. War with Iraq, 2. A recession and 3. A One-Term Presidency), I have to commend you for allowing your position to evolve.
The bottom line is that the war was wrong for so many reasons that we should never have allowed the war to start. The fact that it did start is a testament to our failure as American citizens to keep our government under control. In the end, it is up to us to finish the war.
One thing that I am worried about is the continued mischaracterization of the Democratic Candidates regarding ending the war. Code Pink might be screaming for us to get our troops out now, but most Democrats, and especially both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton know better. We do need to begin a withdrawal without delay but that does not mean every American Soldier out of Iraq on January 22, 2009.
Both candidates differ in their exact plans. On the good side, both of them understand any withdrawal will be under the direction and planned by military senior staff. Still, as President they will order the withdrawal to begin and set deadlines.
Hillary Clinton's plan is here: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/iraq/
Some major points:
Begin phased redeployment immediately
Secure stability in Iraq while we bring troops home
New, Intensive diplomatic efforst with regional powers
Barack says he's start withdrawing 1-2 brigades every two months until they are all gone, regional diplomacy and all that. Read more here: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/
I don't like his plan as much. Why? It's both too general (in some areas) and far too specific in others. How many troops to bring home in any given month needs to be a decision by military commanders. "Get them redeployed within the next 16 months, beginning some withdrawal immediately" are appropriate orders for a Commander-In-Chief to give. Leave the specifics up to the military officers who have the experience and the training to get it done right.
People harp on Hillary because she's 'the wife' of a former President, with the implication that just because she was a First Lady she's incapable of being President. I've got some news for these folks.
Bill Clinton is a smart man.
Hillary's smarter.