Don't ignore the ground realities

It goes without saying that any discussion with regard to the pullout of troops from Iraq should take into consideration the long-term effects and consequences.

Without devising an overall plan that takes into consideration all the variables involved in nation-building, any attempt at changing troop levels may bring about harm to Iraq than good.

Recently, President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki agreed that a "time horizon" for reducing US forces from Iraq should be set. This comes as a stark change in position as Bush has always refused to adhere to any withdrawal timetable. But it is critical that matters are placed within their right context when it comes to the ground reality in Iraq. Keeping or withdrawing the troops has to be linked with what is being achieved to bring about security and stability to the country. Hence, it is simple to have discussions about troop numbers but it is challenging to address the problems and issues that would arise following a withdrawal. This is a fact that would significantly dominate any future set-up in Iraq, which should take on more prominence when the change of guard takes place at the White House.