For George W. Bush, for the U.S. military, and for the United States as whole, the execution of Saddam Hussein presents probably the last best opportunity to leave Iraq in a manner that is clothed with any semblance of honor, pride, and dignity. Will Bush take this opportunity?
Whatever happens from here on out, Bush can walk away from this "ginormous global nightmare" with the personal conviction that he changed history for the better. He can also, in his own twisted way, carry a sense of having bested his old man while keeping the family honor.
It's the perfect time to announce an abrupt change in policy. Bush could announce boldly that, regardless of how the Iraq war started, the invasion was really about removing Saddam Hussein, in accordance with previous United Nations Security Council resolutions. Surely Condi Rice is still capable of scrambling together a proper figleaf in the form of diplomatic statements to this effect?
The world will be relieved. They want the old America back, the good one they can like. The American People will rejoice. Hopefully the Iraqis will too, but the real mess and challenge is probably just beginning for them, unfortunately.
But despite all the myriad complications of the tactical U.S. retreat, the most honorable American position is surely the "ebb". Staying longer is apt to make it worse for the Iraqis in the long run, as well as worse for the United States. There is no honor in causing harm by delay.
The U.S. military can begin pulling out with its own sense of honor at duty fulfilled, a point that is extremely important to anyone wearing a uniform, but which liberals have often overlooked. It is quite probable that U.S. military will be needed in a very short time for missions with which the left agrees, and which the American People legitimately endorses.
Saddam is dead. You won the war, George. Misson was really accomplished this time. Announce victory, start withdrawing troops, and watch your poll ratings soar. No one will care, or hardly remember, that you dug in your heels so hard.
Go for it, George...shock us all big time...