I am torn.

The democrats in the Senate just passed a bill that would call for a troop withdrawal by Oct 1 if Iraq doesn't meet certain requirements. Although Bush is probably going to exercise his executive privilege and veto this bill as soon as it's placed in front of him, I am left wondering whether or not pulling out is the best decision. Historically, the United States pulling out of a situation they got themselves into has proved to lead to troubles later. My favorite example being Afghanistan. The Soviets were invading Afghanistan in the early 80's and the US during the Cold War could not allow for this so they armed many of the leaders of Afghanistan in order to contain any sort of Communist progression towards Arab states. When the Russian army pulled out, it hurled Afghanistan into a bloody civil war for years. Each local tribe was battling for control resulting in the deaths of many. The United States supplied ammo too keep Afghanistan communism free but neglected to actually aid with the set-up of a stable government. So when Russia was defeated the US left behind its arms and left the area in a very volatile situation. I'm glossing a lot of the facts because I do not feel like getting in depth on this issue but my main point is this, about 6 years after the Taleban assumed control of the region 9/11 happened.
We cannot just pullout now or years from now we may suffer later. Its a tricky situation and years ago I was totally behind no war at all, right now, pulling out may not be the smartest idea for Iraq. Iraq will be plunged even further into civil war and someone more heinous than Saddam will take power. I think in an effort to undermine Bush, Democrats may be hurting the US even more on a global scale by exiting. I think what needs to happen is for the US to ride it out and wind it down because at this point pulling out will be counterproductive. There will be an immediate power struggle once the US leaves and we will be playing roulette with the lives of the Iraqi people and the world in coming years.