Out of Iraq

George McGovern's latest book on Iraq is worth a read.

November 20, 2006

1968 In America: Charles Kaiser's book looks at a turning point in American history.

Appearance of Impropriety: Reynolds and Morgan takes a look our contemporary ethics.

If the Gods Had Meant Us To Vote, They Would Have Given Us Candiates: Andrew takes a look at Jim Hightower's book, and isn't impressed.

In Defense of Government: The Fall and Rise of Public Trust: Andrew looks at Jacob Weisberg's book In Defense of Government, and finds it an interesting read.

Radical Center: The Future of American Politics: A book review on the book Radical Center.

Reflections of A Radical Moderate: Andrew takes a look at Elliot Richardson's book Reflections of a Radical Moderate. It's not the greatest, but he has some unique insights into government.

Return of Thrift: Longman questions whether or not the middle class is on the verge of collapse.

Shooting Straight: A look at gun control through the eyes of the NRA.

Strange Death of American Liberalism: Brands' book looks at the history of liberalism.

The World is Flat (?): Reviewing Thomas Friedman's Book on globalization.

Up 'Til Now: Eugene McCarthy's Memoir is an interesting history and commentary on contemporary politics.

Out of Iraq

George McGovern (with the help of Middle East expert William R. Polk) has a new book out about the war in Iraq, called Out of Iraq. It is a short read, and like many of McGovern's books a well thought out read.

In this book he passionately argues that war in Iraq was misguided from the start, based on evidence that was misleading to say the least. He says that a continuing occupation in Iraq is only going to continue the devestation to Iraq and is going to cost even more lives and money.

He argues we should start a planned withdrawl starting December 31, 2006 with complete withdrawl by June 31, 2007. In our place, he suggests that Iraq should request an international peace keeping force, which would only last for a specified time period. He also suggests complete accounting of war expenditures, and seeking the help of neighbooring nations to stabilize Iraq.

McGovern says we should cease work on US military bases, a source of contention with Iraqis. Several of them may have closed, but some of them are so massive that they never will be erased from memory in Iraq. He argues that while there are no plans yet for bases, it clear that is what the US's plans are for Iraq. He also wants $1 billion to be given to the Iraqis for reconstruction without strings.

It's an interesting perspective he has on Iraq. The book is $14 and you'll get through it quickly. Yet, if you want a fairly authorative history on the situation in Iraq, and a liberal perspective on how to undo the mess in Iraq, it's worth a read.