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Letter: Problems won’t be solved until troops are out

Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005 | 3:23 a.m.

Americans delude themselves in thinking that Iraq was responsible for 9/11 and that we are fighting terrorism by bringing democracy to the Middle East through war and occupation. In the forced January "election," only a few selected representatives will be chosen and they will appoint a large temporary government.

At best, Iraqi citizens will not be able to vote on "their government" until the end of next year, if then. A poll in May showed most Iraqis would feel safer if our troops left immediately. Eighty percent said they had "no confidence" in the U.S. civilian or military authorities. If we believe in democracy, we should pull most American troops out by the end of next year.

We are not solving the problem; we are the problem. The Bush plan could take a 10-year occupation. Maybe that is why in Iraq 14 permanent military bases have been built, floating on a sea of oil.

JERRY BITTS

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