Iraqis Take Another Hopeful Step
"To the Editor:
The large turnout of Iraqi Sunnis is an encouraging sign for the political process, but the assumption that the Sunni population is moving away from the insurgency may prove false.
Instead, the presence of ties between some Sunni politicians and the insurgency has the feel of a sophisticated resistance with political and military wings.
If Thursday's vote paves the way for political cooperation between the Shiites and the Sunnis, it also has the potential for increased military cooperation between factions within these groups to end the American occupation.
It is time for President Bush to finally announce that we have no intention of maintaining a permanent military presence in Iraq and to present a real timetable for the rapid withdrawal of American troops.
Sunni willingness to participate in the political process demonstrates that we are no longer needed in Iraq. It would be wise to leave before we are no longer wanted.
Mitchell Turker  Portland, Ore., Dec. 16, 2005"