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Iraq Study Group

1. Will the report be cleared with Allies, such as Iraq, Australia and Israel, before any action is taken to implement it?

I suspect that whatever decisions are arrived at by the White House will be discussed with the Allies, including the U.K., before any action is taken. I do not think the report will be "cleared," if what's meant by that is a veto right.

2. Is there a Plan for the Aftermath of the report? In particular, have enough troops been allocated to ensure that the report's Aftermath in Iraq is completely non-violent?

I don't think enough troops will be allocated to insure that the Aftermath is completely non-violent. Iraq is far from non-violent now with the current level of forces, and there is not the political will to invest materially more blood and treasure to the conflict.

3. If not, will all use of force resulting from this report, by all parties in Iraq, have full UN Security Council approval?

Clearly no.

4. Will the arrangements properly safeguard Iraqi antiquities, and Iraqi oil installations?

No, remaining antiquities and Iraq oil installations are currently under constant threat and given the answer to the second question above, will continue to be under threat.

5. Will there be adequate arrangements for the refugees?

Currently there are large numbers of internal refugees, as well as refugees in bordering countries. Given the answer to the second question above, it's hard to imagine that any plan will adequately provide for the current refugees, let alone additional refugees caused, for example, by increased fighting in the wake of a U.S. withdrawal.

6. Has sufficient attention been given to the effect of a US retreat on the Arab Street?

I suspect that this issue is discussed in some detail, since it lends itself to broad conclusions either to withdraw, stay the course, or increase commitment.

7. What does the group recommend as the exit strategy from their report?

Good question.

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