负担 美国在大选后伊拉克的艰难选择[20100224].pdf

The Burden:Americas Hard Choices in Post-Election IraqF e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0P o l i c y b r i e Fby Thomas e.ricksThe March 7 national election in iraq and the period of government formation that will follow it carry enormous implications for both the future of that country and for u.S.policy there.it appears now that the elections are unlikely to resolve key political struggles that could yet return the country to sectarianism and violence.if so,President barack obama may find himself considering whether once again to break a campaign promise regarding iraq and keep tens of thousands of troops there for several more years,perhaps until the end of his term.Surprisingly,that probably is the best course for him,and for iraqi leaders,to pursue.At a time when American attention has shifted to Afghanistan,the Obama Administration may find itself in a few months again facing major deci-sions about troop levels and the degree to which the United States government should intervene in Iraqs political and security affairs.Whether or not the Iraqi national elections bring the long-awaited political breakthrough that genuinely ends the fighting there,this year is likely to be a turning point