A timeline for bringing U.S. troops home that is negotiated with the Iraqi government would also boost the Iraqi government's legitimacy and claim to self-rule, and force the Iraqi government to take responsibility for itself and its citizens.

Nor should the U.S. military be forced to remain in Iraq essentially as an army for one side of a civil war.

The U.S. must renounce any U.S. interest in constructing permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq.

The U.S. cannot force Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds to make peace or to act for the common good. They have been in conflict for 1,400 years.

The crude oil market, unlike every other commodity in America, is virtually unregulated.

The U.S. cannot impose freedom, security, and unity in Iraq by force.

Saddam Hussein was a brutal tyrant. I am glad he is now on trial for crimes against humanity. But, opposition to a dictator is not the measure I use when deciding whether to send our men and women in uniform off to war and possible death.