Evolving Quagmire

Calvary Charge, with its brazen "Appeasement is not the answer" attitude and stay-until-it's-over approach, overlooks the simple fact that the escalation of violence is due directly to the US's prolonged occupation. Just look at the Shiites, who originally supported deposing Saddam but now are among the staunchest opposing occupation. Yesterday's deaths alone are evidence of that. It's a classic Catch 22 for US forces: stay longer and risk further escalation and bloodshed, leave now and watch the place go up like a powder keg, as factions fight to the nub for power. The best bet now is an overwhelming police force made up of blue helmets. Such a call to the UN, however, would only sound a resounding defeat for the US.