Iraq Proposal Grid

Proposal	Author	Key Points	Critique
Current Policy November 2005 January 2007	Bush Administration	Creation of an independent Iraqi military and police force that allows new Iraq government to sustain itself. U.S. military can ”stand down” when new Iraqi units “stand up.” Escalation by 21,500 troops	It is not working. Not enough Iraqi military units loyal to the government. Infiltrated by militias Too little too late
Withdrawal by 2008 December 2006	Iraq Study Group	Shift mission to secondary role, let Iraqis take lead in fighting, embed trainers with Iraqi troops, and withdraw US combat brigades by early 2008	Takes too long and leaves caveat that troops will not pullout if conditions are not improved.
"Go Long" November 2006	Joint Chiefs of Staff	Withdraw some troops but maintain a military presence for longer period of time.	Requires patience and resources the American public does not have.
New Security Milestones October 24, 2006	Zalmay Khalilzad & George Casey	Iraq agreed to timetable (one year) for a national compact that includes disarming militias, sharing oil resources, establishing provincial elections, and creation of a national reconciliation program.	An evolution of “clear, hold and build” with specific steps but leaves U.S. troops in Iraq.
Unity Through Autonomy May 2006	Senator Joseph Biden & Leslie Gelb	Encourages creation of three regions, Sunni, Shiite and Kurd with Baghdad a federal city. Central government controls national defense, foreign affairs, and distribution of oil revenue.	Iraqis must agree to it. At the moment Sunnis object but might not if assured of oil revenue.
Deploy More Troops since November 2003 "Go Big" approach	John McCain Joint Chiefs of Staff	More troops on the ground to avoid “whack-a-mole.” Current desired increase is 20,000 troops.	McCain's 20,000 or any number of troops are likely too little too late.
Strategic Redeployment May 2006	Lawrence Korb & Center for American Progress	Withdraw troops by not replacing units as they rotate out. Station Army and Marine units in Kuwait as quick reaction force if Iraq devolves into total civil war.	Would put U.S. troops back into Iraq if the situation got worse.
Immediate Withdrawal November 2005 "Go Home" approach	Rep. John Murtha Joint Chiefs of Staff	U.S. can do little to prevent civil war and should leave asap. U.S. presence impeding, rather than enabling, progress.	Leaves Iraqis to fend for themselves, possibly damaging U.S. global reputation.
Phased Withdrawal November 2006.	Senator Carl Levin	Phased withdrawal over four to six months	Question of saving Iraq from civil war and dissolution.
Withdraw by June 2007 November 2006	Former Senator George S. McGovern	Leave by June 2007, international stabilization force from the Middle East helping Iraqis assume control.	No Traction
Increase Military Advisers "Go Iraqi" November 2006	Defense analyst Andrew Krepinevich Rep. Duncan Hunter	Increase U.S. troops embedded in Iraq’s military from 4,000 to 8,000 or 12,000 (Krepinevich) or fully utilize Iraqi troops (Hunter)	More may not be effective given incapability of Iraqi Security Forces and infiltration of militias.
Brzezinski Plan April 2006	Zbigniew Brzezinski	Four point plan with Iraq asking the U.S. to leave. Negotiations on disengagement with regional Iraq stability conference and an international donors’ conference for reconstruction	No traction
Floating Timetable December 2005	Families of the Fallen for Change	Four-part program with U.S. announcing plan to withdraw. Negotiations for phased withdrawal with concomitant reduction in violence. U.S. funds for reconstruction only if oil revenue and government power is shared.	No traction.