Leave Iraq - When and How

Leave Iraq? When? How? Q. Is it right or good for the U.S. to pull out of Iraq soon? What do you think will happen to Iraq whenever the U.S. does leave? Can Iraq unite and keep a stable government? Will terrorists take over? Quinn Patrick Foster, 17, Sun Valley High School, Monroe: The United States has, in actuality, caused more harm to Iraq than peace and rebuilding. Not only have there been riots and countless battles, but innocent lives have been lost in the process. If we were to pull out now, the United States would be saving time, money and, most importantly, lives. As for Iraq being left to govern itself, we will never know unless we give them the chance.

Dane Keil, 15, home-schooled, Charlotte: Clearly, the current methods in which we are handling the war aren't working. If we pull out too early, the terrorists will return to power and the situation will be the same if not worse. We need to train the Iraqi army as quickly and efficiently as possible if they are to become self sufficient. If we are still in Iraq after the next election, I would strongly encourage the next president to come into office with a clear exit strategy.

Daniel Sircar, 16, Charlotte Christian, Charlotte: There is no doubt in my mind that until the Iraqi government is stabilized, we simply cannot leave. I wish that it could be as simple as "We've had enough. We're going home." If we stay, we'll stay for an indefinite amount of time, possibly 10 or more years. If we leave, we'll demoralize the soldiers. The media's portrayal of the war is ugly, but there's a lot of good that has been accomplished. People have education, plumbing, electricity, and actual rights now. We can't let these people down. Stay the course.

Ryan Dahrouge, 13, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte: We should pull out of Iraq, but before we do so, we should plan it very carefully. We entered Iraq without thinking of the consequences so we have to make sure we don't do the same leaving it. The U.S. should get the neighboring countries of Iraq involved in the planning. Have Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Turkey help stabilize the country's security, economy and the government by establishing good relations with Iraq.

Khevna Desai, 14, School of Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science @ Olympic High, Charlotte: America entered Iraq on the false pretext of WMD of which none were found. Saddam has been replaced and Iraqis have had their elections. It's time for Iraqis to take responsibility and run their government by themselves. At first Iraqis will have some difficulties running their government, but it's up to them to unite and stay strong. Of course the terrorists will try to take over, but this will happen only if the Iraqi government fails to do its job.

Rachel Myrick, 15, Myers Park High, Charlotte: I believe that democracy can only be achieved from within, not imposed on a country. However, now that the United States has meddled with Iraqi affairs, it is our responsibility to finish what we started in order to ensure the safety and security of civilians. If America pulls out too quickly, we will appear only to have our own self interests in mind and Iraq will be in an even more difficult, chaotic state than prior to the war.