This is not original with Daniel Pipes, but I can’t imagine it being argued more cogently:
Two positions dominate and polarize the American body politic today. Some say the war is lost, so leave Iraq. Others say the war can be won, so keep the troops in place.
I split the difference and offer a third route. The occupation is lost but the war can be won. Keep U.S. troops in Iraq but remove them from the cities.
Etc.
Blithe Spirit 