ISIS IN IRAQ

The situation in Iraq is proving to be a precursor of things to come for the region. The radicalization of the Muslim Arabs is a phenomenon that will continue to keep the Middle East simmering in turmoil for the foreseeable future. I have always believed that a deep cleansing of sorts within Islam is needed to finally get past the sectarian divide. The Christian faith went through that violent upheaval for millenia and unfortunately, it seems Islam won't escape the same fate. What we need to do is to stay out of this perfect storm scenario unfolding - where Shiite versus Sunni, Islamists versus secularists collide and implode in a clash of civilization within Islam. There are those who want this conflict to be a clash of civilization between the West and Islam but that narrative must not be allowed to take root. This conflict is over the role of Islam in the 21st century. I repeat, we should stay out of this conflict. That means immediate withdrawal of all our troops from the region. If what is to follow is a conflict between Sunni's and Shiite, so be it. We can no longer continue to interfere and in essence delay the day of reckoning. These societies need to overcome their sectarian and tribal fanaticism to ever hope to advance in the modern age. Our involvement has hindered - and in many cases delayed progress towards goals I think we all should value - like secularism , democracy and individual rights.