I think there are three issues the next president should address regarding Iraq. 

 

First, the next President must be honest with the American public regarding Iraq.  They need to look over the facts, consider the cost of war which includes not only of waging war, but also the cost of caring for the veterans when they come home, and give the American public an honest diagnosis.  The topic is war, it is not pleasant, and the people know that.  We don’t need to be lied to in order to feel good; we need the truth whatever it may be. 

 

Second, the next President should offer the American public knowledge versus dishing out fear.  Americans should be told the facts, should be made more knowledgeable of who our enemy is, with knowledge comes understanding and with understanding comes the hope that this war may end.   

 

And finally, the last issue is the matter of when do we withdraw from Iraq.  As a soldier, I know that only the commander in chief has access to all the facts, and will do as I am ordered, that is my duty.  However, as a soldier I have an important question for the next president:  One day we will leave Iraq whether it be in 90 days after taking office or in a 100 years - BUT one day the 1.6 million soldiers minus those killed in action, who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, will return home- the cost of caring for our soldiers is $700 billion- how are you going to prevent us, soldiers, from having to fight yet another battle when we come home just to get the benefits we are entitled to?