How can Iraq know peace in the near future without a strong coalition military presence?
Anyone who knows the history of the region and the ancient conflict between the Shi’ites and the Sunni would be pessimistic.

Saddam Hussein was a monster but, in my view, Islam in such a geographically volatile region could only be kept in check by a strong military presence or monstrous dictatorship, such as Iraq knew under Hussein.
Democracies, like the U.S.A., with constantly changing governments and policies, just aren’t suited to long-term nation building, except where both sides of politics share a common vision and commitment.
The coalition’s strategy in Iraq seems seriously flawed and betrays an ignorance of the historical Sunni/Shia divide.

What is to happen now to all those Iraqis who shared a vision for a free and democratic Iraq and now are to be abandoned?
Are they to share the same fate as the Vietnamese abandoned to the tender mercies of the North Vietnamese communists?
When the coalition withdraws, God help the Iraqis who are perceived to have collaborated with the hated crusader infidels.

Iran seems to be in a position to play a leading role in Iraq’s future, especially with 60% Iraqis being Shi’ites.