Let's put our Iraq withdrawal to a vote -- an Iraqi vote

PRESIDENT BUSH is proud of the fact that the Iraqi people have voted in three elections. To him, it is considered as evidence of the success of our policies. Consequently, would it not make perfect sense to allow the Iraqi population to vote in a referendum as to the timing of the withdrawal of coalition forces?

The United States would be able to assert that it has accomplished its mission by letting the Iraqis determine democratically whether we should withdraw.

We could claim ``victory" by withdrawing through a democratic process that we helped establish.

I suggest the following wording for the referendum question:

Please choose ONE of the following options concerning the presence of coalition forces in Iraq:

(1) I ask that all coalition forces be withdrawn within six months of the date of this referendum.

(2) I ask that all coalition forces be withdrawn within one year of the date of this referendum.

(3) I ask that the government of Iraq determine some time in the future when all coalition forces should be withdrawn.

HAROLD DAVIS
Douglas