Seek diplomatic solution in Iraq

I have been reading with great interest your coverage of the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War.

I have noticed that the discussion has focused mostly on the number of troops in Iraq, the problems these troops are encountering, and whether or not the U.S. should leave Iraq by a specific date.

The U.S. should establish a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. But working with the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker lobby in Washington, D.C., I'm also trying to persuade our elected representatives in Congress to prevent the U.S. from committing to the long-term occupation of Iraq and to require a comprehensive diplomatic strategy in Iraq and in the Middle East.

If the U.S. does not keep its options open and talk to all the countries neighboring Iraq, including Iran and Syria, to achieve a regional security for Iraq and the Middle East, U.S. troops will be trapped in a costly occupation of Iraq for years to come.

Dale Mohr

Naperville