beardedbruce, it isn't what I think should happen now that matters, it is what the Iraqis think should happen that matters.

And according to The (UK) Times Online today:

January 23, 2005

Go home Yanks, says PM in waiting
Hala Jaber, Baghdad

THE Shi'ite Muslim cleric tipped to become prime minister after next Sunday's election in Iraq has said it will be the duty of the new government to demand the withdrawal of American forces "as soon as possible".

"No people in the world accepts occupation and nor do we accept the continuation of American troops in Iraq," said Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq.

"We regard these forces to have committed many mistakes in the handling of various issues, the first and foremost being that of security, which in turn has contributed to the massacres, crimes and calamities that have taken place in Iraq against the Iraqis."

In comments certain to raise eyebrows in the United States, al-Hakim spoke of a role for Iran and Syria — both regarded in Washington as enemies in the war on terror — along with Iraq's other neighbours, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Kuwait, in the security of the country. "

And he is the guy most likely to be the next Prime Minister of Iraq, beardedbruce. And it don't sound like he will be asking the American troops to leave politely.