Even the most ardent supporters would agree that the war in Iraq has not achieved its goals.  This failure has come with tremendous cost and the billion-dollar taxi-meter keeps running.  What, if any benefits has there been for the United States, Iraq and the rest of the world?  How can we measure the cost of these benefits in terms of fiscal expenditures, diminished military capability, human life, and other issues?

Then we will discuss whether a US withdrawal would cause a bloodbath.

Finally, we will consider if the US ever intends to leave the second largest oil reserves in the world.  Should we expect otherwise with the construction of huge permanent bases, the largest U.S. Embassy in the world and the new laws governing the oil industry (and the lack of Iraqi sovereignty thereon)?

Please make your $7 deposit here.  The total $17 attendance fee includes a 4 course Indian dinner and covers the tax and tip too.  First time attendees will pay the full deposit, but will have all but $2 of it applied to their dinner. (If you previously made a deposit, please let us know if you want to attend this meeting.)