U.S. must avoid appearing colonialist

As more forces die with each passing day, it is imperative that the US reshapes its image in Iraq and avoids donning the mantle of the ugly colonialist.

To this end, Ali Abunimah and Hussein Ibish suggest that the best way to "get out of this emerging mess is to bring the international community, especially the UN, as well as Arab states, into serious and meaningful roles in the nation-building effort. This would add instant legitimacy and reduce the specter of colonialism, ease tensions, reassure Iraqis that their future was not in the hands of a single foreign power and help relieve the American people and military of the massive burden that occupation entails."

Sounds like smart advice. Too bad US officials will be unlikely to heed it until the costs of occupation rise even further.