Strategies and options for the United States’ involvement in Iraq abound from many sources, but the reduction in the number of troops will be the option that is implemented in 2007, in part with the “help” of Iran, says Dr. Doug Gibler, assistant professor of political science at The University of Alabama.

“Iran will play a major role in the draw down of U.S. troops in Iraq,” predicts Gibler. “Iran is positioning itself to become the dominant regional power in the Middle East, and at the same time the United States finds itself unable to retract itself from what is becoming a nasty civil war. Much of the insurgency seems to be driven by Iranian support, and it seems likely that the United States will have to reach some sort of power-sharing arrangement with Iran in order to remove troops from the region.”

Gibler, who is an expert on Iraq and international political issues, adds, “U.S. bases will be maintained, but a significant number of troops will be withdrawn, much of the insurgency will be cooled following the withdrawal, and Iran’s status will improve greatly immediately following the move.”