When we invaded Iraq, they were our enemy. Their army was our enemy for sure. Probably only some of the Iraqi residents could be classified as our enemies, much the same as the residents of any other country we invaded and defeated historically. Our military has remained in Iraq because of the insurgency mounted by Iraqis with training and financing provided by others. But no doubt, Iraqis were the suicide bombers and IED makers. They are definitely our enemies. A major segment of Iraqis, the Sunni Arabs, were our enemies until we paid off their leaders to stop their sponsorship of the insurgency. Are they our friends now, or will they again become our enemies after our flow of money to them stops? Iraqis elected a government in elections forced by us. Whether they would have ever held democratic elections if not for our pressure to do so is problematical. Their new government is more sectarian and fractionalized than any we could possibly imagine here in the U.S. Are they our enemies? Maybe not all of them, but probably some. But they are definitely not our friends. Broad public opinion within Iraq want our soldiers to leave. Notwithstanding the sacrifices of blood and treasure, the Iraqi people don't want us there. Are they enemies? Maybe not totally, but they certainly are not our friends.

So I ask again: why should we be negotiating with the Iraqi government over the terms of our withdrawal from their country? Is that not "negotiating with the enemy"?