OK, so, imagine the following scenario:
- June, 2004. Iraq sovereignty is turned over to an expanded governing council, on schedule.
- Summer, 2004. Unrest in Iraq continues, with regular bombings, worsening security, departing US allies.
- Fall, 2004. Political stalemate in Iraq, with elections delayed, and civil war seems very possible. Continuing al Qaeda presence.
- November, 2004. Kerry beats Bush, 51-48.
- December, 2004. Frequent clashes between Kurdish, Shiite, and Sunni militias. On request of discredited interim governing council, US forces try to keep them apart, but with little success. Dozens of US troops killed in action. Only British and US forces remain in Iraq.
- January, 2005. Kerry takes office in the middle of a snowstorm.