Bill
This report below backs up your comments today on the very sad situation in Iraq, and comes from an authoritative US source.
But first it is interesting to try and analyse what effect the Iraq options still open to the US may have on the PM markets.
1) A pull out of Iraq on domestic public opinion pressure (as happened in Vietnam) would leave 3 or more competing fractions in Iraq in a power vaccuum. The resulting uncertainty and security problems in Iraq would probably lead to higher oil prices. The question mark as to the viability of the USA's role in the rest of the world, and the uncertain aftermath if they decided to pull out of other bases would put pressure on the $. Security of oil supply doubts would raise the oil price. All these factors would lead to rising gold prices.
2) If the USA decides to stay in Iraq the escalating costs will increase the deficits putting pressure on the $ and cause a rising gold price.
Conclusion : There is no Iraq scenario visible at the moment which can save the $ and hence it is a win win situation for Gold.
Very tragically it seems that it is much easier to go to war than to end the war with a just and peaceful conclusion and recreate geopolitical stability in the world.
It was easier to open Pandora's box than it is to close it.
All JMHO
Best
Alan