Comment: I would hope that no one say "less troops", but use the correct form: "fewer troops"!
Comment: What a leakfest this article is! All of this is supposed to be unreleased and confidential.
Obviously Hirsh is a tool of the neocon hawks trying to kill this report and defame Obama.
Such corruption in the media. It's 1898 all over again.
Comment: To continue: All it would take is ONE private to say, "This is crazy! I won't do it!" and be backed up by his Captain, who fully agrees AND is not the coward that deserter bush is. Stephen Rohaty, combat veteran
Comment: How about if the one private decides to leave Obamas war and his captain agrees? Obamas talk of peace is called a campaign promise...as in wish in one hand and --you know the drill!
obama would not be a very good commander in chief with all his troops engauged in this kind of "bravery." And thats what this election is all about!
who is going to make the better commander in chief of all the US armed Forces!
Did you leave buddys in a bad situation there,Combat Vet?
You're an Obama supporter! thats's for sure!
Comment: Leavening local troops with Americans did NOT work in Vietnam. It CANNOT work now! I speak from the experience of 2 tours listening to Ruff Puff excuses. And when does the Pentagon expect the first American mutiny? They MUST have predicted it.
Comment: Ditto to the comment below. I'm stunned that such an incorrect use of the English language was used for the title of this article. Anyone working for Newsweek should certainly know better - or they should go back to school and learn the rudiments of the language before picking up another paycheck.
Comment: Only someone uneducated in the use of the english language says "less troops." Fewer troops is correct. If something can be counted, "fewer" is used. If it cannot be counted, "less" is used.
Let us reduce the number of troops, so that there are fewer of them.
Comment: Ozebra and McCain differ in that the one with actual experience keeps his mouth shut on any plans , time tables and specifics for troop withrwels,Where as Candidate Amateur Hour blabs his plans all over the globe (which the enemy fighting our trops will find convenient and usefull to our troopps detriment!).
It is eridiculouse for Ozebra to do that! Entirely irresponsible! And a major factor against his ever being elected to become the Commander In Chief of the US ARMED FORCES. He's disqualified himself!
Ozebra deserves the heat! Ozebra maintains an ambi-position on the war in Iraq and war on terror in general, which only a Send Up could possible maintain due to lack of authentic critical examination!
Comment: Obama has made his positions very clear on the war in iraq and the war on terror, you would know this if you only would take your fingers out of your ears when he speaks. McSame has made his specifics for a timetable for withdrawals (100 years). Ozebra? sounds pretty raciest to me.
Comment: I hate seeing dead American servicemen of any color for any reason. Worse that the leader blabs his intentions as he changes the color order of his stripes to fit the polls...
.... I have seen dead US service men and wounded... and must ask, do you see racists everywhere? And homophobes ,too?
Comment: I think this is proof to back up Mccain's point all along. Let's give progress a chance and the draw down in troops will be the natural step to the success we are seeing in Iraq. Mccain has always said that the war will end much quickly then most expect due to the recent surge success and this is validation that Mccain is correct!
Comment: Oh please, it figures you Republicans would try to turn it around and make it look like a win for McCain. He has stated over and over it will be years before we can even consider withdrawing out troops.
It has been a number of things that came together, it was not just the surge. The Iraqis have played a role in it too. The Iraqi troops are ready years earlier than McCain has previously estimated. Iraq and Iran have been holding meetings, at the complete disapproval of Bush, which has resulted in a drastic reduction of insurgents. Then there is the truce with Al-Sadr, which is the main reason for the reduction in violence. McCain didn't change his tune about the war and ending it sooner till he found out the American public wouldn't stand for a war with no ending in sight. He has always stated it didn't matter how long we were there, as long as American lives weren't lost.
Comment: How can Obama who has never been in the military make a decision on withdrawal. He will need the advise of the top miliary commanders. Obama is a young kid who is running but is not sure why. It is obvious someone is telling Obama what to say and when to smile etc. How can Obana go to Iraq,spend a few hours and then say I know what needs to be done and I know how to h andle this war. I spent less than a day in Iraq and that makes me an expert. I have no confidence in Obama.
Comment: The more you read the more informed you are. I don't think that anyone can make a decision on anything in Iraq with out being informed. This is why the military has reports. Someone makes a unit assessment on the ground situation then they pass it up to their superiors who make a higher level assessment and pass it on to their superiors. Then at a certain level that assessment becomes a recommendation. That recommendation will become an informed decision. That is how the process works. Anyone can make a decision with that type of process. Now we come to the problem with the current administration. The job of the Commander and Chief is to say to the Unified Combatant Commands this is our objective get it done. Then it???s the job of those Commanders to assess the ground situation and accomplish the set goals the best way they see fit. The current Commander and Chief since being in the Air National Guard fancies himself some sort of military strategist when he is not. McCain with respect to his military record never commanded anything therefore would only have a slight edge over Obama which would be that he served in the military. Serving in the military doesn???t qualify you as a great leader. I know tons of not smart (Dum Bass) people that served in the military.
Comment: happ99 has the hostility issues I think. Calling me an idiot and all that. I am not mad at him/her though. I am sad, actually. Good luck working out your personal issues.
Comment: PleaseSaveAmerica, happ99 suffers from an inferiority complex, which is pretty evident by his many childish, insulting rantings on here, and that's putting it nicely. I actually think he has a few screws missing, or maybe just too much to drink last night. In his world, he is right and anyone who disagrees is unpatriotic and uneducated. All you can really do is just shake your head and just pity the poor guy. You can't reason with him.
Comment: It is interesting that when the PM of Iraq says our troops need to withdraw based on a timetable, the war supporters say it is a negotiation position and not a true statement. The man sounded pretty serious to me. We allowed these people to have their voice and they have spoken--George and Dick --Are you listening.
Comment: Bush has openly said few times in some interviews that American military is in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi people. If there is any ounce of truth in that statement, then we should not be even discussing to stay or not. When majority of the Iraqis say 'get lost', we should get out. Obviously the dumb and arrogant Americans don't know truth from ficton.
Comment: I think it is time that the american troops leave, the "bush and friends show" keep trying to protray that there has been progress in Iraq since this war began, but we all know the reality, and progress is far from true. More people have died in the US invasion of Iraq that can truely be counted correctly. It is time they leave Iraq to the people in Iraq. A time line withdrawl is their right and nobody can say that america is fighting for the Iraqi peoples freedom, at least not anymore, and if some ignorant american still believes that then it is easy to say that he or she has half a brain or a bush for brain. It's time america admits they lost this war, just like vietnam. America has lost this war, america has lost this war, and america has lost this war. With all the sophisticated weaponry, they could not control a war torn country like Iraq, so yes pull out and admit the loss, because we already know we are just waiting for them to admit it.
Comment: There's a saying in Iraq. America is not at war - America is at the Mall. The US troops are at war in Iraq.
Comment: .
*****NEWS ANALYSIS*****
SENATOR OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE and THE PROMISE TO END THE IRAQ WAR (CAREFULLY), MAY HAVE PLAYED A ROLE IN PROMPTING IRAQ TO ASK THE U.S. FOR A TIMETABLE FOR TROOP REMOVAL.
THAT MEANS SENATOR OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE MAY HAVE ALREADY BEGIN WORKING AND HE GETS ANOTHER GOLD STAR FOR INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE. JUST IMAGINE HIS ADMINISTRATION'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS ONCE THEY GET IN OFFICE IN 2009.
Comment: To Ron in Tikrit,
I too am in Iraq and I work for KBR. How can you possibly say the things you did and still look at yourself in the mirror. Eventhough I agree with you on the Bosnian issue, I know waaaay too many retired military, college educated, and skilled tradesmen that are over here making cities on top of the desert. We are paid well because this place sucks just as the Alaskan Pipeline crews were and as are the folks that work on pieplines on the bottom of the ocean, to name a few examples; there are dozens more. Why are you here? To make money? so in your case there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a decent living? If the military wants civilians to build and operate their bases, who do you suggest for that contract? Anyone but KBR I suppose. Changing political parties is no big deal, that's a freedom the military provides us! But to be on the KBR payroll AND complaining about KBR only makes sense to a moron Sir!
Brett Baghdad, Iraq
Comment: Sorry Brett,
I don???t work for the KBR. My apologies for the comment on educated tradesmen of KBR. University of Phoenix has had several large graduating classes over the years. Only in KBR can a truck driver and a carpenter who can barely spell their name are managers and project managers. I left that pack of losers to work for quality not quantity years ago. So that gaggle of idiots your intertwined with or going to have a harsh reality when this project ends and they have to go back scrubbing toilets for what they are really qualified for. SO gather all of your company???s losers together and enjoy what little time you have left. Bottom line change is coming.
Comment: Enter Your CommentSir, The military really doesn't provide our freedom, we the people do. Second, if KBR were any lesser a crook it might still be part of Haliburton. But we need to keep the war profiteer separate from HAL.
Comment: You are not in Iraq, and stop trying to make it sound like you are in your future posts. You are on the East coast of The US. I can tell by the time posted. 3 hours ahead of me, who is on the west coast. I must ask, how can you look at yourself in the mirror knowing you lied about your post? You have no clue what combat is apperently. Maybe you should have spent time in the military when I did. And I will tell you I was ain the Army. I was an air assault combat MP. I was one of the first in when Somolia started and have fired my weapon in defense.
Comment: To happ99,
To whom are you addressing your comment? FYI, us folks here in Iraq are 8 hours ahead of the Central Time zone. So, do the math, we can read news stories and post comments all during the night time in the states because it our DAYTIME. Have you been drinking sir? I spent 25 years in the US Army before coming back here as a contractor. The Rockets and Mortars that come over the wire don't care who they kill just as long as it's an American. Furthermore, The IEDs don't care either, check the news from July 9th coming out of Mosul. I hope you get some rest and sober up my Army Brother.
Comment: hmmm...hard to reply to this one, but, I will. I have done my time in combat, not as a contractor, but as a target. I also know that Iraq is not 3 hours ahead of the west coast, which is what your posts are showing.
As far as rockets and mortars, ...well, maybe you should have spent some time in combat to know. Drinking? No. only a few nights a week do I do that, and tonight is not one of them, although after reading some of these posts I probably should. ooooohhh rahhhh
I do have my issues after my time in the military, but have enough sense to know that I have tried to go back in, and the military said I was to old. When all this Iraq thing started I tried to get back in. Maybe I'm crazy, but maybe I love my wife, family, friends, and the others that are here in the US that are good people that need help defending themselves.
I do know where I have been, and what I have been through, and it takes a lot not to go crazy. Dicipline.
As I said earlier, OOOH RAAA!!! That goes out to all our troops also. I love all of them.
Comment: this is all nonsense. The bottom line us troops should not have been in Iraq. every other strategy that is being discussed is unacceptable. us troops need to get the **** of iraq. that is the only morally acceptable thing to do. justice,liberation and all other BS are just bunch of crap. Americans are dam stupid and have no common sense
Comment: I voted for Bush for governor and president twice. I have been working in Iraq for 5 years. I???m so dissatisfied with Bush that even though I???m a registered Republican I???m voting for Obama. I have been in Iraq from the beginning. All I have seen is Halliburton and KBR pilfering BILLIONS from tax payers. Their employees are comprised of former fast food workers along with the management. Time and time again government auditors have recommended that they be removed from the LOGCAP Project but they remain because of backing directly from Bush and Chaney. 50% of KBR???S workforce is from Bosnia. Millions of US tax dollars are going to their country instead of being put back into the US economy. The mind of the Bosnians is that America owes them something. This whole Iraq project of Bush and Chaney needs to be brought to a complete end. The Iraqis are no different than welfare recipients in America. They expect you to provide them with everything and do nothing to help themselves. Why not if there is a fool that does it for them. This is why I???m starting a campaign to pull out fully to every senator and congressman/or woman. Its time America wakes up and end the greed of George Bush and company!!!!!
Ron Tikrit, Iraq
Comment: I don't think any of the candidiates are telling the American people the truth, let alone our current administration. It looks like we're in for more of the same. Change, indeed.
Comment: have you ever seen an honest politician? It is called "cheat to win"
Comment: Honest and politician. These 2 words can't be next to each other in the same sentence.
Comment: When is Iraq going to start repaying the USA for ALL the money we've spent on their war?
Comment: What exactly do they owe us? We invaded their country under false pretense, a lie, destroyed their infrastructure, caused hundreds of thousands of innocent civilian deaths, and millions of refugees for starters. We are responsible for the al-queda presence that is now in their country, which has brought daily suicide bombings. We brought their country to the brink of civil war. They live in fear of going to the market, to prayer, to school, to work because they might be shot or blown to bits, all because of a lie by the Bush Administration. There was no "faulty" intelligence, just fabricated intelligence. Send the bill to Bush and Cheney, those two are the ones who are profiting by their little war.
Comment: Since you say there was no faulty intelligence and it was fabricated, I challenge you! ///////////////////////you are one sided when it comes to poliitics. My question. Do you think that Osama BinLaden has anything to do with the Twin Towers? If so, how would you deal with it in your ultimate wisdome? If not, who is responsible, and why?
Comment: Where was Obama last seen? I don't think it was in Iraq. Sadam had to say that he had WMD's to keep Iran from invading Iraq.
Comment: Uh, what ARE you talking about? I am talking about Iraq, Bin Laden had NOTHING to do with Iraq, nor our invasion of it. His terror cells were not even there when we invaded. There were no WMD's nor al-queda training camps operating there, as Bush claimed for reasons to invade. He is the one who blamed it on faulty intelligence when neither was proven. What exactly are you challenging me on? Those are proven facts. The only person who appears one sided by your many, many ridiculous posts is YOU pal. You sound like a broken record in each of your posts. You seriously should seek professional. You seem like a very angry individual.
Comment: They aren't.
Comment: Well, I have responded to two idiots so far and been blocked. Many of by brothers and sisters in the military have died. I did not when I was in combat dangling from a rope from a helicopter. To those of you jack asses who still think the war is about oil, you are still wrong! If it was about oil, we would send in the main weapons and own Iraq, Iran, Israel, and the rest of the Middle East. There would be no OPEC, because we, the US, would be running the show. This war was started back in when Mr. Carter was the President. Remember? The man who gave money and weapons to Bin Laden? Before you respond to this, make sure you research and make sure that you are right. I was an adult when Carter was the pres, not in diapers or being created, or being thought of before the creation.
And for Lee2008, please don't jump in my foxhole. Although I have many of the same religeous beliefs, I will kill before I will ALLOW myself to be killed.
Comment: Was jimmy Carter in office in 1984. When Osama recieved money from the CIA to aid the Afghans in the fight against the Soviets
Comment: I find it very weird how the same religion can cause two totally different perspectives on life -- oh wait, that happens all the time.....in politics.
Comment: Maybe you should read my post again and stop with the political bs.
Comment: When is Iraq going to start repaying the USA for ALL the money we've spent on their war?
Comment: One thing that anyone who thought going to Iraq was warranted hasn't been able to explain to me with any rational thought is:
Why haven't we invaded North Korea, Iran, Zimbabwae, Sudan? All of them have horrible regimes in power. The first two, at least, have the threat of nuclear power. So why haven't they been invaded by us yet? And don't give me the "Well, Iraq is first on the list and they are next answer".
Comment: I will respond to your comment. The first thing I will ask is, do you keep up with the news? The second, have you ever been in the military? Do you see things one sided and refuse to accept reality? I already know what political party you are just from your hostility in your post. Try to not be political and read about why we are there, and dodge anything you see that says we are there for oil. Do you really think that if we were there for oil that we wouldn't already have it? Democracy is the reason, and Saddam did have weapons. Iraq still has WMD hidden in underground bunkers as was proven over a year ago when there was a big cache of biological weapons was found.
The Afghan boarder is what to watch at this time. Isn't it amazing that the US isn't allowed to attack that area or go into the Afghan areas to chase Bin Laden? Think about it.
Comment: Okay, so you wore a uniform, many of us did, and it gives you no more information about what and why this country does anything than the rest of us. As a matter of fact you usually realize that you don't know half as much as those on the outside. You would have us think that you have some inside information because you served b.s. You are a moron Monday morning quarterback, nothing else.
Comment: You tell me what hostility that you are referring to? And I never said they were their for oil? That's the point, we were *told* why we were there; but the reality says that wasn't true. So you tell me, why are we there? And when you tell me, back it up with proven fact (not spin, not talking points) that justify (and that is a keyword -- justify) a preemptive attack on a nation. I defy you to tell me that. If you read my posts you would see that I am deep-rooted in independence, not political party. I am fine with the war in Afghanistan; I was fine with the first Gulf War. So tell me why, when all evidence points to deception and mismanagement, can I not be fine with the Iraq war? Tell me!!!
Actually, in fact, I keep up with the news more than you might think. And no, in fact, I don't see things one-sided. I see things as they are. You don't know what political party I belong to -- and, actually, that has no bearing on this situation. Fact vs. Opinion does not equate to Democrat vs. Republican.
All I care about is fact. That's it. Someone tell me factually why we preemptively invaded Iraq vs. why we don't preemptively invade other nations.
Comment: You are a Democrat. Now, do you realize that the things you say are one sided? If I can see this on an open board, how many others do you think are here that see it? I have no political affiliation at this time, and have been in the military in combat. I was raised with responsabilities at 25 cents a week allowance. I was raised with an ass whipping when I screwed up. I was raised when a kid could crash into a wall on his bike without a helmet on. I was raised when a country said "IN GOD WE TRUST", I was raised to pay my own way through life instead of ask mom or dad for money, a place to live passed 19, food, or have someone else, a person or the government pay for my housing or food. I was raised to have respect in myself, and not back down to those cowards that wear a suit and tie.
My point has been made, but do you know where to put oil in your car if it needs it? If so, you are one of the minority as I am.
Comment: All I see happ99 is that YOU are the one with hostility or anger issues. Yes, we KNOW you have been in the military, you continue to point it out to us in every post. Your party affiliation is crystal clear when you knock all Democrats in your rantings. Typical of your party, you resort to childish insults because you can't carry a normal conversation without blowing up if someone doesn't agree with the ridiculous rhetoric you spew. Iraq should of been handled in the same manner as North Korea, with diplomacy involving outside countries, since we don't seem capable of it. Our problems in the Middle East started with Truman, not Carter.
Comment: Enter Your Comment
Comment: Posted By: yohimbemama @ 07/13/2008 00:38:07
Comment: Succeed in Iraq? At what? Saddam was far from the worst dictator on the planet. there are dozens of others just as bad, even now. We pretty mugh ignore them. Meanwhile, the global economy is in the toilet, and while distracted by lies about removing an evil dictatior (see above) the environment is finished off. Forever. We have been doomed by republicans. It's over. Stock up on hunting/survival gear now. Seed. Ammo. Figure where you will make your stand. Get ready to head for the hills. It MIGHT prolong you and your familys life a little. If we are lucky. But the sky REALLY is falling. Fast? who knows. Soon? Cant' tell. But probably. And when it co mes, the earths citys will burn. We already rural folk can't take you in. You will get one warning shot. Maybe. I know you will be hungry and afraid. Not our fault you failed to read the writing on the wall, and did not prepare. Best advice: Leave the citys now. Might not help though, may not be air to breathe or water to drink. Good luck, peace be with you.
Comment: Learn about Jimmy Carter before you make an idiot of yourself again. He is the one who started it all in the Middle East.
Comment: Come on now. I am no Jimmy Carter apologist, but many of the same folks who said Iraq was the most horrible thing since Satan were shaking hands with Saddam Hussein back in the days of Carter and the early days of Reagan. Let's keep it on an even keel please.
Comment: I know, the truth hurts. Even keel? let me put it this way...I'm sorry I screwed up and said something you don't agree with. I'm sorry JC let a known killer and terrorist get away after I shook hands with him and gave arms and financial help to. I'm sorry Bin Laden was the lead man in killing all those in the Twin Towers.
Does that make you feel better? I apologized.
Do all my apologies make you feel better?
Comment: You people are unbelievable!!! GWB is the best thing we have had since Ronald Reagan. If you haven't been to Iraq or served your country. I have no time for your whinning. We are winning the GWOT and it is because of George W. Bush. Those of us in uniform deserve better than Obama for a Commander in Chief.
Comment: Although I won't get political in this particular post...If you are a military vet, or in the military, my prayers go out to you and you have my support. If you are in combat, play dirty and save your ass. Cheat to win!!!
Comment: Oh, I see. You are delusional. That answers my question down below. The best president since Ronald Reagan? That's pretty funny. If that is so true, why is the McCain camp having *so* much trouble deciding what to do with Bush at the convention? Because they are afraid he will just be *too* awesome? Come on now. Keep it real.
Comment: Man, are there a lot of experts posting here. How many of you have been there? I have and let me tell you we are turning the corner. The media has brainwashed you all so bad that you can see that you now have one of the greatest presidents to ever sit in the White House. You democrats can all just clam up. The only thing you don't really like about the war is that some of our republican tax dollars are going to Iraq instead of to you. When will you ever become self reliant??? Quit taking other's hard earned money and start paying your own way. Most of us in uniform (at least those really dedicated) are all voting red again this year. We deserve better than having BO as our Commander in Chief.
Comment: Enter Your CommentSir, you like WAR way to much. Its a job, not a life. I spent 20 years surviving it.
Comment: I am not even sure what this even means? Are you saying there are no democrats serving in Iraq? What are you talking about?
Comment: I know what it means, and he is right. He is not saying D's are not serving in Iraq. He is saying that you, yourself is a coward, and you personally need to spend some time in the military in a combat position. He is saying his opinion from what he sees.
Idiots like you should be in a war just to see how crazy you can make it and get.
For my own information, how many have watched Red Dawn? If you don't think it can happen, you are wrong.
Comment: .
AN UNSCRUPULOUS and IMMORAL ADMINISTRATION
Right now the democrats have control of the House and Senate. I don't expect the current Republican administration to allow the Democrats to waltz into the White House come January '09. Not when there are a thousand impeachable offenses just lying around the White House to be discovered once the Democrats takeover the exec.
So it is no surprise to me this administration would find its way into some major troop withdrawal on the eve of General elections. Its called the "Reverse Wag-the-Dog" strategy. In the mind of this administration, there is nothing too vile, if that is what it takes to keep control of the White House.
Whether it is a "Reverse Wag-the-Dog" strategy or the capture of Bin Laden on the eve of the General Election, I expect this administration to do what ever it takes, no matter how unethical, to lock in the White House for John McCain. The credibility of this administration has dropped so low, it is non-existent. When the president went back on his word to punish the 'CIA leakers', but instead effectively immunized Scooter Libby and Karl Rove from justice, the administration credibility went to zero.
In short, expect the current administration to exercise any possible number of strategies to remain in office by doing whatever it takes, no matter how 'unscrupulous' to give McCain a win. They are that desperate, and the Democrats and the American people better start realizing that!
Comment: You think Bush is a bad president,wait until McCain is elected.
DONT VOTE McCain
Comment: Gump - you're a genius. Dispatch yourself and your crystal ball to the Pentagon forthwith. They're waiting on you.
Comment: Get real brother... If you think Obama will save your sorry you know what. you are sadly mistaken. It appears that we are winning based on what I am reading and hearing from the folks that are there. Obama and the Dems would have had us out there and the place would have beeen a mess. I turn your sentence back on you... DON"T VOTE Obama!
Comment: Enter Your CommentSir, it seems relatively easy to find a die hard Republican. I was one of those fools that first term but not the second and I really don't believe we should listen or trust another Republican for sometime into the future. But, good luck to you and your thoughts.
Comment: SEnter Your Comment
Comment: The Brave US citizens where never in this war for the long haul, they thought it would be a cake walk to cheep gas and give the bushes the revenge they so deserved> If we don't show our might it just mighr take us out too. These A-Hole can see we are runnuning scared, and if they can prove they are ready now we are will to hand the county we spent so many lifes and limbs to invade off to anyone who might be able to let us go free. !!! F- Freedom if it means we are such Pussys
Comment: IF you think Bush is bad president ,wait until McCain becomes elected
DONT VOTE FOR McCAIN
Comment: Grammar corrections (word not work) (your not you) Sorry
Comment: I don't know why the United States didn't pullout of Iraq after the first month of the war.During that month they disrupted and put Iraq in dire straits. After that first month, I believe the damage was done,and it would take many years for Iraq to recover. Why didn't we pull out?????
Comment: Before any drawdown of forces can take place, the Pentagon will need to issue no-bid contracts for the necessary valet services. Face it; history will remember this war as the biggest government orchestrated rip-off of all time long after the valor and sacrifice of our troops are forgotten.
Comment: I am a christian and is agaist any war. I dont blieve in being in Iraq is accoplishing our security agaist terrorism. I believe its the opposite. I believe the answer to all our problems is surrendering our self to Jesus as his God and saviour its the only way thru our redemtion here on earth and on the next life. I bellieve on the ten commandments and the Bible (word of God) and some on context of the ten commandments says: Dont shall not kill ; Love your neighbor as you love your self. It also tell us he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword. I believe we should uphold democracy and diplomacy. If the very essence of democracy and freedom is what we (americans should promote , then we should show that in the world to include Iraq and the rest of the world. I dont think that being at war with anyone would solve any problems. It can just promote more hate and more enemies.
Comment: The Iraquis desire national sovereignty. al -Maliki continues to gain credibility and can only do so if HE's calling the shots and the U. S. respects those calls. Guidance, yes. COOPERATION, NOT CO-ERCION will rebuild and fortify their national pride and will be steps to regaining respect worldwide for America. The valor, the honor, the commitment our veterans continue to make in the face of this struggle continue to be exemplary to the Iraqui nationals, military, police. Their own sons and daughters have died side by side with ours. It is time to listen to their leader and begin a carefully orchestrated drawdown. At the same time, the other regional countries need to give their moral plus support to the sovereignty of Iraq and to al-Maliki. This will allow the exit to be done strategically, successfully. Senator Obama will engage due diligence before enacting the drawdowns.
Comment: I think Bush is trying his best to get McCain elected, its so obvious. He knows McCain is not electable so over the next few months we will see and hear talks like troop draw down, more rebate checks, images of nuclear reactors being blown up in north Korea, Colombian heroic rescues etc. happening. America dont be fooled
Comment: Please save America...stop being so short sighted. Wars NEVER EVER EVER go well at first, and they ALWAYS talk a long time for progress to be made. The Iraq war is no exception. I've been there and seen the progress that never gets reported. Stop reporting from your couch just because you've read an article created by someone with a 3 year Journalisim degree from a community college. The bottom line is that The Revolutionary War, Civil War, and WWII all started horribly with much worse results. Are you telling me now that those should not have been fought...that American's should still be a colony, slavery still abundant, and just about the entire world run by Nazi-Germany. Stop being AFRAID OF SUCCESS. Yes, you heard me, you want so badly to be able to point your finger at others for being wrong, or making mistakes...when really...the right thing has been done...and it is succesful whether you like it or not. NO ONE EVER promised that it would be short and simple...in fact, I remember SEVERAL times hearing EVERYONE involved say that it would take time and patience...even Bush, and Rumsfeld who you are obviously giving a fair chance. You wouldn't dare disagree with them because your friend told you to. Stop being spoiled, the world is NOT perfect, wars are not fought without death (unfortunately), and sometimes things have to be done to protect the world/others that YOU (and who are you?!?!?!) don't agree with. You don't know everything (neither do I) so stop acting so high and mighty. It IS a success. Deal with it.
Comment: You Sir, wouldn't know successful if it hit you in the face.
Comment: You wouldn't know success if it hit you in the face.
Comment: ...and the thing is...you think I am this anti-war bigot. When in fact, I was 110% for the Afghanistan war and even the first Gulf war to much degree. I just know that the Iraq war was deceptive at best; and a blatant lie to the American people at worst.
Comment: Um, wrong. You can write all the long-winded, denial laced text you want. But the facts of the matter are:
1. The Iraq war should have never happened. All troops should have been in Afghanistan. Period!
2. The strategy of the Iraq war for 4+ years was horrible because of Rumsfeld, Cheney, Wolfowitz -- and you know I really blame a lot of this on -- Paul Bremmer! In fact, I think Bush was left out of the loop on a lot of this, but the buck does have to stop at his desk.
3. Things are getting better in Iraq. That is wonderful. Seriously. Still doesn't mean the war should have happened in the first place.
4. Our world standing from the perspective of foreign policy is tarnished because of the Iraq war. Everyone was with us for Afghanistan. Most were adamantly against us for Iraq.
Those are facts. Undeniable. Irrefutable.
And, I am so amazed that people cannot admit that (1) the Iraq war was a mistake, (2) they are glad things are going well now and (3) let's hope the next administration, whoever that is, has more foreign policy sense than this one. Because this administration was horrible. I know the Republicans out there hate to admit wrong, but I can sleep at night because I know it is absolutely true.
Comment: You have posted four opinions, (maybe you should find out the meaning of the work fact). Although many people will agree with you OPINIONS, there are those that support America in its efforts to establish some form of stability in the middle east. Additionally, you want to add 150,000 troops to Afghanistan. Wow-with the challenges we currently have in Pakistan what would that say to the rest of the world? You probably have an OPINION on that also, but it is not a fact!!!! Next time, try some facts, like 550 metric tons of "yellowcake" moved from Iraq to Canada. Read the article: http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS02/807060337/1006/NEWS
OK-it is not a bomb yet, but what is it used for?
How about the improvements in the living standards in Iraq-water systems in place, economy beginning to move foreward, etc. These are facts. Did we need a war to make it happen? Now that answer is an OPINION. And like my Dad always says-OPINIONS are like A-oles, everyone has one and they usually stink.
Comment: I totally disagree. What I stated is not opinion; it is fact.
1. We were told a reason that we were going to war with Iraq that didn't exist. That is a fact. Thus we shouldn't have been to war with Iraq. That is a fact.
2. The strategy in Iraq was horrible for 4+ years. That is a fact. Even John McCain said that.
3. Things are getting better in Iraq. That is a fact. Not sure why *you*, especially, would call that an opinion.
4. You are going to sit here and tell me it is not a fact that the general feeling towards the U.S. foreign policy has not been tarnished since we went to war with Iraq. You are seriously going to tell me that?!? What, has our reputation gotten more favorable? Come on now.
Comment: Afghan and Paki will not allow US troops to move in according to the newspaper I received today. Bin Ladan still safe. Why you ask? They have nukes and are getting to the point that they will use them in the ME.
Comment: Once again Barack Obama is righ ton target. Every time a big judgement needs to be made, it's Obama who is correct.
I think the Generals have stopped being afraid of the Bush/Cheney cabal. They are now speaking openly and honestly and now know the lame duck crooks in office can no longer sway public opinion.
Comment: People...it is great that things are going well in Iraq (assuming you believe the reports and all that, which I have no reason no to as of yet).
However, you Bush/Iraq war supporters better not use this as an opportunity to start gloating about the "successful" war in Iraq. I hate it when people do that. Things have gone so bad for so long for all the wrong reasons, but when something good happens, all of a sudden the war was the right thing to do. It absolutely, positively was not the right thing to do. Undeniable. Irrefutable. Whether we succeed or not, all of our current troops should have been in Afghanistan, period! End of story! Could you imagine how successful we could have been had we been fighting the war that we were *supposed* to be fighting.
So, this is not a victory for Bush at all. So you Republicans and Bush supporters need to check yourselves. Don't try to make a horrible mistake into this monumental achievement. Bush got *lucky* because our soldiers did some good work and fighting. Like said in White Men Can't Jump -- "Even the sun shines on a dog's ass some days."; and that quote holds most true for Bush.
Comment: it appears that lenkatesi and mariahisabella suffer from the largest problem this country now faces, partisan hatred to the nth degree. whether people that hate this current president get it or not this countrys military performed remarkably. A dictator who according to russian, french, and british intel was dealing with terrorists has been removed and our president whether the arm chair quarter backs like it or not truly connected the dots as requested on 9/11. i only hope that at the end of this coming election whoever the losing party is can demonstrate a greater love for this country and its presidential office than the people so selfishly critical now. god bless america
Comment: One more thing dozer, no where in any post have I ever dishonored our brave young men and women. Iraq feels they are ready to protect their country now,, so our troops did what was asked of them, at a great price in loss of life, and years spent away from loved ones. Before you question my love for this country, my family gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country. I lost a grandfather in WWII, a father in Vietnam, and my brother came home minus a limb from Iraq. If someone doesn't share YOUR views, that doesn't mean they love this country any less than you do.
Comment: Your facts don't hold water. You should at least try to know what your talking about. The Hussein/terrorist link was disproved years ago. Your misinformation endangers democracy and is in no way patriotic.
Comment: Hate to burst you bubble dozer, I voted for Bush the first time around, and WAS a life long Republican until recently. The second time around I refused to vote for him, not because I hate him, because I didn't agree with his strong arm cowboy tactics. I am now an Independent, not a Democrat, so your whole "partisan hatred" doesn't fly. I will vote for the man, who I think is best for the job, not the party. Iraq had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11, and that whole "Saddam was dealing with terrorists" was just another fantasy and was proven false.
Comment: it appears that lenkatesi and mariahisabella suffer from the largest problem this country now faces, partisan hatred to the nth degree. whether people that hate this current president get it or not this countrys military performed remarkably. A dictator who according to russian, french, and british intel was dealing with terrorists has been removed and our president whether the arm chair quarter backs like it or not truly connected the dots as requested on 9/11. i only hope that at the end of this coming election whoever the losing party is can demonstrate a greater love for this country and its presidential office than the people so selfishly critical now. god bless america
Comment: dozer,
What planet have you been living on?
I share your value for a citizenry that sees "We, the People" as one, and love our country, --however, calling people hateful is at odds with that.
The Great Political Divide is currently between informed citizens, and those who have swallowed the propaganda.
It's been IDEOLOGY vs. REASON for eight years.
An effective democracy/republic requires INFORMED voters. With our current mainstream media, it's difficult to wade through all of the propaganda to learn what's really going on.
Comment: Its about time we drew down in Iraq. Unfortunatly we now have to build up in Afghanistan. We fought the wrong war, Iraq, for the wrong reasons. We were doing well in Afghanistan before Iraq. Now we have to go back. This administration will go down as one of the worst. We will win in Iraq for now, but at what cost. Over 4000 of our soldiers killed, an economy struggling with the burden of the cost, and now, we have to go back to Afgahnistan to finish what we started there nearly six years ago. At least with the election the Bush and Chaney nightmare will be over.
Comment: Democracy, sanctity of life, freedom, personal privacy, racial and religious tolerance on all sides, trustworthy government; all descriptions of ideals we have whittled away since 911, slowly but so very surely. Sometimes we 'talk a good game' but when the rubber hits the road, we're all talk. We need to change that. Using 911 as a precursor to invade Iraq will go down in history as the biggest trick ever pulled on American citizens; and no one got fired, impeached, or held accountable. How stupid are we, the people?
Comment: Well of course we can reduce the troop levels. The oil deals are done.
Comment: This demonstrates what some americans already know: that the war in Iraq was and is still a fools errand, based on false intell, that has done nothing to enhance our security! The argument that " if we don't defeat them there, they will follow us here" is utter nonsense! They are already here, but our attention is focused elswhere! the sooner we recognize this cosmic blunder we have made the better. It's sad that it takes an election cycle to make some people see the light! Meanwhile, people , Iraqi and American, are dying!
Comment: Reality Check,
So you fine happiness when people are killed. Do you think the 150000 Iraqis who have died were all extremist? Then you must be foolish. At the same time do you think 4000 US citizen killed is so small a sacrifice? Do you know how many families are mourning lost ones due to the Iraq war? A war that has been proven as not to have been a necessity but for an ideology propagated by BUSH and McCAIN? Do you know how many families are fatherless or motherless due to this war? Do you know how many people have lost their jobs due to this war? The war was a blunder and I cannot vote for someone who participated in such a blunder.
Comment: Are you an American citizen? I am unsure from your writing that you can even understand English. I watched the video - he says "presence - as long as Americans aren't harmed." He does not say "bases".
Comment: No bases? Hope Iraqi's are building some Motel 6's with a shuttle to the Baghdad Airport. Special discount to US troops? Does that suffice as a "presence?" Get a grip!
Comment: Galasso, Are you living in the US? Where you in a Comma or what do you mean when you say "John McCain never said anything about permanent bases" Take a look at this video of John McCain http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VFknKVjuyNk. McCain wants to be in Iraq as long as 100 years even if there is a decline in violence. Thats why he says it is not important went US troops come home. Thsi McCain man makes me sick because this wars has cost Americans both blood and money.
Comment: CRITICS OF THE IRAQ WAR LOSE SIGHT OF AN IMPORTANT FACT. WHILE WE'VE LOST 4,000 TROOPS, THE ISLAMIC EXTREMEISTS HAVE LOST PERHAPS 150,000 WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE BE ATTACKING OUR INTERESTS AROUND THE WORLD. I'D RATHER WE FIGHT THEM THERE THAN ELSEWHERE.
Comment: Ummm, I think you have your numbers way off. 150,000 includes mostly innocent men, women and children who would have never killed anyone in their lives.
And please stop the talking points -- "Islamic Extremeists", "I'd rather fight there than here". Those come straight out of the Bush rule book
Comment: Apparently you forget about the over one hundred thousand innocent Iraqi civilians who have lost their lives, or the two million refugees who fled in fear for their lives. What about them? What right do we have to make their country our home base for fighting terrorism, terrorism that didn't exist there till we invaded them. Oh wait, that's right, they are "casualties of war" so they dont' matter, right?
Comment: Bush and his cynincal and thieving ilk have no regard for anyone else than one another and for lining their pockets. So now, in order to try to win an election in oder to hold the country hostage anther 4 years, they will suddleny make a move toward pulling out of Iraq. Now we can see how they used our armed forces for their own ends, not caring about our armed forces lives or our armed forces welfare! I hope my fellow Americans are wise enought to see this scam, and, thus, to vote the Republicans our of office! Lenny
Comment: ANYBODY THAT THINKS WE'RE STAYING IN IRAQ FOR OIL PROBABLY NEVER MADE IT PAST THE FOURTH GRADE. AFTER SPENDING $BILLIONS TO GET RID OF HUSSEIN, WE STILL HAVE TO PAY FULL MARKET PRICE FOR ANY OIL WE GET FROM IRAQ. DUH!
Comment: Duuuh!!!!!!!!!
Comment: How about some more REALITY. Oil company PROFITS have skyrocketed. DUH!
Comment: Fewer\ troops, not less
Comment: Combine this with the Maliki comments and it's a pretty big opening to declare victory and get out. The U.S. could still have troops in Kuwait, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and on carriers in the Gulf if needed. Not taking the opportunity increases suspicion that Bush and McCain want to have PERMANENT BASES, something that would be bitterly opposed and a constant source of tension and attack if it happened.
Comment: John McCain never said anything about permanent bases. He said we would have a "presence" in Iraq. Having spent almost three years there, I can tell you there are few places in that country where we would want to sustain a "base". The current thinking is to have a residual Special Forces (Foreign Internal Development) contingent to remain long enough to ensure the Iraqis can get their security apparatus and logistical pipelines (that Bremer dismantled) back into operation and then there will likely be training missions over the next few years like we do in other Middle Eastern and Latin American countries. John McCain was against the manner in which this war was prosecuted - especially in the period following the invasion. Bremer dismantled the Army and police in order to defang the Bath Party. What he didn't take into consideration was that ALL of the soldiers were required to join the Bathists - even if they were opposed to it. McCain vociferously criticized the conduct of the aftermath of the war - to no avail. Linking the policies of the current administration to John McCain - and mischaracterizing his remarks on how long we "stay" in Iraq is disinformation and the centerpiece of the Democratic challenge this election year. This is not an "opportunity" to withdraw. That is normally called a "retreat" in the military. General Petreaus has a working timetable that requires certain measureable events to occur before we beat a headlong retreat out of the country at the peril of the soldiers who are now providing the security for the Iraqis as they begin taking responsibility for the various sectors in country, most especially the Iranian border area.
Comment: The republicans are not talking about draw-down its the Pentagon and the Dems! What you told your wife was wrong sir! The real story is how Iraq oil is now being sold (bidding) to international companies such as the U.S.! Its about money sir-oil!
Here is another example of you repubs making good to our nation! So the Bush administration has advocated sanctions and rants on about a possible war with Iran over and over- the real truth is the administration has allowed their corporate buds to brake all and any existing records or trade with Iran! Look up the definitions of
