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2007-05-18 Iraq

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Posted by BrerRabbit 2007-05-18 13:22|| || Front Page|| [2 views ] Top

#1 This guy has sound, reasoned analysis. I wonder if anyone in Washington is listening?

Posted by Mac 2007-05-18 18:51|| 2007-05-18 18:51|| Front Page Top

#2 Sistanis appeal does not end at the Iraqi border, as Iranians increasingly observe his leadership with interest and fondness. Some are intrigued by the more freewheeling experiment in Shi'ite empowerment taking place across the border in Iraq, which is fundamentally different in approach than the Iranian theocratic brand of dictated observance and obedience.

Much like the proverbial sunken busload of lawyers, it's a good start.

At the end of the day, it must be acknowledged particularly by American political leaders that the situation is improving going forward, particularly because Iraqis themselves are taking ownership of the survival and security of their own country, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city and troubled province by troubled province. While the Sunni tribal leaders increasingly reject al-Qaeda and transform into the terrorists newest and most damaging new enemy, the Shia leadership also has begun to internally acknowledge the shallowness and duplicity of Irans stated support for them.

This is much better. If continued progress of this clear a nature can be maintained then there may yet be hope.

Posted by Zenster">Zenster 2007-05-18 19:31|| 2007-05-18 19:31|| Front Page Top

#3 I hope Steve Schippert is correct in his assessment. That would be really good news. I didn't think one man (Petreaus) could turn things around--hope it's true for the sake of Iraq and for the sake of the West.

Posted by JohnQC 2007-05-18 19:48|| 2007-05-18 19:48|| Front Page Top

#4 At the end of the day, it must be acknowledged particularly by American political leaders that the situation is improving going forward

If by "American political leaders" the author means "Democrats in Congress", I think that if it is acknowledged it will be in a very backhanded way: by redoubling and trebling the effort to cut off funding.

Right now, I believe the Dems' game is to continue to present Bush with bills they know he will turn down until the time comes when
a) the time is up. The war will be defunded not through a grandiose act on the floor of the House or Senate, but through political posturing.

or

b) Not wanting to let it get that far, Bush will sign whatever craptastic bill they present him at the 11th hour.

What the political toll will be on Democrats to follow is unknown. I suspect that their reputation as Weak On Defense will be cemented for another generation.

I pray for a good resolution and our troops in the field. I believe that if allowed to do what they do best, our fighting men and women will succeed.

I think Dems know they will, too... and it scares 'em to think of what will happen if they do succeed despite their best efforts.

Posted by eLarson 2007-05-18 20:01|| 2007-05-18 20:01|| Front Page Top

#5 If you think Murtha went crazy when a Republican congressman didn't vote for an earmark for a defense company in Murtha's district, just think what he will do when the services start terminating contracts for "the convenience of the Government" in his district because there is no longer sufficient money to complete them. That day is coming for Murtha and his compatriots. In April, DoD transferred $1.6B from Air Force and Navy personnel accounts to the Army to pay for Iraq. Last week DoD moved another $1.4B. As this drags on, the drain will hit procurement accounts as well. When the choice is between a makework project in Johnstown and bullets for the troops, Murtha's earmarks are going to be rescinded. The services' normal fear of pissing off a powerful chairman like Murtha is going away. After all, what's he going to do, not fund them?

Posted by RWV 2007-05-18 21:36|| 2007-05-18 21:36|| Front Page Top

23:47 Stop the madness
23:37 DMFD
23:23 JosephMendiola
23:15 Mike N.
23:15 JosephMendiola
23:13 USN, ret.
23:02 Zenster
23:01 Natural Law
22:58 Seafarious
22:55 Zenster
22:54 DMFD
22:54 Phineter Thraviger
22:52 Mike N.
22:50 Zenster
22:49 gromgoru
22:42 Mike N.
22:31 JosephMendiola
22:29 Lampedusa Glaimble2526
22:22 JosephMendiola
22:17 JosephMendiola
22:11 JosephMendiola
22:08 JosephMendiola
21:58 trailing wife
21:56 JosephMendiola