Thread: Is Iraq Looking Up?

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Today, morale is high. The soldiers and marines told us they feel that they now have a superb commander in Gen. David Petraeus; they are confident in his strategy, they see real results, and they feel now they have the numbers needed to make a real difference.


Everywhere, Army and Marine units were focused on securing the Iraqi population, working with Iraqi security units, creating new political and economic arrangements at the local level and providing basic services — electricity, fuel, clean water and sanitation — to the people. Yet in each place, operations had been appropriately tailored to the specific needs of the community. As a result, civilian fatality rates are down roughly a third since the surge began — though they remain very high, underscoring how much more still needs to be done.


In Ramadi, for example, we talked with an outstanding Marine captain whose company was living in harmony in a complex with a (largely Sunni) Iraqi police company and a (largely Shiite) Iraqi Army unit. He and his men had built an Arab-style living room, where he met with the local Sunni sheiks — all formerly allies of Al Qaeda and other jihadist groups — who were now competing to secure his friendship.

Is the surge working?

I haven't researched this, but on A9 on the NYT there was a poll, which apparently they were ashamed of printing but had to, that said that American opinoin towards going into Iraq for a purpose was growing. I'll find it and post it...eventually..
Ask Larry

Ya..not typing well tonight

Originally Posted by freckles

I haven't researched this, but on A9 on the NYT there was a poll, which apparently they were ashamed of printing but had to, that said that American opinoin towards going into Iraq for a purpose was growing. I'll find it and post it...eventually..
Ask Larry

Ya..not typing well tonight

There is lots of bad news out there for Democrats on Iraq. Bush's numbers have been going up. People are starting to believe Iraq is turning around.

Democrats are scared:

Democratic House Whip James Clyburn says a positive report from Iraq forces commander General David Petraeus to Congress in September would be — "a real problem for us."


Clyburn tells The Washington Post that an upbeat assessment of the war from Petraeus would likely split House Democrats — making their goal of forcing a timetable to end the war impossible. Clyburn says Petraeus' words will carry significant weight among the 47 Blue Dog Caucus members — and without their support — a timetable is probably out of reach.


Clyburn is advising other Democratic leaders to wait until Petraeus' report before making their next move in their battle with the president over the future of U.S. troops in the region.

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Not at all. The NeoCons know their Sept. deadline is on em and will spin it the best they can. Hell, even Gingrich knows the deal.

Gingrich says war on terror 'phony'

Washington — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Thursday the Bush administration is waging a "phony war" on terrorism, warning that the country is losing ground against the kind of Islamic radicals who attacked the country on Sept. 11, 2001.

Originally Posted by Inkslinger

Not at all. The NeoCons know their Sept. deadline is on em and will spin it the best they can. Hell, even Gingrich knows the deal.

Gingrich says war on terror 'phony'

Washington — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Thursday the Bush administration is waging a "phony war" on terrorism, warning that the country is losing ground against the kind of Islamic radicals who attacked the country on Sept. 11, 2001.

So the Democrats are turning on the democrats and Republicans are turning on Republicans. Sounds like the parties are confused. The cynic might say, the power vacuums within both parties has created an ambiguous atmosphere.

Originally Posted by Burning Giraffe

So the Democrats are turning on the democrats and Republicans are turning on Republicans. Sounds like the parties are confused. The cynic might say, the power vacuums within both parties has created an ambiguous atmosphere.

Reminds me of when I worked for Wachovia Securities. When a higher-up was caught fucking up or was let go, all the underlings ran in circles to try and figure out who's ass to kiss next.

Originally Posted by Inkslinger

Reminds me of when I worked for Wachovia Securities. When a higher-up was caught fucking up or was let go, all the underlings ran in circles to try and figure out who's ass to kiss next.

Might explain Obama's intent to invade Pakistan, Newt's dissent, and the NYTs guys change of heart on Iraq. Could it all be calculation? Five months ago I would have bashed anyone who said anything that cynical. However, now, well... cynicism seems like wisdom.

Still citing biased and totally credibility challenged neocon hacks O'Hannlon and Pollack?

They have falsely claimed that this war was going well and getting better for years now. They have been wrong each and everytime. Their credibility is non-existent. Pure bullshit neocon propagandists.

Just look at the things they have been writing since before the war began. Not a word of their rose colored predictions has been true. Not a word of their rose colored assesments of progress has been true.

They are totally full of shit.

Things have been going well in Anbar Province because of the surge. That's a fact.

Originally Posted by Distressed American

Still citing biased and totally credibility challenged neocon hacks O'Hannlon and Pollack?

They have falsely claimed that this war was going well and getting better for years now. They have been wrong each and everytime. Their credibility is non-existent. Pure bullshit neocon propagandists.

Just look at the things they have been writing since before the war began. Not a word of their rose colored predictions has been true. Not a word of their rose colored assesments of progress has been true.

They are totally full of shit.

Does being such a partisan hack hurt? I hope it does! If not, the democrats and republicans have found a flock of willing victims.