New Approach

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Bababooyee

OK, I guess I'll bite some more.

In order to spare my time (a little for now), I'll just handle it broadly:

I think he misses the point on the intent behind a lot of the "new approach" (ie some of the things that "don't matter", in fact, may). Also, in my estimation, the "new approach" is not designed to stabilize Iraq enitrely/completely defeat the insurgents, rather the aim is to get Iraq to the point where the government has a strong enough upper hand that our leaving doesn't cause a total meltdown and Iraq can handle the rest more or less on its own. In essence, its a muscle-flexing before we pull out (save face, claim victory, and shift responsibility/blame to Iraq - however you want to view it).

But I can't see how 20,000 is nearly enough men and women, if that's the intent, you know? It seems to me it would take a lot more boots on the ground, and that Bush is still trying to wage war on the cheap as it were.

I also see no way around Iraq descending into sectarian violence no matter what once we're gone. Which is horrible, though I wonder if it will take the focus of Islam vs. the West and put it on Islam vs Islam, you know?

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

But I can't see how 20,000 is nearly enough men and women, if that's the intent, you know? It seems to me it would take a lot more boots on the ground, and that Bush is still trying to wage war on the cheap as it were.

I also see no way around Iraq descending into sectarian violence no matter what once we're gone. Which is horrible, though I wonder if it will take the focus of Islam vs. the West and put it on Islam vs Islam, you know?

GR,
Here's my "take". It's blame shifting. Dubbya says, we gave you additional forces. You Iraqis didn't stabilize, so we're out of here. It's all your fault Iraqis, not ours. We did our best. See ya...

[Downthestretch55]

another thought...sorry for the double post.
This is the "exit strategy".
Don't look at what people do, look at why people do what they do.
Game over.

[Downthestretch55]

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/169988

[Downthestretch55]

Here's something that's interesting. If the Dems follow Teddy's lead, they look bad. (defunding).
Dubbya is looking to pass the tar baby to who ever is willing to catch it.
Smart move...let him keep it. It's his.
Action by the Dems opens them to blame. He's looking everywhere else besides the mirror.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/0...e_n_38434.html

[sumitas]

The one man who kept Iraq together, they lynched, er hung.

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by sumitas

The one man who kept Iraq together, they lynched, er hung.

Sumitas,
Sad to say that Saddam can't be brought back (not that I'd want him to be).
Looking back denies looking ahead to where we're going.
Sorry this is from common dreams...it's been a while, and it's long.
Take the time, poke holes if you can. Too easy to poke holes in Dubbya.
We are in fact a nation that is ruled by a madman. Sorry.
http://www.commondreams.org/views07/0111-25.htm