One Year Later...

[bullypulpit]

Thursday marked the one year anniversary of George W. Bush's "Surge" strategy in Iraq. Implemented against all advice, even from the Iraq Study Group headed by Bush family consiglieri, James Baker; Bush implemented "the Surge". Other than the loss if the lives of our soldiers and Marines, what has been accomplished?

In his speech announcing the "Surge", Bush outlined some broad goals:

<blockquote>To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by November.</blockquote>

The Iraqi government has yet to assume full control of Baghdad, let alone the rest of the country. Iraqi security forces have yet to purge the members of Shi'ite militias from its ranks. - <a href=>McClatchy</a>

As for Al Anbar province, the security situation there has been less the result of the "Surge" and more the result of action by Sunni tribal leaders, having started some four months before the "Surge". The Sunis in Al-Anbar have stated that once Al Qaeda is exterminated the government in Baghdad may be targeted.

<blockquote>To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the country's economy, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis.</blockquote>

No law has been passed. To complicate matters the Kurdish Regional Authority has signed numerous oil contracts absent any consultation with Baghdad on the matter including one with Bush advisor, Ray L. Hunt.- <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/27/AR2007112702356_pf.html>The Washington Post</a>

<blockquote>To show that it is committed to delivering a better life, the Iraqi government will spend 10 billion dollars of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs.</blockquote>

It remains uncertain as to whether or not the Iraqi government will allocate the $10 billion outlined. - <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/29/AR2007082902434_pf.html>The Washington Post</a>

<blockquote>To empower local leaders, Iraqis plan to hold provincial elections later this year.</blockquote>

Hasn't happened.

<blockquote>And to allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation's political life, the government will reform de-Baathification laws and establish a fair process for considering amendments to Iraq's constitution.</blockquote>

Hasn't happened.

In addition the Administration has failed to marshal support for reconstruction in Iraq from Iraq's neighbors, particularly where Iran and Syria are concerned.

Oh, and that "bipartisan working group" Bush said he'd set up...Hasn't happened yet either.

On both the foreign and domestic front, the goals Bush outlined in his <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002208_pf.html>January 10, 2007 speech</a> remain little more than empty rhetoric. But we've come to expect little better.

You can find a complete rundown of the results of the "Surge" at <a href=http://www.nsnetwork.org/node/222>National Security Network</a>

[Dilloduck]

Thursday marked the one year anniversary of George W. Bush's "Surge" strategy in Iraq. Implemented against all advice, even from the Iraq Study Group headed by Bush family consiglieri, James Baker; Bush implemented "the Surge". Other than the loss if the lives of our soldiers and Marines, what has been accomplished?

In his speech announcing the "Surge", Bush outlined some broad goals:

<blockquote>To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by November.</blockquote>

The Iraqi government has yet to assume full control of Baghdad, let alone the rest of the country. Iraqi security forces have yet to purge the members of Shi'ite militias from its ranks. - <a href=>McClatchy</a>

As for Al Anbar province, the security situation there has been less the result of the "Surge" and more the result of action by Sunni tribal leaders, having started some four months before the "Surge". The Sunis in Al-Anbar have stated that once Al Qaeda is exterminated the government in Baghdad may be targeted.

<blockquote>To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the country's economy, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis.</blockquote>

No law has been passed. To complicate matters the Kurdish Regional Authority has signed numerous oil contracts absent any consultation with Baghdad on the matter including one with Bush advisor, Ray L. Hunt.- <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/27/AR2007112702356_pf.html>The Washington Post</a>

<blockquote>To show that it is committed to delivering a better life, the Iraqi government will spend 10 billion dollars of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs.</blockquote>

It remains uncertain as to whether or not the Iraqi government will allocate the $10 billion outlined. - <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/29/AR2007082902434_pf.html>The Washington Post</a>

<blockquote>To empower local leaders, Iraqis plan to hold provincial elections later this year.</blockquote>

Hasn't happened.

<blockquote>And to allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation's political life, the government will reform de-Baathification laws and establish a fair process for considering amendments to Iraq's constitution.</blockquote>

Hasn't happened.

In addition the Administration has failed to marshal support for reconstruction in Iraq from Iraq's neighbors, particularly where Iran and Syria are concerned.

Oh, and that "bipartisan working group" Bush said he'd set up...Hasn't happened yet either.

On both the foreign and domestic front, the goals Bush outlined in his <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002208_pf.html>January 10, 2007 speech</a> remain little more than empty rhetoric. But we've come to expect little better.

You can find a complete rundown of the results of the "Surge" at <a href=http://www.nsnetwork.org/node/222>National Security Network</a>

He'll be outta there in a year. Pick someone decent to replace him at the polls. Preferably one you don't have to whine about for the next 4 years.

[red states rule]

Yea, after 4 years of telling the folks the war in Iraq was lost, libs have to find something to whine about after the huge succes in Iraq

Funny how the liberal media have all but stopped covering Iraqm and the Dems have all but stopped talking about Iraq

No dead US troops and no successful terrorist attacks to talk about must make pretty boring press conferences and dull lead stories

[red states rule]

After the 06 election, Dems said Iraq would be the #1 issue in 08

I hope they are correct


Dem voters no longer fight battle of Iraq
BY MICHAEL McAULIFF
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

Wednesday, December 26th 2007, 4:00 AM

The successes of President Bush's troop surge in Iraq are quieting things down in another, unexpected place: the Democratic campaign trail in Iowa and New Hampshire.

When asked, voters in the early presidential states all say the war in Iraq is important to them.

But when they quiz candidates, Iraq seldom comes up these days - even for Hillary Clinton, who was grilled relentlessly on her vote to authorize the war when she launched her campaign.

"We haven't heard as much bad news out of Iraq lately," said Kevin Carson of Exeter, N.H. "Maybe it's the economy that's scaring people now."

No one is sure what impact that will have on the battle for the Democratic nomination as the candidates return to the trail today for a final push before the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses and Jan. 8 New Hampshire primary.

"Clinton does well among blue-collar, working-class people, so a focus on domestic issues could help her," said the University of New Hampshire's Dante Scala. "On the other [hand], if people feel less threatened, they may be more willing to take a chance on [Barack] Obama."

Camp Clinton has been playing her experience as its trump card. If Americans are less worried about an uncertain world, it could play more like a deuce.

"You could argue it either way," said communications strategist Howard Wolfson.

But rivals, including Obama, have relied on voters who wouldn't forgive Clinton for her war vote. Obama's opposition to the war from the start still counts, his team maintains.

"The reality is the war was a mistake," said strategist David Axelrod.

And the war matters less to voters now?

"I think they're riled up about the general state of affairs in Washington: foreign policy, domestic policy," Axelrod said. "They want someone who is willing to challenge all of that."

Clinton leads in most surveys asking which candidate is best at handling issues at home. But it's John Edwards who has made fighting poverty the foundation of his campaign. And Obama has played up the cross-issue theme of hope.

for the complete article

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2007/12/26/2007-12-26_dem_voters_no_longer_fight_battle_of_ira.html

[5stringJeff]

Besides providing greater firepower to use against terrorists and insurgents, the surge did something else that Bush didn't mention: it threw Iran off balance. Geopolitically, that gave the Iraqi government more time to establish itself.

However, Iraq is able to take the reins now, and they ought to start providing for their own security. It's time for the US to begin pulling out. Our mission is complete.

[red states rule]

Besides providing greater firepower to use against terrorists and insurgents, the surge did something else that Bush didn't mention: it threw Iran off balance. Geopolitically, that gave the Iraqi government more time to establish itself.

However, Iraq is able to take the reins now, and they ought to start providing for their own security. It's time for the US to begin pulling out. Our mission is complete.

They are

Here is another recent example you may not see reported in the liberal media


Police Assume Security Mission in Anbar Province City
By Cpl. Adam Johnston, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service


COMMAND OUTPOST BAGHDADI, Iraq, Jan. 7, 2008 – How many Marines does it take to secure Baghdadi? Last year, it took an entire company. Then, as the situation improved, that number dropped to a platoon. And now, with the onset of 2008, the grand total is zero.


The Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, have completely pulled out of Command Outpost Baghdadi. Fortunately for local citizens, their replacements already are hard at work.

In a monumental step toward Iraqi sovereignty, the Baghdadi police force has taken sole responsibility of security within the city limits -- the first to do so in all of Anbar Province

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48581

[bullypulpit]

Yea, after 4 years of telling the folks the war in Iraq was lost, libs have to find something to whine about after the huge succes in Iraq

Funny how the liberal media have all but stopped covering Iraqm and the Dems have all but stopped talking about Iraq

No dead US troops and no successful terrorist attacks to talk about must make pretty boring press conferences and dull lead stories

What success?

Funny, FOX Noise doesn't mention Iraq either.

<a href=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/casualties/2008-01-01-january-toll_N.htm>US Troop Deaths in Iraq.</a>

18 US soldiers killed so far this month. Ya happy?

As for the "progress" in Iraq that's more a result of ethnic cleansing than the "Surge".

<center><a href=http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article548945.ece>Iraq is disintegrating as ethnic cleansing takes hold</a></center>

I would suggest, in the future, you support your assertions with some objective, independently verifiable evidence...despite the fact that it's not in your nature to do so.

[red states rule]

What success?

Funny, FOX Noise doesn't mention Iraq either.

<a href=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/casualties/2008-01-01-january-toll_N.htm>US Troop Deaths in Iraq.</a>

18 US soldiers killed so far this month. Ya happy?

As for the "progress" in Iraq that's more a result of ethnic cleansing than the "Surge".

<center><a href=http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article548945.ece>Iraq is disintegrating as ethnic cleansing takes hold</a></center>

What success?

Typical of a proud lib like you to ignore my posts linking articles of the successes.

Fox News is one of the few news networks to report the successes.

Of course you can tell Iraq has turned around by the silence from the Dems and the liberal media. Again, no dead troops and successful terror attacks makes very boring news reports and Dem press conferences

[red states rule]

Here is some more bad news for you BP. Sorry to report, the US is wining in Iraq, and the Dems could not be more depressed


What a Difference …
A year makes. A report from Fallujah, Iraq.

A year ago Shura Chamal-Eit (Elizabeth Street) in downtown Fallujah was a lethal place for American troops attempting to tame the city, a center of lawlessness and defiance by insurgents. Terrorists from Al Qaeda in Iraq and other groups attacked Coalition troops on the street and around the city, killing some and injuring many. But as U.S. Marines here pass yet another Christmas fighting a war few expected to last this long, Fallujah is on the verge of becoming a success story and symbol of a new, cooperative paradigm for winning Iraq.

Fed up with the wanton assassinations and summary executions by Al Qaeda in Iraq and alarmed that the group was strangling Fallujah's economy, city leaders and residents joined forces with the Marines to expel the group. Many Fallujah residents once offered help to insurgents or at best looked the other way when they fired rocket-propelled grenades, mortar and artillery at Marines and killed or maimed them with the dreaded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that became commonplace. The same residents now identify insurgents to the Iraqi Army and Iraqi police force, who kill, capture or drive them from the city. Many of the terrorists have fled into the desert, often into Tharthar, an area also in Anbar province, north of Fallujah.

Marines who once passed their days trying to stay alive now work as virtual municipal employees, trying to restore and expand services like electricity, trash collection and water treatment. "I'm getting ready to go sit in on a political meeting at city hall," says Lt. Col. Christopher Dowling, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment.

for the complete article

http://www.newsweek.com/id/81993

[darin]

Thursday marked the one year anniversary of George W. Bush's "Surge" strategy in Iraq. Implemented against all advice, even from the Iraq Study Group headed by Bush family consiglieri, James Baker; Bush implemented "the Surge". Other than the loss if the lives of our soldiers and Marines, what has been accomplished?





Here's what the Surge has done:


http://www.debatepolicy.com/showthread.php?t=8836

[PostmodernProphet]

As for the "progress" in Iraq that's more a result of ethnic cleansing than the "Surge".

<center><a href=http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article548945.ece>Iraq is disintegrating as ethnic cleansing takes hold</a></center>

I would suggest, in the future, you support your assertions with some objective, independently verifiable evidence...despite the fact that it's not in your nature to do so.

and I would suggest that when you post articles trying to prove that the surge is not working in January, 2008 you not quote links to articles published in May, 2006


By Patrick Cockburn in Khanaqin, North-East Iraq
Published: 20 May 2006

that's about as dishonest as you can get in a board debate....

[Gaffer]

Don't worry bully, your tactics are working. Bush will be defeated in the 08 election. Once he realizes what he's up against he'll throw in the towel and leave the whitehouse by Jan 09. Just keep the pressure on Bully, you can do it.

:dance:

[BoogyMan]

The sky in Iraq is still the wrong shade of blue Bully, you are right the surge has done NOTHING to deal with that egregiously disruptive situation.

Egads, get back in yer hole.

[manu1959]

and I would suggest that when you post articles trying to prove that the surge is not working in January, 2008 you not quote links to articles published in May, 2006

that's about as dishonest as you can get in a board debate....

:laugh2:.....good catch......can't wait for bully's spin

[red states rule]

:laugh2:.....good catch......can't wait for bully's spin

BP may run away from his own thread

[Kathianne]

Today:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080112-2.html



The White House reported:


One year ago, I addressed the American people to announce a new way forward in Iraq. At that time, Iraq was riven by sectarian violence. The violence had increased over the course of 2006, and it threatened the collapse of the political process. Economic activity was languishing. Al Qaeda was strengthening its grip in critical parts of Iraq, including parts of the capital city of Baghdad. Shia extremist groups, some with the backing from Iran, were increasing their attacks on coalition and Iraqi forces.

Our strategy simply wasn't working. And the world was watching. Our friends and foes had the same question: Would we turn our back on our friends and allow Iraq to descend into chaos? Or would we change our approach, and stand with the Iraqi people and help them take back their country from the terrorists and extremists?

We chose to support our Iraqi partners; we chose to help them protect the Iraqi people from the terrorists and radicals. The new way forward I announced one year ago changed our approach in fundamental ways. We sent more combat troops to Iraq. We refocused their mission to protecting the Iraqi people, and to fighting the enemy in the strongholds and denying sanctuary anywhere in the country. We began a diplomatic surge to cut off the networks of foreign fighters that were flowing into Iraq from Syria, and to cut the support of Shia extremists coming from Iran, and to encourage the region to give more support to the Iraqi government. We surged civilians into Iraq to support our military efforts, doubling the number of provincial reconstruction teams, and facilitating Iraqi political reconciliation from the bottom up.

I nominated General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to carry out this new strategy. This was a tough assignment for them. And they -- and all the good men and women they're privileged to lead -- are doing an outstanding job.

Iraq is now a different place from one year ago. Much hard work remains, but levels of violence are significantly reduced. Hope is returning to Baghdad, and hope is returning to towns and villages throughout the country. Iraqis who fled the violence are beginning to return and rebuild their lives. Al Qaeda remains dangerous, and it will continue to target the innocent with violence. But we've dealt al Qaeda in Iraq heavy blows, and it now faces a growing uprising of ordinary Iraqis who want to live peaceful lives. Extremist militias remain a concern. But they, too, have been disrupted, and moderates are turning on those who espouse violence. Iran's role in fomenting violence has been exposed; Iranian agents are in our custody, and we are learning more about how Iran has supported extremist groups with training and lethal aid.

Iraqis are gradually take [sic] control of their country. Over the past year, Iraqi forces conducted a surge of their own, generating well over 100,000 more Iraqi police and soldiers to sustain the security gains. Tens of thousands of concerned local citizens are protecting their communities, and working with coalition and Iraqi forces to ensure al Qaeda cannot return. The Iraqi government is distributing oil revenues across the country, so that reconstruction can follow hard-won security gains. And from Kirkuk to Ramadi, to Karbala to Bagdad, the people of Iraq -- Sunni, Shia, and Kurd -- are coming together at the grass roots to build a common future.

These improvements are allowing some U.S. forces to return home -- a return on success that has now begun. One Army brigade and one Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home, and they will not be replaced. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Any additional reduction will be based on the recommendation of General Petraeus, and those recommendations will be based entirely on the conditions on the ground in Iraq.

The months ahead offer prospects for further progress. Iraq's local leaders need to continue to improve conditions from the bottom up. And Iraq's national leaders need to follow up on the successful adoption of the pension reform by passing a revised de-Baathification law and a national budget. And the linkages between the local and national levels must be strengthened and expanded. Iraqi security forces need to continue to grow and improve and take the fight to al Qaeda and other extremist groups. Criminals need to be defeated in Iraqi neighborhoods. Syria needs to further reduce the flow of terrorists to the territory, especially suicide bombers. Iran must stop supporting the militia special groups that attack Iraqi and coalition forces, and kidnap and kill Iraqi officials...

Ambassador Crocker and General Petraeus will continue to carry out our policy in Iraq -- and they need to get back to Baghdad. So I better stop talking. I want to thank them for your service. I want you to thank your families for how much I appreciate your sacrifices. I also want to thank the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as the diplomats, intelligence officers, civilian employees, and contractors -- and all their families who are doing the work necessary to lay the foundation for peace.

Thank you all for being here, and God bless you.

[bullypulpit]

and I would suggest that when you post articles trying to prove that the surge is not working in January, 2008 you not quote links to articles published in May, 2006



that's about as dishonest as you can get in a board debate....

Sorry 'bout that. Good catch.

The rest stands. None of the benchmarks laid out by Bush one year ago have been met, let alone enforced by the Administration. They just kept moving the goal posts.

The details make interesting, and eye opening, reading at <a href=http://www.nsnetwork.org/node/222>National Security Network</a>

[bullypulpit]

Today:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080112-2.html

You really believe any thing he says?

[Kathianne]

You really believe any thing he says?

Not 'anything', but somethings. I don't just say, 'lie' to everything out of the administration and 'yes' to all criticisms of the same. I try to reason it out.

[red states rule]

You really believe any thing he says?

That was the same reply from John "they killed in cold blood" Murtha when a reporter had the gall to ask him to comment on all the good news coming from Iraq, and recent Pentgon briefings

Murtha lost his temper and began yelling why anyone would believe what the Pentagon says

Seems the progress ebing made in Iraq is to much for libs to deal with

[bullypulpit]

:laugh2:.....good catch......can't wait for bully's spin

No need to spin anything. The facts speak for themselves.

<a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/26/AR2007102602402.html>'I Don't Think This Place Is Worth Another Soldier's Life'</a>

<a href=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,508394,00.html>'The President Has Accepted Ethnic Cleansing'</a>

[red states rule]

No need to spin anything. The facts speak for themselves.

<a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/26/AR2007102602402.html>'I Don't Think This Place Is Worth Another Soldier's Life'</a>

<a href=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,508394,00.html>'The President Has Accepted Ethnic Cleansing'</a>

The facts do speak for themselves - but you refuse to acknowledge them

[bullypulpit]

The facts do speak for themselves - but you refuse to acknowledge them

Care to present any "facts" to support your assertions? But hey, why change now? You never have supported you assertions with anything other than bluster and bullshit.

[red states rule]

Care to present any "facts" to support your assertions? But hey, why change now? You never have supported you assertions with anything other than bluster and bullshit.

I have, but they went over your pointy head

Police Assume Security Mission in Anbar Province City
By Cpl. Adam Johnston, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service


COMMAND OUTPOST BAGHDADI, Iraq, Jan. 7, 2008 – How many Marines does it take to secure Baghdadi? Last year, it took an entire company. Then, as the situation improved, that number dropped to a platoon. And now, with the onset of 2008, the grand total is zero.


The Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, have completely pulled out of Command Outpost Baghdadi. Fortunately for local citizens, their replacements already are hard at work.

In a monumental step toward Iraqi sovereignty, the Baghdadi police force has taken sole responsibility of security within the city limits -- the first to do so in all of Anbar Province

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/news....aspx?id=48581

[bullypulpit]

Not 'anything', but somethings. I don't just say, 'lie' to everything out of the administration and 'yes' to all criticisms of the same. I try to reason it out.

Nor do I dear lady. However, since the Administration did mislead the nation into a war of aggression based upon the flimsiest of evidence, only to have that evidence proven wrong, and then change the reasons for the invasion and occupation...repeatedly...Reason leads me to look upon anything they say regarding the matter with more than a measure of suspicion.

[bullypulpit]

I have, but they went over your pointy head

Police Assume Security Mission in Anbar Province City
By Cpl. Adam Johnston, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service


COMMAND OUTPOST BAGHDADI, Iraq, Jan. 7, 2008 – How many Marines does it take to secure Baghdadi? Last year, it took an entire company. Then, as the situation improved, that number dropped to a platoon. And now, with the onset of 2008, the grand total is zero.


The Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, have completely pulled out of Command Outpost Baghdadi. Fortunately for local citizens, their replacements already are hard at work.

In a monumental step toward Iraqi sovereignty, the Baghdadi police force has taken sole responsibility of security within the city limits -- the first to do so in all of Anbar Province

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/news....aspx?id=48581

You link is broke...You broke-dick hack.

[red states rule]

Nor do I dear lady. However, since the Administration did mislead the nation into a war of aggression based upon the flimsiest of evidence, only to have that evidence proven wrong, and then change the reasons for the invasion and occupation...repeatedly...Reason leads me to look upon anything they say regarding the matter with more than a measure of suspicion.

If Pres Bush lied about Saddam and WMD's - they so did the Dems. Or are you ignoring the fact even the Clintons said Saddam had them and was a threat?

[Dilloduck]

No need to spin anything. The facts speak for themselves.

<a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/26/AR2007102602402.html>'I Don't Think This Place Is Worth Another Soldier's Life'</a>

<a href=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,508394,00.html>'The President Has Accepted Ethnic Cleansing'</a>

You need to change the date on old links you try to use to 'support' those wacky claims, Bully. :laugh2:

[red states rule]

You link is broke...You broke-dick hack.

Figures you did ignore the link when I posted it on page 0ne of this thread

But then, why would you want to read the good news about Iraq?

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48581

[red states rule]

and more bad news for you BP


THE SURGE AT ONE
'FORLORN HOPE' A BIG SUCCESS

January 11, 2008 -- AS you read these lines, our troops are in the midst of Operation Phantom Phoenix, a "mini-surge" to squeeze al Qaeda and its fast-dwindling band of allies out of their few remaining safe havens in Iraq.

Iraqi troops fight beside us against a common enemy. Vast swaths of the country enjoy a newborn peace. Commerce thrives again. At the provincial and local levels, the political progress has been remarkable.

As for Operation Phantom Phoenix, our commanders expected terrorist dead-enders to put up a fight. Instead, they ran, leaving behind only booby traps and disgust among the Iraqis they tormented far too long.

Well, they can run, but they can't hide. We dropped 20 tons of bombs on 40 terrorist targets yesterday, including safe houses, weapons caches and IED factories. In a late-afternoon exchange with The Post, Gen. David Petraeus characterized our current ops as "executing aggressively, pursuing tenaciously."

The headlines at home? "Nine American Soldiers Killed." No mention of progress or a fleeing enemy on the front pages. Just dead soldiers.

Determined to elect a Democrat president, the "mainstream" media simply won't accept our success. "Impartial" journalists find a dark cloud in every silver lining in Iraq. And the would-be candidates themselves continue to insist that we should abandon Iraq immediately - as if time had stood still for the past year - while hoping desperately for a catastrophe in Baghdad before November.

for the complete article
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01112008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_surge_at_one_960678.htm

[darin]

Sorry 'bout that. Good catch.

The rest stands. None of the benchmarks laid out by Bush one year ago have been met, let alone enforced by the Administration. They just kept moving the goal posts.

The details make interesting, and eye opening, reading at <a href=http://www.nsnetwork.org/node/222>National Security Network</a>


http://www.debatepolicy.com/showthread.php?t=8836

[truthmatters]

http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=May&x=20070510151824sjhtrop0.5708582

They are the signs of success he came up with himself.

They are unmet so how can this be a success?

[Gunny]

Thursday marked the one year anniversary of George W. Bush's "Surge" strategy in Iraq. Implemented against all advice, even from the Iraq Study Group headed by Bush family consiglieri, James Baker; Bush implemented "the Surge". Other than the loss if the lives of our soldiers and Marines, what has been accomplished?

In his speech announcing the "Surge", Bush outlined some broad goals:

<blockquote>To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by November.</blockquote>

The Iraqi government has yet to assume full control of Baghdad, let alone the rest of the country. Iraqi security forces have yet to purge the members of Shi'ite militias from its ranks. - <a href=>McClatchy</a>

As for Al Anbar province, the security situation there has been less the result of the "Surge" and more the result of action by Sunni tribal leaders, having started some four months before the "Surge". The Sunis in Al-Anbar have stated that once Al Qaeda is exterminated the government in Baghdad may be targeted.

<blockquote>To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the country's economy, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis.</blockquote>

No law has been passed. To complicate matters the Kurdish Regional Authority has signed numerous oil contracts absent any consultation with Baghdad on the matter including one with Bush advisor, Ray L. Hunt.- <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/27/AR2007112702356_pf.html>The Washington Post</a>

<blockquote>To show that it is committed to delivering a better life, the Iraqi government will spend 10 billion dollars of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs.</blockquote>

It remains uncertain as to whether or not the Iraqi government will allocate the $10 billion outlined. - <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/29/AR2007082902434_pf.html>The Washington Post</a>

<blockquote>To empower local leaders, Iraqis plan to hold provincial elections later this year.</blockquote>

Hasn't happened.

<blockquote>And to allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation's political life, the government will reform de-Baathification laws and establish a fair process for considering amendments to Iraq's constitution.</blockquote>

Hasn't happened.

In addition the Administration has failed to marshal support for reconstruction in Iraq from Iraq's neighbors, particularly where Iran and Syria are concerned.

Oh, and that "bipartisan working group" Bush said he'd set up...Hasn't happened yet either.

On both the foreign and domestic front, the goals Bush outlined in his <a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011002208_pf.html>January 10, 2007 speech</a> remain little more than empty rhetoric. But we've come to expect little better.

You can find a complete rundown of the results of the "Surge" at <a href=http://www.nsnetwork.org/node/222>National Security Network</a>

Eighteen provinces have been turned over to the Iraqi government's control. That's progress no matter how you try and spin it.

[red states rule]

When will Dems admit they were all wrong about the surge, and how the US can win in Iarq?


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/opinion/14kristol.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[red states rule]

Eighteen provinces have been turned over to the Iraqi government's control. That's progress no matter how you try and spin it.

18? I thought the number was up to 11

Did I miss some of the good news Gunny?

[bullypulpit]

http://www.debatepolicy.com/showthread.php?t=8836

And do you buy the herbal viagra based on the ads that are e-mailed to you?

The article is unsourced...Other than your learned opinion, of course.

[red states rule]

And do you buy the herbal viagra based on the ads that are e-mailed to you?

The article is unsourced...Other than your learned opinion, of course.

You are determined to ignore the good news, and try to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

[PostmodernProphet]

18? I thought the number was up to 11

Did I miss some of the good news Gunny?

I believe Iraq only has 18 provinces total.....


Karbala will become only the eighth of Iraq's 18 provinces to revert to Iraqi control

from October, 2007....

http://media.www.dailylobo.com/media/storage/paper344/news/2007/10/29/News/Ap.U-s.To.Turn.Over.Province.To.Iraq-3062836.shtml

[PostmodernProphet]

18? I thought the number was up to 11

Did I miss some of the good news Gunny?

I believe Iraq only has 18 provinces total.....


Karbala will become only the eighth of Iraq's 18 provinces to revert to Iraqi control

from October, 2007....

http://media.www.dailylobo.com/media/storage/paper344/news/2007/10/29/News/Ap.U-s.To.Turn.Over.Province.To.Iraq-3062836.shtml

may well be 11 by now, but I am certain it isn't 18......

[darin]

And do you buy the herbal viagra based on the ads that are e-mailed to you?

The article is unsourced...Other than your learned opinion, of course.

It came indirectly from the Center for Army Lessons Learned representative in my building.

Is ANY of it wrong.

By the way, I found other sources, if that makes your tiny heart feel better.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/346ydlgo.asp

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=Executing+the+Winning+Strategy+in+Iraq&btnG=Google+Search

[red states rule]

Like BP, Harry Reid still will not bring himself to admit the fact the surge is working and the Us is winning in Iraq

Reid pushes back on Iraq optimism


Democrats are increasingly bailing on their previously held view that the troop surge in Iraq has been a "failure," but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid isn't ready to jump on the bandwagon with other Democrats who say the surge has worked.

The Senate re-opened for business on Monday after a two-week Thanksgiving break, during which key Democrats traveled to Iraq and declared that the surge is working, at least from a security and military perspective. Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), one the top war critics, stunned fellow Democrats late last week with his statement that "the surge is working," even though he added that political reconciliation has been lagging. Murtha's view was backed by Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.), who also said the surge worked after he returned from Iraq.

But Reid, in a Monday press conference, ceded no ground.

"The surge hasn't accomplished its goals," Reid said. "... We're involved, still, in an intractable civil war."

http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1207/Reid_pushes_back_on_Iraq_optimism.html

[retiredman]

there cannot be an american military "victory" in an Iraqi internal political struggle. The american military is not, nor never has been designed or trained to play politics in foreign lands. Achieving lasting peace amongst the sects in Iraq is not a viable objective for the US military. The surge was designed to provide space so that Iraqi politicians could make the compromises necessary to forge a lasting detente. American troops did their part. The Iraqi politicians have failed in theirs.

[bullypulpit]

there cannot be an american military "victory" in an Iraqi internal political struggle. The american military is not, nor never has been designed or trained to play politics in foreign lands. Achieving lasting peace amongst the sects in Iraq is not a viable objective for the US military. The surge was designed to provide space so that Iraqi politicians could make the compromises necessary to forge a lasting detente. American troops did their part. The Iraqi politicians have failed in theirs.

Which was the point of the thread to begin with. Apparently, the slavish supporters of the Bush administration can brook no criticism of the Administration without trying to change the subject.

[manu1959]

there cannot be an american military "victory" in an Iraqi internal political struggle. The american military is not, nor never has been designed or trained to play politics in foreign lands. Achieving lasting peace amongst the sects in Iraq is not a viable objective for the US military. The surge was designed to provide space so that Iraqi politicians could make the compromises necessary to forge a lasting detente. American troops did their part. The Iraqi politicians have failed in theirs.

they may well be failing and or struggling .... they have not failed quite yet ..... when the US military leaves and the govt. collapses then they will have failed ..... until then ….. it is still a work in progress

[retiredman]

they may well be failing and or struggling .... they have not failed quite yet ..... when the US military leaves and the govt. collapses then they will have failed ..... until then ….. it is still a work in progress

work? Bullshit. they took a summer long vacation while OUR troops were doing the heavy lifting. I want to see them get off their asses and start to "work". And how long are we going to let them work at this failing and/or struggling before we say, "it's all yours"?

And ya know what? Their government might not "collapse", but my guess is it will be as oppressive to Sunnis as the previous government was to Shiites and just as undemocratic. At least then, we had a Sunni in charge to balance Iran. Now, we'll have turned Iraq into an Iranian satellite. What a shitty return on our investment of five years, a trillion dollars and 31K dead and wounded Americans. Bravo!

[bullypulpit]

You need to change the date on old links you try to use to 'support' those wacky claims, Bully. :laugh2:

NOt so much. they are current enough that they remain relevant.

[red states rule]

NOt so much. they are current enough that they remain relevant.

Only to the surrender monkys and the defeatest left who wants the US to lose in Iraq thinking it will help them politically

[bullypulpit]

Only to the surrender monkys and the defeatest left who wants the US to lose in Iraq thinking it will help them politically

Another original thought from RSR, the Parrot Boy. You really outta be in a circus side-show.

[red states rule]

Another original thought from RSR, the Parrot Boy. You really outta be in a circus side-show.

I can understand why to are in such a bad mood these days BP

This will make you feel even worse

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1724900020080118?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true

So, tell us again ow we are NOT winning in Iraq?