Assuming that the gains achieved by the surge have been properly consolidated, there is no reason to keep those troops there. </p> </p> As a side note, perhaps the stupidest and most ignorant statement was made by Chris Dodd, in challenging General Petraeus as to the efficacy of the surge, citing statistics and polls. To even entertain the notion that polls should guide military strategy is among the most foolish and dangerous things that could have been said. </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'>AEM, welcome to S2. </div></p> </p> Thanks, just found out about it the other day while browsing around and about. </p>I'm on several, but it's always nice to break new ground. </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AEM)</div><div class='quotemain'> Thanks, just found out about it the other day while browsing around and about. </p>I'm on several, but it's always nice to break new ground. </div></p> No problem. You'll love it here. </p> </p>
My goodness.</p> Patraeus says we need troops there until end of summer</p> Bush says we'll pull out troops at the end of summer</p> Seems like he's just saying what his general is saying, which is consistent with what he's said all along - that if the generals wanted more/less troops, that's what they'd get.</p> But this news is... UnReal, or SurReal... if you know what I mean.</p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AEM)</div><div class='quotemain'> As a side note, perhaps the stupidest and most ignorant statement was made by Chris Dodd, in challenging General Petraeus as to the efficacy of the surge, citing statistics and polls. To even entertain the notion that polls should guide military strategy is among the most foolish and dangerous things that could have been said.</p></div> Amen. It has been absolutely ridiculous to me to listen to the Democrats position on this war. You notice that all of the democratic nominees started out thier Presidential campaigns absolutely blasting the war in Iraq, then they started mentioning how they would not immediately pull out of Iraq and recognized the need for troops to remain there for some time. In Congress, a few months ago the Democrats could not wait until General Petraus gave his report so they could use that as a mandate to pull out troops. Once they figured out that the surge was working they immediately started blasting the general before he even gave his testimony and called it the "Bush Report". </p> Whether you support the war in Iraq or not, having lawmakers on the Hill dictate military strategy and determing what is working and what isn't is absurd. The decisions need to come from the military commanders and those that actually know whats going on and not the people who are feeling pressure from MoveOn.org.</p> Personally, I am glad the surge works and we can start bringing home our troops. Sure it will be gradual, however it is progress and Bush is showing the Iraq government that they need to take more responsibility for securing their nation. </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'>It's about time. Good decision by Bush.</div> </p> Do you really think he has the brains to do that?</p> One of his Advisors probably Advised him to</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti)</div><div class='quotemain'>Election coming up.</div> I really don't think his decision has anything to do with elections coming up. He is a lame-duck president and has pretty much given off the impression that he is going to do what he thinks is best and not to help get a Republican elected next term for President, (which I don't think will happen anyway). </p>
