>>>What is being said with more frequency by the Administration and US military commanders is that the insurgency will be defeated by Iraqis probably after the US has left.<<<
Here are a few points to look for in the State of the Union address in January.
1. The U. S. stepped in to free a nation from a brutal dictator, to assist that freed nation in building a democracy, to assist that nation in defending that young democracy, etc., etc., etc. This work has been done. Applause, applause, applause.
2. It is now time for that fledgling democracy to assume more and more of the struggle to maintain its young democracy. Applause, applause, applause.
3. As a result, we will begin an orderly reduction in our military involvement in Iraq. Tonight, I am announcing an immediate reduction of . ., . . . U. S. troops currently stationed in Iraq. Applause, applause, standing applause, applause, standing foot-stomping applause.
>>>The Bush Administration is just hoping to drag it out long enough<<<
The immediate goal will be the November congressional elections. That will be accomplished with a still significant military presence and a nice healthy reduction of maybe 50,000 troops. Of course, funds will be available for good behavior from the Iraqis.
Timing is very important in politics. Ask yourself these questions. In what month did the Iraqis vote for their constitution? In what month will the Iraqis elect a parliament? In what month is the next State of the Union address?
>>>This is where you're supposed to say..."At least we tried."<<<
Its been around 30 years and I no longer can remember the news broadcaster. I thought it was Eric Sevaried but I may be wrong. I could not verify it by an internet search. However, I remember three words from his ending statement on the collapse in Vietnam. He said, "We meant well." |
