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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: PROLIFE who wrote (746857)	8/3/2006 2:01:41 PM
From: pompsander	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 769670

"I think I axed you once before...what is YOUR plan for success....are you a cut and run John Murtha follower?" Terms like "Cut and Run" are so easy to toss around. What does it mean? Leave tomorrow? Nope, I don't favor that. Murtha (as I understand it) has proposed a troop redeployment in the region over a period of time, providing flexibility and even return capability if needed, but moving our men and women back from the primary role as referees in what seems (I know many disagree) to be becoming a sectarian struggle at the most primal level. I am not one of those who feels we should never have gone into Iraq. I was really conflicted back when Colin Powell have his U.N. address and we were told about mobile weapons labs and the President warned us about the possibility of mushroom clouds in our future. So we went in....and I supported it...but with some doubts and concerns. Which grew. But really, Pro, the execution part of this whole thing has been so poor. From initial troop levels to disbanding the military to forcing our National Guard into roles they were neither trained for nor emotionally ready to handle.....well, you know why some people who might even support the initial mission could feel the management of the process has been POOR. So, we're in. What to do now? First, I'm confused. The President has said we have no long term intentions and will leave when the Iraqi's ask us to. But I understand we are building huge bases in Iraq. Any idea why we would need them if a stable government asked us to leave and we do as President Bush says we will do? And we are regularly told that we will stand down when the iraqis stand up. But despite our efforts they don't seem ready, willing and able to stand up. Sectarian violence increases. The security forces are rife with internal militia. If the Iraqis will not become a Nation (constrasted with a State), and it seems right now that that issue is highly in doubt because the Iraqi Shia mullahs are openly criticizing the government as ineffective and "do-nothing" after supporting the earlier election........what is our role? We can keep training. We can keep supporting a government that seems (IMHO) to be losing the support of it formerly staunchist supporters. It is a democratically elected government, so we should make every effor to help it succeed....but there is a tipping point (which may never be reached, we all hope) where the government becomes only a figurehead because it has been deemed ineffective and power devolves to the militia or the mullahs. If this point comes, then I do think we need to consider moving out of Iraq in stages, as it will be so difficult for us to succeed in our stated role of supporting a democratic government (that has no power and no legitimacy in the minds of its citizens) that our troops will be only sitting ducks between the rival forces. If the Shia lock up with Iran, well, things will simply spiral down further. The Kurds will lock down their border and the Sunnis will just go wild(er) than now. It is popular for conservatives to say: "Well, no one could have seen this, or seen that"...but at least as it relates to Iraq, there is plenty of advice and opinion from 2003 and before that points out the very dangers we now are faced with. So, when and where does our National Interest lie? Should we cut and run tomorrow? No. Should we, if the Iraqis refuse to take over real responsibility for security and infrastructure, government and governance, reconsider our involvement....yes, I think so. Now, tell me your plan for the next year.