The political left is showing signs of nervousness about Iraq. Why? Not because Bush's policy has failed, but because it may yet succeed. Bush continues to exhibit confidence even in the face of low poll ratings. In his latest speech he said a "free Iraq" that can stand on its own is now within reach. "A free Iraq...will be an example that provides hope for millions throughout the Middle East, it will be a friend of the United States, and it's going to be an important ally in the ideological struggle of the twenty-first century."
A scary idea for some people. No wonder that leading Senators and Congressmen have rushed to condemn Bush's optimism. Witness Senator Carl Levin's latest attack on the Iraqi Prime Minister, coupled with his absurd demand for Iraqis to elect someone else. Not that these congressional back-seat drivers have better information than the president, nor can they (as they did last November) claim a popular mandate. Let's remember that the poll ratings for Congress are even lower than Bush's. In fact, Congress has the support of less than 20 percent of the American people. Even Democrats don't like the way the Democratic Congress has been doing business. Bush has very little to fear from these folks.
Here are the positive signs. The Iraqi insurgents seem unable to launch effective large-scale attacks on U.S. targets. They no longer threaten to overthrow the elected government. Al Qaeda has, according to its own captured documents, been reduced to hit-and-run operations. Even the insurgents' mosque-burning and pilgrim-shooting strategy can be seen as moves of desperation. Several Sunni leaders have turned against Al Qaeda and are now cooperating with U.S. forces. While we wait for the official reports, it seems that the troop buildup has helped to neutralize insurgent strongholds and to provide a bulwark of protection. Meanwhile, the training of Iraqi troops proceeds.
If America succeeds in Iraq, Bush will have proved the critics wrong and his leadership will be vindicated, just as Reagan's was when the Berlin Wall came down. If that happens, think of all the people who will feel like fools. Think of all the political hopes that will be dashed. Quite a few people--not just Islamic radicals but also left-wing Democrats--would find themselves in a very awkward position if Iraq turns a corner.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 4)
1. Why does AOL provide a forum for Dinesh and not balance his propaganda with opposing views? He is just spouting the party line. I really can't stand this guy who has ties to numberous right wing think tanks. He adds nothing new to the discussion on Iraq but the same old tired retoric we've been hearing for six years. Will this be the American Thirty Years War? Why isn't Mr. D.D not in the military?
Lolly Nag at 4:16PM on Sep 21st 2007
2. Why does AOL provide a forum for Dinesh and not balance his propaganda with opposing views? He is just spouting the party line. I really can't stand this guy who has ties to numberous right wing think tanks. He adds nothing new to the discussion on Iraq but the same old tired retoric we've been hearing for six years. Will this be the American Thirty Years War? Why isn't Mr. D.D not in the military?
Lolly Nag at 5:21AM on Aug 24th 2007
3. Imagine for a moment: Send another 20,000 troops to guarantee Iraqi freedom! Sound stupid? Yup, it is. We have litle of interest in Iraq beyond oil, oil, oil! Our respect as a nation has almost disappeared. Our own freedoms are being destroyed right here in America, right now. We had better attend to our own serious challenges as a country.
Tom Edgar at 4:07PM on Aug 23rd 2007
4. Of course a free Iraq sympathetic to U.S. interests would be great, but I have to believe that politicians uncomfortable with possible success in Iraq feel that way because it would justify our invading Iraq in the first place. It's not success they fear; it's vindication of bad policy they fear.
Ian at 4:11PM on Aug 23rd 2007
5. Sigh. We have taken no oil from Iraq. None. In four+ years, we've taken no oil, we've bought no oil, nothing from Iraq. Why? Because that has been left to the people and government of Iraq to handle. The United States has take ZERO oil out of Iraq since the war began. Please....stop with this "it's about oil" bullsh*t. Thanks.
timber at 4:23PM on Aug 23rd 2007
6. CHENEY '94': INVADING IRAQ WOULD CREATE "QUAGMIRE"
C-SPAN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BEsZMvrq-I
CAN THIS ADMIN. EVER TELL THE TRUTH?? AT LEAST DEAD EYE DICK WAS RIGHT ABOUT SOMETHING.
sandy at 4:43PM on Aug 23rd 2007
7. The United States Military will never be defeated by suicide bombers, IED's and fanactical wack jobs.
Without all the politics, this war would have ended 4 years ago.
Rich at 5:09PM on Aug 23rd 2007
8. The left doesn't get it.....never will.
You want to understand? (It's a serious question and I'm afraid I know their answer)......Look at a map!
twann9852 at 5:08PM on Aug 23rd 2007
9. With a heavy hand we might be able to establish a semblence of order, but as soon as we leave you can bet that opportunist will rise and seek the overthrow of the dominant faction. Iraq, as most nations, can only be controlled by the heavy hand of despotism. It takes a God fearing, service oriented, forgiving, hard working, moral people to establish and maintain a democratic republic.
A corrupt majority in America is now unworthy it. It would be better off under a ruler somewhat like Saddam since its mission is to destroy freedom and traditional family.
Robert at 5:35PM on Aug 23rd 2007
10. timber. You are wrong about no oil from iraq. Check with exxon mobile. Why do you think we invaded an independent country thousands of miles from our country? So we could kill Saddam's sons? If it isn't oil then what has driven Bush to invade? Charity? Kindness?
Tom Edgar at 5:42PM on Aug 23rd 2007
11. The key word is "if". If, if, if...You sound like Baghdad Bob D.D.
Kris at 6:03PM on Aug 23rd 2007
12. "It's vindication of bad policy they fear."
Right on. That is exactly what the 'political left' fears, that if a Iraq friendly to the United States appears that the conservatives and warmongers will use that as justification to invade ANY country that does not like the United States.
Personally, I see absolutely NO progress in Iraq. There are still bombings on a daily basis, more people being killed everyday..... it is just INSANE to say that any progress is being made in Iraq, because it just is NOT!
Christopher at 6:24PM on Aug 23rd 2007
13. Dinesh, jiggle my jangalangs!
Baby Bob at 6:23PM on Aug 23rd 2007
14. What is a Democrat? Someone who only wins when America loses...
BirdmanJones at 6:24PM on Aug 23rd 2007
15. "What is a Democrat? Someone who only wins when America loses..."
Wrong. A Democrat is someone who celebrates when the United States does the right thing, like going against despots and others with the SUPPORT of the Iraqi's as a whole, which we did not do.
A Democrat also celebrates the rights of people to do what they wish in their own private lives, WITHOUT interference or consequences from others just because they do not like what those people are doing.
Christopher at 7:28PM on Aug 23rd 2007