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 4 of 4)
46. Ray #44 Nice piece of historical context. In these blog comments I try to be as brif as possible but I appreciate your taking the time to point out that there are no clean hands when it comes to warfare. Mistake, miscalculations and down right stupidity occurs at an astounding rate when viewed in hind sight. As an avid golfer, I often hit really badly thought out shots. It doesn't help to beat myself up but I need to move on and try to do better on the next shot. Without trivializing the war. When I was in War College, our instructors often told us that we would make mistakes and errors in judgement and that we and our fellow Marines would often pay the ultimate price for those mistakes. We had to move on, make corrections where possible and continue towards the objective. I see that that is what is happening on the ground. I'll let historians list all the miss steps that have been made at the proper time. What we need now is to advance toward the ultimate objective...victory. If General Petraeus reports that we canot win then I will join the folks calling for a strategic withdrawal from the theatre. If he reports that victory is possible or even better, likey then I will continue to support the mission.
Joe Edgington at 1:08PM on Aug 28th 2007
47. Can't you people just see?! We Republicans're always right!!!
Do we lied about WMDs? well,...Bill believed it, didn't he. and Hillary vote for it. ha!
We didn't do well in Iraq the past 4 yrs, hey, we have no enough troops on the ground, and the generals screwed, and Dems threated to cut fund, and...... definitely not our fault.
If we win, it just because our strategy make the progress working; If we lose, Dems and Iraqi goverment are to blame.
Of course it's untrue that Iraqis are fighting for their national pride, or fight for their believe, or fight for their own freedom against the Christian invader......How come? they're such low-lives, they ought to believe what we believe, do what we want them to, accept the fate we bring to them and be greatful. Otherwise, they would be called Insurgents, Terrorists...
jax at 5:36PM on Aug 28th 2007
48. ray, Just reread this blog on 9/2. Two exg: Conficts solve w/o violence. Cold War, East Germany. I am sur ther are more but it is too early for me to think.
Darfur, Rwanda, Sierra Leone all would have required no military involvement if we would have intervened politically and diplomatically at the start.
As far as your ignorant comment regarding' too black ', whatever that means inyour odd train of nonthought and underwhelming distorted views, my first husband was Afro-Cuban, half black, half Cuban. Which gave our daughter such beautiful ethnic outward physical appearance. I am English, Irish, Scandinavian and German, so no one can figure out her ethnicity. As I've told you before, I only speak based on experience.
What I DO ray is give of my money to:
http:www.NotOnOurWatchProject.org
http://www.un.org/events/rwanda
By the way, 450,000 have been murdered in Darfur, 2.5 million displaced. The UN wanted, at the begining to send 17,300 peace keeping troops, but the Sudanese gov't said they would consider them 'foreign invaders', but violence is not the answer, so we as human beings must find a way in concert with politicians that will be elected in 2008, democrats, of course.
I find it is usually the closet racist that throws inane hate filled insults at those that are not.
rhodalee at 9:35AM on Sep 2nd 2007
49. http://www.NotOnOurWatchProject.org
rhoda lee at 9:36AM on Sep 2nd 2007