posted on June 23, 2005 04:54:23 PM new
No wonder why the WH thinks the Iraq War is going well, they are living in fantasy land. When the VP doesnt even know what is actually going on in Iraq, there are big problems.
WASHINGTON - The top American military commander in the Persian Gulf disputed a contention by Vice President Dick Cheney that the Iraqi insurgency was in its “last throes” and told Congress on Thursday that its strength was basically undiminished from six months ago.
Furthermore, Gen. John Abizaid told the Senate Armed Services Committee, “I believe there are more foreign fighters coming into Iraq than there were six months ago.”
In a CNN interview last month, Cheney said that “the level of activity that we see today from a military standpoint, I think, will clearly decline. I think they’re in the last throes, if you will, of the insurgency.”
Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the committee’s senior Democrat, asked Abizaid if he realized he was contradicting Cheney.
“I don’t know that I would make any comment about that other than to say there’s a lot of work to be done,” said Abizaid. “I gave you my opinion.”
“The fact is that the insurgency has not weakened,” Levin said. “Our men and women in uniform are serving with great honor. They deserve an objective assessment of the situation in Iraq. They deserve a clear layout of the next steps there. They’re not getting either from the administration.”
Rumsfeld adds to Cheney comment
His testimony came as the nation’s top defense leaders rejected calls by some lawmakers for the Bush administration to set a timetable for U.S. withdrawal from war-torn Iraq. “That would be a mistake,” Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told the committee.
Rumsfeld also sought to explain what Cheney meant.
Between now and when an Iraqi constitution is drafted and voted on later this year, “They may very well be in their last throes by their own view cause they recognize how important it will be if the lose,” he said.
Of Cheney’s words specifically, Rumsfeld added: “While I didn’t use them and I might not use them, I think it’s understandable that we can expect that kind of a response from the enemy.”
Rumsfeld engaged in contentious exchanges with committee Democrats.
“Isn’t it time for you to resign?” Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., asked the defense secretary, citing what he called “gross errors and mistakes” in the U.S. military campaign in Iraq.
“I’ve offered my resignation to the president twice,” Rumsfeld shot back, saying that President Bush had decided not to accept it. “That’s his call,” he said.
Unpredictable war
Rumsfeld told the committee that "timing in war is never predictable. There are never guarantees.
“Those who say we are losing this war are wrong," he added. "We are not.”
But even some Republicans expressed open skepticism with U.S. policy in Iraq, with U.S. deaths now surpassing 1,700 since the war began in March 2003.
“Public support in my state is turning,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “People are beginning to question. And I don’t think it’s a blip on the radar screen. We have a chronic problem on our hands.”
Iraqi forces have 'a way to go'
Rumsfeld, testifying on the progress in training Iraq’s own security forces, said these forces have “a way to go,” but progress was being made.
“Success will not be easy and it will require patience. ... But consider what has been accomplished in 12 months,” Rumsfeld said, citing elections in January, economic improvements, and an increasingly improving security force.
The Bush administration contends that Iraqis must be able to defend their own country against a lethal insurgency before a timeline for bringing home troops can be considered.
But progress has been slower than expected. In recent weeks, insurgents have increasingly targeted Iraqi security forces. And U.S. casualties, war spending and public skepticism continue to climb, ruffling both Republicans and Democrats.
“Leaving before the task is complete would be catastrophic,” Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the panel.
Call for constitution
Levin said there was “no military settlement without a political settlement.”
He said the Bush administration should tell the Iraqis that if they do not meet their deadline for drafting a constitution — Aug. 15, with a possible six-month extension — the United States will consider setting a timetable for troop withdrawals.
“We must demonstrate to the Iraqis that our willingness to bear the burden ... has limits,” Levin said.
Iraqis are to vote on the proposed constitution in a referendum by Oct. 15. It must be ratified by a two-thirds majority of voters. If approved, elections for a permanent government would be held by Dec. 15.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 23, 2005 09:50:16 PM new
"No wonder why the WH thinks the Iraq War is going well, they are living in fantasy land. When the VP doesnt even know what is actually going on in Iraq, there are big problems."
A personal theory or an editorial in some British newspaper?
It really isn't too late, you could dash off a quick letter and give the WH your take on the situation.
posted on June 24, 2005 03:07:41 AM new
Logan, Cheney forgot to mention our CIA is saying Iraq has become the best training ground the TERRORIST ever had.
What a "HARD JOB" it must be for Bush and Cheney to keep facing the American people with lies about their Iraq War.
posted on June 24, 2005 07:29:29 AM newIt really isn't too late, you could dash off a quick letter and give the WH your take on the situation.
Maybe the WH should ask the American people what to do since it appears Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld do not have a clue on how to handle the situation in Iraq.
Perhaps you shoudl write and tell them we should give weapons to Iran to fight the Iraqi insurgents. You thought it was a great idea in the 80's when we gave Iraq weapons to fight Iran.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 25, 2005 06:26:48 AM new
BP. I know terrorist activity in the Middle East has increased since this war began. I don't know how Bush can keep say we are safer and we are winning this war.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
Most people can easily interpret the meaning of that cartoon, linda as it relates to Bush's failed attempt at preemptive war and his lack of planning throughout the war and occupation. As he stands on the deck of his sinking ship he doesn't know the time or method to exit. Only you see it as Toles interpretation of how I support the troops. You are the board joke, linda. Everyone knows that you can't speak for anyone here. Hell, you can't even interpret a cartoon.
posted on June 25, 2005 01:16:31 PM new
Good one Helen.
Don't worry Linda, when the ship goes down it is women and children first. You would be saved unless you dont fall into one of those two categories.
Yea, let's all laugh at a ship load of our soldiers and our President sinking.
Yeah let's see how low the President's ratings have to go. They are sinking fast that he has to have a speech in order to tell the public what his plan for Iraq is. I wonder if he will saying anything new. How many times will he have to say "we stay the course"?
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 25, 2005 01:33:06 PM newApparently you're not listening, so he has to keep repeating himself.
He can keep repeating it because most of America is not getting it (or should I say believing his policy). Perhaps we should stay the course for another 10, 15, 20 years? Great idea! Lets keep staying with a "plan" that is not working.
Good thing Bush is not a doctor. I would not want him giving me medicine and have him saying "lets stay the course" it will get better when it hasn't worked for 3 years. He would be sued for malpractice if he tried that.
Good thing Roosevelt didn't try "staying the course" to get out of the Depression.
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 25, 2005 04:33:31 PM new
Republican definition of winning:
Rumsfeld saying Iraq war will take a couple of weeks. It is now in its third year.
Bush hanging a sign saying "Mission accomplished" and how long had the war waged on since that point.
Bush now admitting the situation in Iraq is a quagmire, trying to avoid saying it is becoming Vietnam
Cheney saying insurgents are almost beat, but yet Gen. John Abizaid saying their are more insurgents now than there were six months ago.
Bush saying we are winning the war on terror but there is more terrorism now in the Middle East than there was before 9/11.
Insurgents still blowing up oil fields and killing Iraqi troops that are supposed to be the ones taking over control of their country.
You have US soldiers who do not think the Iraqi forces are capable of defending their own country.
Bush saying we will hunt down Osama, but has spent more time in Iraq than he has looking for Osama.
Bush lied to start the war and is still lying about the current situation. I wonder why 59 million people are still being duped by this guy?
Absolute faith has been shown, consistently, to breed intolerance. And intolerance, history teaches us, again and again, begets violence.
----------------------------------
President George Bush: "Over time the truth will come out."
President George Bush: "Our people are going to find out the truth, and the truth will say that this intelligence was good intelligence. There's no doubt in my mind."
Bush was right. The truth did come out and the facts are he misled Congress and the American people about the reasons we should go to war in Iraq.
posted on June 25, 2005 04:37:15 PM new
desquirrel- is that a joke??? i know you're simply trying to make some quick talking points, but none of those are even close to being true.
1) Taliban just shot two US aircrafts this week in Afghanistan. That doesn't seem to be "removed" in Afghanistan. I may give you "a portion" of the terrorist regime relocated from Afghanistan, but they surely have NOT been removed. Just because you don't follow the real news, doesn't mean all is good in Afghanistan.
2) Terrorist regime removed from Iraq? There really were no terrorists in Iraq when this whole thing started. Now Al Qaeda is in Iraq bombing everything and everyone in sight. Everyday terrorists attack in Iraq. Removed from Iraq??? I don't think so.
3) Syria out of Lebanon and retrenching? Yeah, maybe militarily, but not politically. 1/2 lie. Only time will tell what will happen in Lebanon.
4) Libya is Libya who? and paying reparations. Kadafi is a murderer who got away with it. No American President has touched him, so don't even bother going there.
5) Iraqi threat to the region and oil fields removed? Just wondering, what was the threat to the region and oil fields? Please don't give us WMDs, because you know they were not there.
6) Iranian threat to the region and oil fields removed? Can you say Iranian nuclear program??? I would think that an unstable country like Iran with Nukes is a threat to the region. One overthrown government away from WW3.
7) Israel & Palestinians negotiating instead of photo ops? This had to do with the USA because???
8) Israel pulling forces out of Palestine. Once again, this has to do with the USA because of what???
9) You forgot to mention Bushes successes in North Korea, Gitmo, Privatized SS Accounts, Medicare, Drug Prescription Program, the extremely stable economy, the continuing decline of jobs (GM announcing laying off 28K workers over 3 years to name the most recent), Bolton appointment, and so on. Watching Bush's spiral into the lame duck President has become quite amusing from this end of the spectrum (further left than liberal).
posted on June 25, 2005 05:42:18 PM new
1) I guess the Oklamoma bombing means the Aryan Nation is running the US too.
2) If you train, and supply terrorists, you are are terrorist regime. That Al Queda, Hamas, the IRA, et al, were aided by Iraq is news to no one but the dumbest of Lberals.
3) We control the pipelines into Syria. They will be good doggies.
4) After not touching him by bombing his palace and aircraft bases and choking him economically, all of a sudden he has discovered non-militant Islam and is embracing the world.
5)Why do you think these dictators are knocking each other off and buying all those weapons?? For the last 60 yrs somebody has had the idea of grabbing the oil fields and becoming a superman. Ever hear of Nasser?? I know the whack pack line... Hussein invaded Kuwait because he wanted beach front property.
6)Mostly a publicity stunt. But if need be, I'm sure we're aiding the freedom movement because of our position. And the Israelis will attack before anything becomes a viable threat. Given their position the left wing "olive branch" isn't in the cards.
7 & 8) I know, the old Liberal "coincidence".
9) There's a "problem" in Gitmo???
Most politicians seem to favor the SS idea.
It's not GB's fault if nobody buys a GM, he gets brownie points then since Chrysler is doing well.
Medicare etc, well he might not be doing as well as Hillary, but you can't have a broader payout than you do intake.
Oh, and "lame duck" means not having a next term AND being stymied by the majority opposition. 1 out of 2 don't count.
posted on June 25, 2005 07:34:19 PM new
helen says: "Bush's failed attempt at preemptive war and his lack of planning throughout the war and occupation."
Wrong once again, helen. Millions of people are now free in both Afganistan and Iraq. Free and VOTING, forming their own government.The pre-emptive war has removed saddam.
But I know saddam not being in power is upsetting to you, helen....your hero...the one you fought so hard to leave in power has been removed. The U.S. is winning this war as much as that pains you.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
posted on June 25, 2005 07:48:15 PM new
""2) If you train, and supply terrorists, you are are terrorist regime. ""
EXACT description of the United States.
Then some blubbering:
"Wrong once again, helen. Millions of people are now free in both Afganistan and Iraq. Free and VOTING, forming their own government.The pre-emptive war has removed saddam. ""
Free and DYING.
""But I know saddam not being in power is upsetting to you, helen....your hero...the one you fought so hard to leave in power has been removed. The U.S. is winning this war as much as that pains you. ""
linduh, do you actually think anybody's going to believe that crap ?
Keep burbling hate old lady...says a lot for you...and we, unfortunately, know most of it.
posted on June 25, 2005 08:21:18 PM new
The writers for this White House better be careful or they will have old George's words falling all over his grin.
The other day when saying we are going to stay in Iraq until the job is done. Geo said instead of "ITS A HARD JOB", Geo said "ITS A DIFFICULT TASK". If his writers aren't careful they will have old Geo saying "I KNOW ITS A DIFFICULT MASK"
Amost 1750 dead Americans,over 10,000 wounded and BILLIONS SPENT. Yes Sir Mr. President you and Cheney are wearing very difficult MASKS.
posted on June 25, 2005 08:31:29 PM new
"Liberals become indignant when you question their patriotism, but simultaneously work overtime to give terrorists a cushion for the next attack and laugh at dumb Americans who love their country and hate the enemy.
Ann Coulter
"Usually the nonsense liberals spout is kind of cute, but in wartime their instinctive idiocy is life-threatening.
Ann Coulter
"We've finally given liberals a war against fundamentalism, and they don't want to fight it.
They would, except it would put them on the same side as the United States.
Ann Coulter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
[ edited by Linda_K on Jun 25, 2005 08:38 PM ]
posted on June 25, 2005 08:58:31 PM new
Shazam! Lindak has morphed into Anne Coulter right before our very eyes! or at the very least she has taken the job of Anne's sock puppet..
posted on June 25, 2005 09:00:00 PM new
She's happy to slink under Ann Coulter's skirt and hide out there because she has no original thoughts or words of her own to post here anymore.
posted on June 26, 2005 12:53:49 PM new
sorry desquirrel... i changed the bongwater last night, as i do every night. gotta expand the mind somehow now that our government has managed to dumb down politics.
your list of lies were too easily refuted, with the exception of Chrysler. I'll give you that one, but come on now... not changing the bongwater??? really, what kind of progressive liberal do you think i am? i wouldn't want that filth penetrating my lungs.
just curious, but does any realize there are scientists found receptor sites in the brain that are an exact fit for marijuana, and marijuana only? meaning, there is actually a phsyiological symbiotic relationship between the human brain and marijuana.
posted on June 26, 2005 01:58:31 PM new
Yes Rusty..this is very interesting...The anandamide system? The function of the molecules may be manipulated to replicate the medical benefits of marijuana... very interesting and promising good news for patients suffering from glaucoma, nausea, pain relief to Alzheimer's etc..ain't science bootiful!!
posted on June 26, 2005 04:01:53 PM new
It is amazing.
Though, I have always supported legalizing Marijuana, I have always been a bit skeptical with regard to the "medical benefits" that too many patients claimed. It really seemed like it was a matter of getting their mind off of it more so than it actually helping. That is until my girlfriend was diagnosed with cancer in March and decided to try using marijuana to help with nausea, vomiting, pain and loss of appetite. Right away her nausea was under control, the vomiting has about completely subsided with the exception of occassional vomiting immediately after a chemo treatment. When she eats marijuana it helps her with her muscle/joint (no pun intended) pain caused by the chemo treatments. Ironic, that the only medication that actually works against the nausea costs $50 a pill and her insurance will only cover a few pills over the entire treatment. Her doctor is quite conservative, and was extremely reluctant about signing off on that treatment. She has only signed off on a handful of patients in the past. So, even though the Supreme Court recently ruled against MM, the State of Oregon reviewed the decision and decided it does not apply to their patients and will continue to issue Medical Marijuana cards to those who qualify for it.
So, when desquirrel cracks a joke about the bong, I can look to my right and see it right there on the table next to her and smile knowing there is nothing to be ashamed of.
or at the very least she has taken the job of Anne's sock puppet..