posted on October 1, 2005 12:46:23 PM new
In the article below Gen. Casey says one thing while Bush say another. WHO IS TELLING AMERICA THE TRUTH ABOUT IRAQ?
Bush: Iraqi Military Showing Progress
Saturday, October 1, 2005 10:07 AM EDT
The Associated Press
By JENNIFER LOVEN
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush said Saturday he is encouraged by the increasing size and capability of the Iraqi security forces, touting progress on a key measure for when U.S. troops can come home.
The upbeat remarks in Bush's weekly radio address came two days after the top commander in Iraq said only one Iraqi battalion is ready to fight without U.S. support.
"All Americans can have confidence in the military commanders who are leading the effort in Iraq, and in the troops under their command," Bush said. "They have made important gains in recent weeks and months; they are adapting our strategy to meet the needs on the ground; and they're helping us to bring victory in the war on terror."
The sunny presentation of the situation in Iraq is part of a renewed push by the administration to win support for the war effort from an increasingly reluctant American public.
It conflicts with the news from Iraq and some assessments from top commanders.
On Friday, Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said Sunni Arab opposition to Iraq's draft constitution has increased the potential for instability and called into question U.S. hopes for substantial troop cuts next spring
It was the second time this week that Casey rolled back his July prediction that "fairly substantial" troop withdrawals could begin next spring.
On Wednesday, he told Congress that only one Iraqi army battalion was ready to go into combat without U.S. support, down from three estimated a few months ago. He argued, though, that the Iraqi army is getting stronger, with more than 30 Iraqi battalions deemed capable of leading combat operation against insurgents, albeit with U.S. help.
Bush said more than 100 Iraqi battalions are operating throughout the country. "Our commanders report that the Iraqi forces are serving with increasing effectiveness," he told radio listeners.
Buffeted by criticism over his administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, Bush sought this week to shift his public focus back to Iraq and to the anti-terror fight. He built a reputation for commanding leadership and won re-election in part on those two issues, but polls indicate the public is becoming more troubled by the daily U.S. casualties in Iraq and the uncertain prospects for victory.
At least 200 people have been killed in the past five days, including 13 U.S. service members, and the number of American troops killed in Iraq since the start of the war is approaching 2,000.
MORE HERE
http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?ps=1018&id=12241163
posted on October 1, 2005 01:17:10 PM new
Bush wouldn't know the truth if it bit him.
____________________
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." -- George W. Bush
posted on October 1, 2005 04:19:14 PM new
That bumpersticker sounds like the general is giving advise to Neocons, doesn't it?
edited to insert a needed "e"
____________________
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." -- George W. Bush
[ edited by bunnicula on Oct 1, 2005 04:21 PM ]
posted on October 1, 2005 07:25:35 PM new
Bear,
Its not my fault your CON-servative form of Government is failing the majority of Americans.
I didn't vote for or support your CON-servative form of Government. I didn't vote for CON-servative Law Makers and their failed White House leader YOU DID.
I HAVE NOT HEARD ONE CON-SERVATIVE LAW MAKER TALK ABOUT CUTTING BACK TAX BREAKS TO THE RICH TO HELP PAY OF HURRICANE DAMAGE.
