Iraq

karlos — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:43:11 GMT

i personally marvel at how naive the american public is. have we learned nothing from vietnam? the majority of americans are indicating the trust the military for decisions concerning iraq as opposed to congress or president. they act as if the military is independent in thought from the administration. does the name westmoreland ring a bell with you'all? the war in vietnam results were misrepresented to the american public by the military leaders to support the war, remember? how gullible are you people? "exchange and extract our troops from iraq" and outsource the defense of iraq to the iraqi's themselves.

Iraq

Dave M., Miamisburg, OH — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:49:08 GMT

“Americans trust military commanders far more than the Bush administration or Congress to bring the war in Iraq to a successful end,"........

Really??? Why would Americans trust these commanders to do anything other than parrot the wishes of their boss (Geo. W. Bush).

The only hope we have of ever ending this war lies in two areas: 1) The Congress shows some backbone and starts to gradually limit the funding of the war. 2) We get a new President who makes it his/her mission to get us the hell out of this military mistake that is eating up all our money, time, and resources, and making us weak.

Iraq

bb — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:50:57 GMT

Big lier general is just following his bosses orders. Mr. Crazy man, our president.

Iraq

Blue state baby — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:02:35 GMT

Petraeus was told what to say and do before he was ever appointed to this job. His report will reflect exactly what bush/cheney want it to say. Our whimpy congress will cave again.

Iraq

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:12:24 GMT

The fact is most of the generals who stood up for the military and opposed the strategies of Donald Rumsfeld have either been pushed out (retired) or replaced by someone who would. Those who have retired and been willing to speak paint a far different picture than the ones who are in charge now. If any can see a repeat of Bill Mahr's Friday show, you should. He had Colin Powell's former Chief of Staff on speaking about Iraq.

Iraq

jerry/corpus christi texas — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:16:29 GMT

I sure am glad that all the media knows exactly what the general will be saying. Why should he report to Congress when everybody can read his mind?

Before everyone goes gaga over the report, I think we better let the General tell us the report first.

Iraq

kenn"THIS IS YOUR VIETNAM"O — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:16:37 GMT

Knee deep in the big dust bowl ,captain says march on.Chickenhawk little declared the surge worked pack up yur ole kit bag and smile smile smile

Iraq

Lisa - Fort Worth TX — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:21:42 GMT

Same old song and dance...Aerosmith

Still Crazy, where have you been?

Iraq

Kenn"ITS YOUR DEFEAT"O — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:22:36 GMT

The general says troop cuts will be done "when the army can no longer take extended tours".Thats not what he said but he may as weel have said it ,we cant keep it up and everyone knows it .If that isnt a time table what is ,that is why beni sadar told his army to wait 6 months when we will be weakest and then he can start attascking us while we try to depart in the middle of the night because we dont want to make plans for withdrawl we will be forced to repeat history and leave from the rooftop of our embassy

Iraq

HMT-MI — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:35:31 GMT

Iraq is another vietnam and we are making the same mistakes----Bush is crazy and is just eating up time to escape from D.C.He doesn't even like the people that keep defending him---he is a user and has done a good job of using all of us.He even smears his own congress so what do you think he says about his admirers on this site?Tee hee hee,smirk

Iraq

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:36:44 GMT

Embrace the Horror. This will continue unabated into the next Presidency. It IS the plan.
"Report: U.S. plans base near Iraq-Iran border"
"New US Embassy in Baghdad: Size of Vatican City"
"14 `enduring bases' set in Iraq"
"Long-term military presence planned"

It's done. We've been had by both parties. The oil is safe. Go shopping. Watch Brittany lip sink. And all it will cost us is about 1000 KIA per year and maybe 7000 or 8000 feet, hands, legs, testicles, and sundry brain function. Cheap at twice the price. Ask any Neocon. Ask Bill Kristol and he'll smile sweetly and agree.

Embrace the horror.

10-Sep-2007 | US: 1 | UK: 0 | Other: 0
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Baghdad Non-hostile

09-Sep-2007 | US: 2 | UK: 0 | Other: 0
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Kirkuk Hostile Fire
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Baghdad Hostile Fire

07-Sep-2007 | US: 3 | UK: 0 | Other: 0
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Al Anbar Non-hostile
Specialist Thomas L. Hilbert hostile fire
Specialist Jason J. Hernandez hostile fire

06-Sep-2007 | US: 5 | UK: 0 | Other: 0
Sergeant Lee C. Wilson Ninawa Province IED attack
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Al Anbar Province hostile fire
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Al Anbar Province hostile fire
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Al Anbar Province hostile fire
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Al Anbar Province hostile fire

05-Sep-2007 | US: 5 | UK: 1 | Other: 0
UK Sergeant Eddie Collins
Sergeant 1st Class David A. Cooper Jr.
Corporal William T. Warford III
Private 1st Class Dane R. Balcon
NAME NOT RELEASED YET Baghdad
Specialist Keith A. Nurnberg

04-Sep-2007 | US: 4 | UK: 0 | Other: 0 Specialist Rodney J. Johnson Baghdad IED attack
Sergeant Joel L. Murray Baghdad IED attack
Specialist David J. Lane Baghdad IED attack
Private Randol S. Shelton Baghdad IED attack

02-Sep-2007 1 | US: 1 | UK: 0 | Other: 0
Staff Sergeant Delmar White Baghdad IED attack

01-Sep-2007 1 | US: 1 | UK: 0 | Other: 0
Specialist Christopher G. Patton Baghdad Non-hostile

Iraq

nuanced — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 14:54:43 GMT

jerry's back!!
How was your vacation?

Iraq

Mark Thieme — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:25:04 GMT

The "Iraq War" is over.

Everyone in Washington knows it.

We lost.

The rest is a cynical, murderous attempt to save face.

It is all over... except the dying.

Fear karma.

Iraq

Al, KS — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:29:44 GMT

Isn't it nice to know that we may begin withdrawing troops and by late next year we will be down to ONLY 130,000. That's not progress...it's exactly where we were before the surge. Seems like the surge was just a ploy...a way to get more troops into Iraq, so that we could start withdrawing them to show progress. We're using American soldiers as pawns.

Iraq

MikeInIndy — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:33:52 GMT

Let's see. They lied repeatedly and shamelessly about the reasons for this war. More recently, they said we should wait for the results of this report. Now they're saying we shouldn't listen to the report. Nope, don't trust any of 'em with a handful of air.

Iraq

Tash, Chicago, IL — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:36:43 GMT

Quote: "Also, “33 percent of all Americans, including 40 percent of Republicans and 27 percent of Democrats, say Saddam Hussein was personally involved in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.”"

In other news, 1 in 3 Americans are pronounced legally retarded.

Iraq

Gabriel, Raleigh, NC — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:38:29 GMT

Vietnam, vietnam - like parrots. It is not Vietnam. Totally different. Stay tough America, everything will work out fine. Don't piss in your pants, America. Having troops home and wide open Mexican border will not help against another 9/11 . We cannot hide like ostrcihes anymore. Even a donkey understands that.

Iraq

Brett — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:39:04 GMT

You unamerican morons make me sick.. when your picking your kids body out of the rubble of some terror attack you will be begging for the govenment to do something like Iraq. This country has lost its backbone.. Get over it, we are in Iraq, its the right thing to do and Iran is next... I refuse to live in a world with extremists running govenments I dont care what the cost is, you dont like it then dont join the military.. We are going to fight all over the world and we are going to win.. Iraq is not lost its won, all that is left is to exterminate the enemy that opposes us. Thank god the people in the 40's did not have the lack of courage this waste of a generation has, else you would all be on here begging for a withdrawal in Europe esp with 8k men dead on the beaches at normandy, we are only lost because people are weak and they play life like a game, politics is a game, and the latest crop of shit on the dem side is only going to turn our lives into a mess, weak morons all of you

Iraq

Rob. Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:41:55 GMT

Will someone please ask this General Petraus or at least his Commander In Chief to please explain what it is that they are trying to accomplish. What is the mission, now that there have been no WMDs found, now that Saddam has been hung up on a rope, now that Britain has pulled out of Basra, now that the 9/11 attacks cannot be connected to Iraq as it has never been proven, and now that we the American people believe that Gearge Bush is a lying egomaniac who cannot accept or even acknowledge his biggest mistake in the history of the United States of America? What is the mission? I beleive it should certainly not be to have a war for war's sake.

If they would honestly just come out and state the goal is to continue an unwinnable war with absolutely no end in sight until we have exhausted the very last of our resources and at the cost of uncountable innocent lives, I could actually believe them. Anything else, such as "progress is being made" and "some places in Iraq are safer" along with "the plan needs more time to prove out" are empty comments, not worth the air used to speak them.

Iraq

Julia — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:42:32 GMT

“33% of all Americans, . . 40% Republicans. . 27% percent Democrats, say Saddam Hussein .. personally involved in . . Sept. 11, 2001.”
This is an example of how effective brainwashing was in our enlightened country. Persons of authority reiterated Hussein's involvement so often that an amazing number of people still erroneously believe the LIE!

Iraq

nuanced — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:43:00 GMT

Why does Bush hate our troops?

Iraq

Kenn"KEEP RIGHT ON GOING THATS A CLIFF UP AHEAD"O — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:43:05 GMT

George Bush Commander & Chief,LEADER,DECIDER,Decided it was worth every arm leg, eye, and son or daughter, mother, father.He will be haunted much like the people who support this war by the ghosts of every soldier who have died fighting another political war where no victory was intended or we would have mobilized every business and drafted the nessacary size army we needed.Not half assed it with too few troops incorrect armour and vehicles.A shame is what it is shame on all of you for going along with such a bad strategy.Meanwhile our true enemy sits and mocks us from somewhere in the hills of afganistan and we cannot locate him all our resources tied up in iraq,good stratagy once again,WHERE ARE YOUR HEROS,BILL KRSYTOL<KRAUTHAMER<RUMMY<POWELL<TOMMY FRANKS<BREMMER>TENENT>ABZID>CASEY>Where are the sons and daughters of the ruling class.Where is your end game,in the hamptons.You have hitched your wagon to a disaster and you are resposible and remembered like we remember the men who led us in VIETNAM>WESYMORELAND>MACNAMARA<KISSENGER>NIXON<JOHNSON>ON AND ON and the dead continue to grow in number so in 30 years we can remember that they died for a trade agreement,SOME STRATAGY.

Iraq

T Maxster, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:44:35 GMT

Why is it the people in the South and Heartland are so gullible. I swear they believed the Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld spin for all these years. Is it the education system, Fox News or their Pastors beating the Right wing drum? One issue mentality, ABORTION, kids being maimed and killed, global warming, health care they do not care. They are all about legislating morality. Worry about your own souls.

Iraq

J. Egger — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:45:52 GMT

same old song and dance. it's breaking the United States of America to please bushes ego. what a shame also that we have leaders that can be bought. such a shame and disgrace.

Iraq

tom tompkins — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:50:14 GMT

come on all you big strong men,the big ol chance has come again.there's plenty good money to be made by suppling the army with tools and trade.be the first mother on your block to have your boy come home in a box,and it"S 1-2-3 what are we fighting for,don't ask me I don;t give a damm,next stop is irac and afgan,and it's 5-6-7 open up the pearly gates,oh there aint no time to wonder why.woopeee were all gonna die.

Iraq

Ron, St. Louis, Mo. — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:54:46 GMT

We may not be leaving Iraq right now, but we also can't stay there forever. I'm not seeing any plans being made for an exit strategy, and that worries me. Iraq has to step up, but I fear that they are not getting on the ball because they know we are there to bail them out.

Iraq

r e mills — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:55:54 GMT

guess what children you ot bullshitted just like us vietnam veterans "oh you're smarter ad sharper than yr wwII troops! look we don't physically hit you!" you've been had;iwas but this is the time to expose pieces of shit like chaneys,rumsfelds, and bushes of this world.notice i said world because they don't have any allegiance to this country let alone the citizens of the u.s.war/satan is their gods!

Iraq

Susan,Miami — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:56:02 GMT

WE ARE USING OUR CHILDREN AS PAWNS....but not George and Lauras children of course.

Iraq

Joe Fiet Las Vegas,NV — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:01:00 GMT

How can we possibly win in Iraq when Bush is more interested in preserving the interest of big business than he is in protecting the American people.Big Oil wants their oil and the working class will die and go into debt so they get their profits.

Iraq

Sick and Tired, Huntsville, Al — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:02:52 GMT

Sadly, we've been led down this "phased withdrawal path before. Its a simple ruse, really. The military takes 4,000 troops who are due to rotate home and transfers them all into one brigade, while the real members of said brigade are transferred out into the field to fill empty slots. VIOLA!! A whole brigade is withdrawn. In effect, there is NO decrease. Its just a shell game at which this lying traiterous administration is so adept.

Iraq

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:02:56 GMT

Who's gonna guard Halliburton's Oil? The Blackwater Army? Won't that raise the cost of Gas, again? Just curious.

Iraq

PD, PA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:03:50 GMT

We've bought the Bush, Cheney, Powell, Rumsfeld, Rice and Bremer propaganda for too long. Now add two to the list - Petraeus and Crocker.

Iraq

PD, PA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:05:23 GMT

We've bought the Bush, Cheney, Powell, Rumsfeld, Rice and Bremer propaganda for too long. Now add two to the list - Petraeus and Crocker.

Iraq

BSmith, Huntsville, AL — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:05:57 GMT

Heh, we need a pawn promotion in that case.

Iraq

MK,MO — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:10:47 GMT

Mark Thieme / a more factual statement I have not seen

Iraq

Dhachia — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:12:35 GMT

The "Petraeus Report" is actually written by Bush. His credibility is so lacking that he needs to make it seem as if the generals are actually making the decisions, in order to save face with the 32% of fanatics which believe he had nothing to do with 9/11

Iraq

Michele, IN — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:13:27 GMT

I can't believe 33% of Americans believe Saddam Hussein had something to do with 9/11! Wow, people are so uniformed.

Iraq

S, Seattle, Wash. — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:14:40 GMT

“33 percent of all Americans, including 40 percent of Republicans and 27 percent of Democrats, say Saddam Hussein was personally involved in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.”

You fools. Saddam/Iraq had NOTHING to do with 911. Practice intelligent discourse and you would see through this myth. It has only been proven by just about every intelligence agency and nearly every other nation on earth.

Free yourself from capitalism, the root of all wars, and the slavery of all mankind.

Iraq

Class Warrior, D.C. — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:14:55 GMT

Sure, let's hold off on a decision about the troops until March...no, let's hod off until July...Nah, let's hold off until...however long they stall putting an end to this insanity, they can't stall beyone Jan. 20, 2009, if a Dem like Edwards gets electd, because if we get a Dem who isn't a spineless wimp like most in Congress, they'll just go ahead and start pulling our kids (and yours, and your neighbors')the hell out of that open-air lunatic asylum---no stalling then!!

Iraq

rich st paul mn — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:17:51 GMT

who took the poll??? NYT readers. those readers hate bush and gop. I would love to see the questions. example. do you like war? I love how run a small 1 time story on hsu. Where are you calls for resignations and congressional hearings? where is the outrage? The culture of corruption. you cannot run enough stories on the sorrry ass craig. you are a big bunch of phonies. Do you woner why you circulation is dying?? I hope it goes away

Iraq

Class Warrior, D.C. — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:18:49 GMT

you can stall and stall and stall on doing something to get our kids (yours, mine, our neighbors') out of that open-air luatic asylum, but if a Dem with guts, balls and a spine (someone like, say, Edwards) gets elected, the stalling will stop, and the extricating ourself out of Bush's massive clustfu** will begin Jan 20, 2009. No stalling then, people!!

Iraq

CBurton Omaha Ne. — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:26:26 GMT

The war is lost.I don't know who's training the insurgents, But what ever pool their drawing there fighters from its a different pool than the one the U.S.is drawing from.I keep reading how the Iraqi army is not ready to stand up and fight for their country, One must ask the question. Who is killing our kids then? We have been lied to over and over about this war by the likes of Mr. Bush most of the generals V.P. Cheney the neo-cons and we just don't seem to care.Everyone just hide behind the troops who by the way are the only ones,and their families that's really paying the heavy cost of this failed policy.

Iraq

John Doe, Seattle, WA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:26:32 GMT

I always questioned the decision to go into Iraq. It made no sense that we were looking for bin Laden and taking on Afghanistan. Suddenly, Bush made a 'left turn' and started his obsession with Iraq. To this day, I still don't understand. We're bogged down, we're loosing our 'edge' in the arean of world politics, and we're deeply in debt because of our ENTIRE CONGRESS' decision. THEY'RE ALL GUILTY OF THIS ERROR. Unfortunately, I don't see how we can just pull out. Just for the sake of good manners, we have no choice but to clean up our mess. Thanks, Bush, Hillary, Edwards, Cheney, and all!

Iraq

R.Merrell — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:27:35 GMT

“33 percent of all Americans, including 40 percent of Republicans and 27 percent of Democrats, say Saddam Hussein was personally involved in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.”

A nation that does not read, that gets it's information primarily from 2 minute TV news clips, from White House press releases, from conservative talking heads and Fox News? is destined to repeat the same disastrous choice for President that was made in 2000 and 2004 -only the suit will change (same bright red tie, though). Do Republicans actually read real newspapers or just listen to Rush, Hannity and O'Really ?

Iraq

Why the rush to surrender? — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:28:37 GMT

Yes, it's another Vietnam. The soldiers can win, but won't be allowed to by the lefties and the government. The US will withdraw with its tail between its legs and the killing will increase exponentially.

It happened in Indochina, and will happen in Mesopotamia.

Iraq

vanreuter, NY NY — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:31:59 GMT

From today's NYT;

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/10/opinion/10precede.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Beyond the Surge

1. General Petraeus, has the surge bought us anything more enduring than fleeting tactical victories?

2. You and Adm. Michael Mullen, the incoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have both said the surge will end in April 2008. What options do we have then?

3. If the United States reduces its forces in Iraq over the next 12 to 24 months, is there a way to pursue our strategic goals of no genocide, no safe haven for Al Qaeda, and no regional war? — Nathaniel Fick, a Marine infantry officer in Iraq and Afghanistan and the author of “One Bullet Away.”

1. General Petraeus, why have the White House and State Department failed you by neglecting a diplomatic and economic surge to complement the military one?

2. Based on the counterinsurgency calculus in the new Army manual you helped write, you don’t have sufficient manpower in Iraq, even with the surge. Why has the administration not given you enough troops?

3. Americans are well aware of the shortages of matériel, from rifle scopes to armored Humvees, our troops have suffered from. Why, for example, have you not been given a sufficient number of the effective mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles called “MRAPs”?

— Paul D. Eaton, a retired Army major general who was in charge of training the Iraqi military from 2003 to 2004.

Wrong Way to Vote?

1. Ambassador Crocker, in Iraqi elections, voters pick national party lists, not individuals to represent specific district constituencies. Has this system made it harder for Iraqi leaders to achieve legislative progress? If so, can it be changed?

2. What changes in United States law could help you succeed in your work in Iraq?

3. Should the United States create a civilian reserve corps to train, equip and deploy volunteer civilians for civilian reconstruction tasks, just as we do military reservists for military tasks?

— Douglas J. Feith, under secretary of defense for policy from July 2001 to August 2005

1. General Petraeus, with Gen. George Casey, the Army chief of staff, having declared that the current level of American military commitments is “not sustainable,” what are your plans for preserving your recent gains while also achieving security in the rest of Iraq?

2. In an interview with the BBC, you recently observed that “the average counterinsurgency is somewhere around a 9- or a 10-year endeavor.” With the Iraq war now approaching the four-and-a-half year mark, are we halfway to our goal? Or did the nine-year clock begin ticking only with the initiation of the surge?

3. You have described your mission as “buying time for Iraqis to reconcile.” How will we know when reconciliation is occurring? Please explain how American collaboration with Sunni insurgents lends itself to this larger process of reconciliation. — Andrew J. Bacevich, a professor of history and international relations at Boston University.

Keep an Eye on Iran

1. Ambassador Crocker, President Bush and others have made reference to bottom-up conciliation and the tribal uprising against insurgents in Anbar Province. Would Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki and other Iraqi officials have taken any action to work with Sunni tribal leaders without pressure from the United States? Aren’t you getting constant complaints from tribal leaders, and local and provincial Sunni officials, about the lack of central government cooperation and response?

2. What is the level of Iranian influence over the central government and in Shiite-majority areas in the south? Is it growing or weakening? How does Iran affect the size and actions of the various Shiite militias?

3. What Iraqi ministries are now effective and fully functioning in serving the needs of all Iraqis, rather than influenced by various religious and political factions? — Anthony H. Cordesman, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Bye to the Brits

1. General Petraeus, even if we accept evidence that the “surge” is indeed delivering real tactical results, how great is the value of these when the Iraqi national government and its institutions still seem so ill fitted to exploit them?

2. What do you think might be the consequences for the security situation in Iraq if the United States undertook military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities?

3. How serious are the consequences for allied strategy of the British Army’s withdrawal from Basra? Are the British justified in their assertion that the security situation in the city is now sufficiently stable to allow the Iraqi National Army to manage it? — Max Hastings, British military historian and author of “Warriors: Portraits From the Battlefield.”

Van

Iraq

John Doe — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:34:23 GMT

We can occupy and we can lie, but the results will bite us in the ass!

Iraq

Rick, WS, NC — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:38:58 GMT

the war supporters should be happy...more war, more death, more wounded...the general (the ones bush always listens to)says we need another one two four or ten years more until the iraqis stand up...btw why havent the rep crackheads who said the iraqi's would be ready two years ago been shitcanned? oh thats' right they just wave their little flag and you ignorant buffoons on the right salute and cheer

Iraq

pam, los angeles, ca — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:40:21 GMT

The Democrates are doing all they can to curb the President from contiuing this war. Problem is the Republicans keep siding with Bush. The Senate does not have enought votes to override a veto. Blame the President and the Republicans for this war.

Iraq

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:41:25 GMT

How much hypocrisy is blatantly evident when the Bush administration and representatives like Senator Lindsey Graham advocate that we must let the generals on the ground fight the War in Iraq, including deciding when and how many troops to bring home? Who doubts that the generals are literally controlled by what the Commander in Chief wants; who doubts that their presentations have always reflected favorably on what George W. Bush has decided and wants? That kind of political rhetoric aimed to manipulate public opinion is offensive, as it assumes that we are totally naïve and gullible, it assumes they can say and do whatever they want even to being arrogantly ridiculous. It would be nice to see some objectivity but Bush and Cheney made it clear right from the start that they neither appreciated nor tolerated independent thinking. Everything is orchestrated and controlled with the focus being on their private agenda and, as we have seen, ‘you either play ball or else’. The truth is that the military has been greatly handicapped and pressured all along by what the White House wants to satisfy the White House’s interests – and there is the real problem!

Iraq

F StLouis — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:42:22 GMT

The war is OVER. We lost quite some time ago. This is all about saving Bushs skin. He doesn't care about anyone except himself, never really did, never will.

Iraq

Craig Bainbridge, GA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:44:01 GMT

Some of you democRATS should be labeled as traitors and shot.

Iraq

Miles E. Tilly, Fallbrook, CA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:48:06 GMT

There is only one way to stop the insanity that is the war in Iraq, i.e., vote enough Democrats into Congress so that no matter who is President he/she will have to bend to the will of the People. Personally, I'm convinced we'll have a Democratic President after the 2008 elections, who together with a Democratic Congress will bring this insanity to an end. Unfortunately, by that time, we'll have wasted close to One Trillion Dollars, over 4,000 of our finest young men and women in the Armed Forces and killed over 100,000 innocent Iraqis. And, to make matters worse, the Taliban and al-Queda will be stronger than ever. Remember, please remember, that we owe all this to one lunatic in the White House and the GOP. It's time to cure this cancer once and for all. VOTE DEMOCRATIC!!!

Iraq

Apple Computer — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:50:32 GMT

google Lee Holmes

Iraq

Jenn Coolidge, Floriduh — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:50:52 GMT

This is another White House report with Petraeus mouthing the words. Petraeus has sold out (and history will judge him accordingly) while American lives are lost (three a day) so do the math if we stay there another six months we will have sacrificed another 560 American lives.

Why don't they just tell us (trust us) with the truth. It's all about the oil and securing the oil! The US will forever have a presence (occupiers that we are) in Iraq (did you hear we are building a base near the Iraqi/Iranian border?)

Time to WAKE UP!

Iraq

Dave, AZ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:51:24 GMT

If anyone saw last night's show Alive Day on HBO, the courage of soldiers is an amazing thing. Ten veterans of the Iraq War, mostly with one or more limbs blown off, one with post traumatic stress syndrome, one with his eyes blown out and one who is missing part of his frontal lobe made for mesmerizing televsion.It didn't make much difference whch side of the war you are on, these were stories you had to see. I hope the president watched to see the pain that he has caused to be inflicted on these fine peopleand the true cost of his "legacy" fordecades to come.

Bloody, horrifying, disturbing and heart wrentching all at the same time. It will be rerun and don't miss it. Hats off to James Gandolfini for making it and hour of television everyone should see. It's worth more than a dozen Patreus reports.

Iraq

nanny , port st lucie florida — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:56:00 GMT

WE need a new president for a fresh start!!! general betrayus is following GW which does not work

Iraq

S Rogers — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:02:06 GMT

40% of Republicans and 27% of Democrats are still ignorant or simply retarded? Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with 9/11, but Bush insists on ignoring this fact to line Haliburton's pockets while Darth Cheney whispers in his ear. Six months, 12 months, 18 months, it doesn't matter, these people will not govern themselves until they are forced to. And they will not be forced to until the war is not profitable for the current administration.

Iraq

Mark Goetzman — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:04:38 GMT

If the American People are too stupid to vote the neocons (Republicans) out of office, then they deserve whatever happens!

Iraq

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:07:33 GMT

The Military has obviously been infiltrated by Lifers. Let's make it two years and out. That includes Privates, Sergeants, Generals,...everybody! We'd save a Billion a year on Ribbons alone.

Iraq

art , avon park , Fl — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:14:02 GMT

If only so-called Christians truly behaved in a Chhrist-like fashion... Our so-called president has a lot of blood on his hands. Hopefully someone soon will have the guts to end the madness.

Iraq

DENNIS S newberg oregon — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:15:14 GMT

I was against this form the start. But now Bush has pianted US into a corner. We should never have went, but now how do we get out without leaving a train wreck. Obviouly he has no plan, the next administration will have to invent one. All these lives on all side spent, and sadly all sides with the exception on Iran will be worse off. An of course what about Bin Laden? We have lost our focus.

Iraq

Pat Burns — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:16:00 GMT

Of course the surge is working! The corporate takeover of the White House, Pentagon and major media by Halliburten nets millions weekly that's funnelled to Darfur, away from subpoenas and the I.R.S. They want to keep that money coming as long as possible! The only way to stop the maddness is impeach Bush/Cheney.

Iraq

JULIET,MTN. VIEW, CA. — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:22:39 GMT

BUSH IS A KILLER- WAR MONGER PLUS BUSH IS A AMERICANS HILTER-GOD WHY AMERICAN PEOPLE VOTE FOR THE KILLER BUSH. THEY KNOW WHATS GOING ON- HES BEEN A BAD BUSH BOY- NO ECONMIC POLICY EITHER- DESTRTOYED AND DESMANTLE AMERICA- WHAT WORING WITH AMERICA UNDER THE PREPUBLCIAN PARTY- NEXT TIME NO MORE REPUBLICAN PLEASE-I HAVE ENOUGH- ALL 5O TH STATE REUBLICAN IS OUT .

Iraq

Houston — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:31:57 GMT

So, according to MSNBC, when Petraeus gives his "Light At the End of the Tunnel" speech, he's going to ask for another 6 months. Ever since this rotten war was started, the Bushies ALWAYS say that all they need is another 6 months. The sad thing is that he'll probably get his 6 months, and then another and another and etc. until either there are no more Iraqis left to kill or until Hell freezes over, whichever comes first.

Iraq

jorge — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:31:59 GMT

The way Bush and his minions are talking, there is no choice but to start the draft. We can't stay in Iraq much longer without one and we have no leverage whatsoever with Iran without one. If Bush just waits until we run out of soldiers and then withdraws that will be worse for him then pulling out now.

I don't see a way out of it: there will have to be a draft.

That's fine with me. I just hope all you warhawks out there with kids of draftable age remember your words when those kids get their draft notices. There is no alternative. Draft or leave. Which is it?

Iraq

Robert Lehmkuhl — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:33:35 GMT

Look at how many civilians in Iraq died last month. Follow those deaths back. The Associated Press just reported the findings a couple weeks ago. Death rates are going up not down. Millions have left Iraq. I liked the picture of General Petraeus standing in the Hummer a couple weeks ago. He said something like My God it's redused to rubble. There wasn't anything higher than five feet in that picture. If that's the case, I suppose things might get better there in terms of violence.

Iraq

ron byrnes — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:35:58 GMT

Iraq is never going to be able to take care of their own country. They expect America to do everything. But this country is too STUPID to see that. Bush was wrong for starting this war, but America let him do it any way. That's how dumb the American people are. Bush and Cheney need to be ousted and NOW. They have killed enough people and they don't care how many more have to die. What a DUMB country we live in.

Iraq

Dump artists are bad — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:36:59 GMT

Bush et al. start an imperialist war on false pretenses without thinking through the consequences
of their actions. Faced with all bad options, they
opt to dump their problem on the next administration,
hoping it will take the heat when withdrawal with
defeat eventually occurs. NO MORE TEXAS HAYSEED
PRESIDENTS, EVER! Mediocracy has no business at the
head of the free world.

Iraq

Claudia Branham — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:38:05 GMT

I can't believe that so many people can't grasp the fact that Islamic terrorists are determined to destroy free people and have been for decades! Are you blind???? So we cut and run from Iraq? You think that Saddam's butchers won't take the country back by force? And, bring back their WMD from Syria? Have you not read the documentation that confirmed they were taken to Syria?? Do you think that 9-11 won't happen again in the USA as a result of the appeasement strategy of the Democrats?? Wake up baby boomers and read your history lessons!

Iraq

Mark, Trumbull, CT — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:43:14 GMT

I'm very much enjoying the catchphrase "it's another Vietnam." The United States lost no battle in that war, nor has it lost any in this one.
What lost that war, (and perhaps this conflict) was the loss of will by American politicians to finish what they started. It is not fast. It is not cheap. And it is bloody. No one really wants it, yet here we are.

So does the choose to lose as in Vietnam, or to finish the job to the best of its ability as in Korea? (At the time, a likewise unpopular conflict.)

Iraq

Julia — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:43:36 GMT

Read between the lines on what Petraeus is saying. "Bring home 'some troops' by Christmas." It is the 'old ease out of there with honor' scenario to appease the far right who still believe there was a good reason to go to war or that Hussein created 9/11. What we are trying to do is control the country so we can continue to feed Haliburton's coffers and control the oil by creating 3 countries out of Iraq who will continue to fight much as they have for thousands of years. We are punishing innocent people for a crime no one in that country committed. WE now have a presidential candidate that calls OSAMA a symbol and not a murderer. WOW! Osama bold as brass after going to his hair dresser is spouting nonsense. What do you want to bet he is in his home base of Saudi? Can't touch that! Hussein held power with a giant club and much fear. We can't do the same so we need to just get out. Save a soldier's life!

Iraq

Julia — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:47:31 GMT

"Some of you democRATS should be labeled as traitors and shot."
Hey Georgia boy,
Come back when you have something intelligent to say!

Iraq

ron byrnes,chehalis,wa — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:48:02 GMT

We shouldn't be at war, but our stupid President started this senseless war. Why is that? This country is made up of STUPID people who don't care. America is a stupid country and Iraq wants us to do everything. You suck George Bush and you and Cheney ought to be OUSTED!

Iraq

kenn"YOU TALK TRASH AS GOOD AS BUSH BRING THEM ON"O — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:48:12 GMT

EVERYONE listen to BRETT he helped plan this war and run it and defends it Im sure he is fighting it and we are winning,HOORAY keep it up as long as you CONvince others to pony up and die for mister gung ho.I will be begging the government to fight the afgani war first before openning a second front simple war 101.Blame the peacenicks and hippies ,I dont see them in the planning meetings with bush,I dont see the hippies fighting in ramadi kirkuk bagdad,I see a lost army reacting to insurgents and changing their war plan every few months ,enjoy your war bret just dont blame the outcome on people who thought IRAQ would weaken our ability to fight the enemy,and thanks again brett and bush tough guys when its someone elses blood.

Iraq

kenn"YOU TALK TRASH AS GOOD AS BUSH BRING THEM ON"O — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:48:13 GMT

Iraq

JOHN DOE — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:50:45 GMT

PETRAEUS = BETRAY US ----- A COINCDENCE??

Iraq

nuanced — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:52:42 GMT

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20692865/

Astute analysis by Howard Fineman on Bushs Iraq 'plan'.
A must read.

Iraq

Bruce, NV — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:53:01 GMT

Yep, 35 years of service and he's gonna throw it all away by mouthing someone else's words.

C'mon folks, get your heads out of your anuses. It doesn't add up.

By the way, MoveOn effed up big time today. 63% of americans trust the military more than congress, and they call him "Betray Us".

Shame on them, and on the Dems that do not repudiate this disgusting ad.

Iraq

john doe, Chicago, Il — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:53:59 GMT

Petraeus - Betray us .... a coincidence????

Iraq

kenn — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:54:39 GMT

CRAIG the independants that dont go with bush are you for shooting them too,WE DID NOT START THIS WAR IN IRAQ YOU AND BUSH DID, WE DID NOT FIGHT THIS WAR WRONG BUSH AND YOU DID ,WE DID NOT IGNORE THE FACTS ON THE GROUnD YOU AND BUSH DID,WE DID NOT KICK AMERICA IN THE BALLS YOU AND BUSH DID

Iraq

Yo himyo, chicago, IL — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:58:33 GMT

sticks and stones break our mens bones
because
petraeus doeth betray us...

Iraq

john smith, chicago, il — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:00:51 GMT

1244, 1248, 1250, 1251...but not 1253 1254 1255...1300. methinks sensorship = post manipulation.

Iraq

DD, Omaha, NE — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:03:20 GMT

I am sad to hear that Senator Hagel is leaving. Unfortunately I knew his days were numbered, especially here in NE, since we have SO many repugnikans who have blindly followed the shrub and drank too much of Dick's kool-aid. Chuck was actually the first Republican from my state that I really liked and respected and I'm a left-leaning independant. What a shame. Here's someone that was in Vietnam and a decorated war hero at that and this administration brands him a traitor. Very sad indeed. Best wishes Chuck and thank you for fighting the fight. Bring on Bob Kerry!!

Iraq

Houston — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:04:14 GMT

I just heard some of the GOP bloviators on KPFT in Houston, which is covering the Petraeus hearings live. They keep blathering about Chamberlain and Hitler and how we'll repeat the mistakes that led to WWII unless we stay the course (of perpetual war) in Iraq. It's frightening that the fate of our nation is in the hands of profoundly stupid people like GOP Rep. Hunt, who keep making such nonsensical arguments.

The choice of course is not between "surrender" or "victory". The choice is between refocusing military, intelligence, diplomatic, and international police resources on destroying the _real_ Al Qaeda that's spreading all over the world, or letting the GOP keep the United States bogged down in the Iraq quagmire.

It's no wonder that global terrorism has increased dramatically since 9/11/01 with idiots like Bush and his GOP Congress critters leading our country and the rest of the world into ruin.

Iraq

VLJ, Newport Beach, CA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:06:33 GMT

I just can't believe what short memories 90% of the people writing before me have! Do we just roll over for terrorist and expect them to "be nice"? What idiots think that! 9/11 will be happening all over our country if we don't stop them NOW and in Iraq. If we don't STAND up and be Americans and fight for what is right then we will all die at the hands of radicals who wish for nothing else but death to the Americans. How much of a coward are you? The yellow streak is deeper and darker than ever in America. It makes me feel ashamed of all of you. Freedom is NEVER free, but it is priceless!

Iraq

mary wartimer — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:07:06 GMT

all of a sudden the posts stop? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Iraq

DD, Omaha, NE — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:09:01 GMT

Craig from GA wrote:

Some of you democRATS should be labeled as traitors and shot.

How profound Craig! Are you the devil that went down to Georgia? You must be if you still support this evel administration. You my friend are a real southern idiot.

Iraq

wayneTx — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:13:38 GMT

After just hearing the Generals report, I think that a lot of war critics will now see that we need to stay in Iraq at least another six months. We can't quit now and lose all the progress we have made to this point.

Iraq

Fred Thompson, Boise Idaho — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:14:15 GMT

I like the folks who somehow believe that our military can remain on this never ending crusade without regard to the fact that equipment and people need time to recover. Our military was not built to sustain itself in prolonged conflict (look at Desert Storm). Our equipment and our people are breaking at a phenomenal rate with no end in sight. Anyone who starts crying about "we have to fight them here or they will fight us here" is living on Fantasy Island. Our efforts in Iraq are not thwarting any potential attack on the US. In fact, it is now serving as the terrorist training ground. The key to preventing attacks is not deploying our military but relying on international and domestic police and para military groups (anti-terrorist organizations) to be vigilant in monitoring and tracking the activities of terrorists. Too many people are buying into the fallacy about "fight them there rather than here," which is nothing more than the Bush propaganda machine at work (remember Cheney and the "mushroom cloud"?)

Iraq

F StLouis — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:19:26 GMT

Craig boy, time to sign up for the Army, BOY, and you also might worry about getting shot. FOOL!

Iraq

Disgusted by the left — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:23:56 GMT

Gen. Petraeus's awards and decorations (too numerous to list all) include:

Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Two Distinguished Service Medals
Two Defense Superior Service Medals

_______________

This is the man the pantywaists are calling "Betray Us".
Four Legions of Merit
Bronze Star Medal for Valor
State Department Superior Honor Award
NATO Meritorious Service Medal
Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm
Master Parachutist wings
Air Assault wings
Ranger tab
Combat Action Badge
French parachutist wings
British parachutist wings
German parachutist wings

Iraq

Lee Delaney, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:25:01 GMT

I just don't understand how people can say they trust the military commanders more than they trust the politicians. These are the same military commanders whose bumbling in the last five years has turned the American military from the most powerful and respected force on earth into the most powerful and ludicrous force on earth. The politicians didn't do this; it was done on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan by a set of incompetent fools still living in the 19th and early 20th Centuries and utterly incapable of dealing with the day to day demands of conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. Stupidity and malevolence along with the desire to hide incompetence on the part of the politicians (actually just one politician and a set of fawning minions) may have gotten us in there, but the disaster that followed was perpetrated by our military commanders from the lowest Lieutenant in Iraq to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Seeking advice on Iraq from our current military leaders is like seeking advice on sailing in icebergs from Captain Smith of the Titanic or advice on fighting Indians from General Custer or perhaps advice on Navel warfare from Xerxes I at Salamis. And listening to a general who was dredged up from the depths of the Pentagon after better generals had refused the job, and turned into the military leader of a years long disaster by a President who knew he would control every word out of the man's mouth, may well turn out to be the worst source of advice of all. Certainly it will be for the thousands yet to be maimed and killed in this farcical war before we are inevitably forced to leave Iraq. That won't be until 2009 when our Coward in Chief can leave the hard decision to somebody else.

Iraq

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:27:17 GMT

Mr Thieme - Are you sure that everyone in Washington knows it? As obvious as it seems to most people, I'm not convinced Bush has realized it yet. Honestly, I have never been able to make up my mind if he is stupid or evil. Hm, perhaps he is a little of both, which makes him twice as dangerous.

Good to see your name again. :)

Iraq

HOT DAM — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:28:39 GMT

Craig some of the repukes ARE TRATIORS! Wish we could shoot them, it is against the law.
That of course would not stop repuks from shooting.

Iraq

KENN"THIS IS ON YOUR RECORD"O — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:41:15 GMT

Hippies and peacenicks dont fight the war so they ergo are unable to lose it.The generals like your favorite one now ,I heard you agree with the last general too,and your BUSHWACKED TEAM of idiots are the ones who have planned and fought it blame the soldiers and bush but stop blaming the hippies.IT OS YOUR FAULT WE LOST

Iraq

Lee Holmes — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:54:52 GMT

Whether one agrees with the results of the Surge,or is opposed to any further involvement in Iraq,one thing stands clear. The antics of the Democrats on the Hill have produced one of the most disgraceful periods in recent American history bearing upon the treatment of a general representing an Armed Forces that these Democrats claim to ''support''. They have shown us no such thing. Indeed,what we HAVE seen is that they are more allied to Osama bin Laden and his likeminded henchmen than they are our soldiers.
George Stephanopolos,hardly an administration mouthpiece,was disturbed by Sen. John Kerrys response to his questions on bin Laden Sunday and his references to the Democrats in his tape released last week. Rather than refute any notion that the views of the Democrats and bin Laden were one and the same,Kerry responded that ''we have to get these 60 votes'' to begin withdrawl overturning a presidential veto. Thus,to Georges dismay [he being a fellow Clintonista],Kerry was actually answering in the affirmative regarding the goals of his party and Osama bin Laden.
This has now carried over to the disgrace now unfolding on Capitol Hill. With no evidence whatever that this general is a ''stooge''or a ''puppet''[Lantos[D-Ca] for the administration,Democrats who have no idea whatever of what is transpiring in Iraq,speaking from ignorance and amateur theatrics,actually claim to know more than does the top combat soldier in Iraq,among the most highly decorated this nation has produced since the end of the Vietnam War. Whereby do leftwinged politicians who have never been to Iraq get off claiming to know more of tactics and strategy than a career military officer?
More comfort to Americas enemies. While traveling around the Middle East,Kucinich makes a stop in Damascus,which is fast becoming the alter upon which Democrats supplicate themselves to terrorist regimes,goes on television,and uses,of all things,the Bible in order to blast the president to the gleeful response of HEZBOLLAH and the Assad terrorcracy. The only comfort we have is that this stupid man will never be president.[notice,however,that I did not call him and his ideological allies,''traitors''. I will settle for ''stupid''for now].
Make no mistake. The machinations of the Democrats are backfiring as we speak. They are herding themselves into a CODE PINK leftwinged corner,solidifying the GOP and its heretofore surly base,and creating anger among the freshmen Blue Dogs of their own party. They are in isolation. Joined by the usual leftwinged noisemachines to be sure. But also joined by none other than the No.1 most wanted terrorist on earth today.

Iraq

Laurie, Manasquan, NJ — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:56:40 GMT

Hey Brett...How dare you call people here who have a different opinion than you "unamerican". You sir, are unamerican because you would rather shut up the voices of dissent just like any dictator would do. You don't deserve to be an American because you don't hold the values and ideas of what America is all about. You're just a war monger who doesn't understand what it truely takes to live on the face of the earth. All you want to do is destroy other human beings instead of trying to understand that all people don't believe the way you do or want to live the way you do. Get over yourself...you are the moron here.

Iraq

Nomen Clature — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:58:11 GMT

Michele, IN === I can't believe 33% of Americans believe Saddam Hussein had something to do with 9/11! Wow, people are so uniformed.

33% of Americans believe John Edwards pees while standing up. They're wrong too.

Iraq

Rufus Gibbons, DC — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:04:20 GMT

Bret you are apparently swallowing that line about them following us home. If we brought all our troops home tomorrow they would be so busy killing each other for the next ten years. Now the Bush administration is trying to precipitate another attack by saying that bin Laden is impotent and can only spread anti American propaganda. If he hits us again Bush can go on sending soldiers into the jaws of death.

Iraq

Whirpool — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:21:00 GMT

Spin O Matic

Iraq

Apple Computer — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:21:59 GMT

google Lee Holmes

Iraq

Bruce, NV — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:22:18 GMT

Beautiful.

A bunch of loony lefties, calling everyone else "stupid" for having a different opinion, whilst their messages contain virtually no punctuation, and the spelling of a five-year-old.

Iraq

Spirit of wars past — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:23:50 GMT

Brett, Gabrial - spare us your manl;y opinions, and GO FIGHT. It's chicken hawk cowards that make me sick - people whove never shown a backbone - not the ones who lost it.

Iraq

JIrby, Colorado — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:25:38 GMT

I find it very discourteous of BushCo that Halliburton is not being consulted on their stance as to whether we should be pulling out of Iraq, either gradually or in measured steps. How about Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, Exxon? Don't these people count anymore? Have we come to a point where these entities have stopped making big money from the war? From what I've been looking at, these and other corporations constitute a de facto fourth branch of government, and here we are treating them like they were the Democrats in congress before 2006. What's up with this? Let's hear it from this important branch of government, or do they more or less go along with Bush, or is it that he goes along with them? Why don't we come up with a few constitutional amendments to put the power of this branch in words, instead of everyone having to make an assessment based on measures too subtle for all but top political scientists to tease out. So let's hear it from these old boys. I want to know what they think at each step, but we are hearing nothing from them. That's pretty rude of us. Come on, you guys. Don't be bashful. Let's here it from the CEOs and the board of directors.
Another thing. Rumsfield is telling us that Afghanistan is a success. Thanks for volunteering this bit of info, Senor Rumsfield. We may otherwise never have thought to ask. When you say Afghanistan is a success, are you referring to the bumper poppy crop of the past few years? Or has Afghanistan up and turned into a successful democracy? It sounds to me like they may be ready for some Starbucks and a WalMart or three. Anytime you have anything like that to tell us, Rummy, feel free. In fact, how would you like Gonzo's old job. You or Tom DeLay. It's vacant, and Cheney has yet to name a replacement.

Iraq

Russel Jordache — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:29:54 GMT

look guys , the objective of the war was for Cheney's former employer HALLIBURTON to make BILLIONS of dollars and that was achieved . Therefore , lets not complain but rejoice that some americans made a lot of money and the loss of life of a few thousand american soldiers and innocent iraqis is well worth the price . I only hope Cheney , Bush , Rumsfeld and Halliburton pay their taxes . But wait , Hallibuton is a DUBAI company , not an american one , so they will be exempt. downside of losing american sold

Iraq

Amy B Portland, ME — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:33:57 GMT

I just read Finestein's analysis http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20692865/

It made me want to put my head down on my desk and cry. Its unbelievable how our nation has been backed into a corner by its own executive branch. A nation at war should not be divided politically, but this administration doesn't even try to be honest with its constituents. The Petraus report is all a big show. Benchmarks? Sectarian violence? Who cares? We invaded Iraq to secure a base near Iran, folks, not to remove a threat to us or bring democracy to the Middle East. We are not going anywhere.

Iraq

Buzz — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:39:55 GMT

Osama Bin WHO???

Iraq

Buzz — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:41:23 GMT

'why the rush"- 'splain to us all again just HOW we know when we have a 'win'. The dimwit-in-cheif can't seem to....

Iraq

Houston — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:56:36 GMT

Mark, Trumbull [[I'm very much enjoying the catchphrase "it's another Vietnam." The United States lost no battle in that war, nor has it lost any in this one.
What lost that war, (and perhaps this conflict) was the loss of will by American politicians to finish what they started.]]

I've got a question for you, Mark. The war in Vietnam lasted somewhere around 6 to 8 years, depending on when you define its start. There were 58,000 US troop fatalities and several million Vietnamese civilian deaths. How many more more US troop deaths do you think it would have taken to win in Vietnam if the politicians hadn't lost their "will" to make other people fight the war for them? Ten thousand? Twenty thousand? Thirty thousand? ... Stop me when I hit the right number.

Iraq

Qoheleth — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:56:38 GMT

The blood of thousands is on the hands of conservative preachers and pundits who have misled the provincials in the middle of this nation down the path to hell.

The judgment of history is on those who have sat at home watching FOX News and dueling tractor trucks in the mud, going to church on Sunday and misreading Leviticus, posting the "10" Commandments in their front yards, and somehow missing the soaring ideals of Isaiah and the Beatitudes of Jesus.

The judgment of God, such as God is, is on the hypocrites who love Israel and hate Jews in their own hometown. Those who have forgotten the slavery and genocide that gave them the land on which the old front porch sits, all smug and warm with its picturesque swing and maybe a hammock for good
measure. "A little sleep, a little slumber... this very night your soul shall be required of you."

Call it justice, or as have others here, karma... it is coming down... as the Voice From the Throne in the Christian's favorite fairy tale, the Book of Revelations, says, "It has already happened."

Now there's a Rapture story that will be little heard nor long remembered as a posting on First Read, but look around, smell the smoke... the smell of napalm in the morning. It has already happened.

A little old fashioned karma coming down.

Coming to your town soon!

How long? Not long.

Iraq

Major Nelson — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:07:43 GMT

- A nation at war should not be divided politically,

Division is what the Democrats have choosen though. They wanted to have a vote on the war, Bush said go ahead. They are now on the record. The want to pull out now? If they wanted to stop the war, they could go ahead and pull the funding, they won't. They said General Petraeus is the right guy for the job, they voted unanimously for him, now they call him a hack and a liar.

The Democrats are the Great Dividers.

The only thing the Democrats believe in is the echo of the voices inside of their head. No one is going to tell them that we have not been defeated. No one is going to tell them that we have chance for success. The Democrats have made up their mind on Iraq, now its a matter of them destroying anything that gets in their path that disagrees with their conclusion.

Iraq

Greg Dallas Tex — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:15:07 GMT

Please bring the troops home so the people that hate us will blow up the east and west coasts. Then we will rebuild, and maybe just maybe the ones that survive will understand that its not the right the muslems fear and hate. Its the left the no right or wrong bunch that brings forth their ire. It is never easy to protect someone that has no values or that believes in nothing enough to fight for.

Iraq

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:17:22 GMT

Mark, Trumbull, CT--Win what? What could we have won in Vietnam? What was the goal? We just don't ask? We just ASSUME that if we are there it is justified? You probably have shirts in your closet that were made in Vietnam by NVA veterans and there are stil 58000 names on that wall and they are all there for NOTHING! The domino's didn't fall. Hawaii didn't go red. It was all another God-damned lie just like Iraq. Open your eyes and think for yourself. Although where your head is at it may be to dark to see.

Iraq

Brian Chiang, Honolulu HI — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:20:40 GMT

Its amazing how negatively people think of our military commanders. The ONLY reason I trust our commanders more than our administration/congress is that they're the ONLY ONES who know BEST whats going on in the field. Remember Somalia? Our SECDEF denied General Garrison's request for armored vehicles and additional close air support aircraft. A report on the October 3rd raid reports that those two aspects could've saved lives. Colin Powell in his memoirs, writes that political leaders should ALWAYS listen to combat leaders in the field. Some of you that posted above severely underestimate our military leadership.

Iraq

William Shakespeare — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:27:01 GMT

Hamlet's ghost.

Iraq

MK,MO — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:32:19 GMT

there is no iraq war, it's a police action

nothing noble about what the u.s. is doing in iraq

the terrorist threat in iraq is caused by the un-just u.s. occupation of a sovereign nation

the u.s. can leave iraq tomorrow or 20 years from now and the result will be the same

it is foolish to think the u.s can stop religious fanatics in iraq from killing each other

there will never be any type of victory in iraq, the victory was already realized when saddam was removed nothing else considered good will ever come from continued occupation

what becomes of iraq is up to the iraqi's not the u.s.

the fascist actions taken by the u.s. in iraq will cause more terrorists plots against the u.s. not fewer

the u.s. has no right to impose its form of government on any other nation and the arrogance of the republican party to think otherwise is reprehensible

american citizens are being killed in a cowardly attempt to save face by a few worthless politicians

no one can honestly tell me these statements are not true,

Iraq

Greg Okc — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:38:39 GMT

I am so tired of hearing about Halliburton how many companies do you think there are that can do what they do. People cant be that stupid. Do you think you can just pick up the yellow pages and tell a $5.00 a hr person that you need to move and feed 200000 service personel and tons of equipment and by the way we need feul shipped across a war zone to supply everyone. Find something else to whine about. Give the co a break. There are a lot of good people that love their country that work for Halliburton. Why the personel attacks? If you disagree make a point. Calling every one that dissagrees with you names does no good. It might have done you well in high school but get a grip. Why the people that talk the most of tollerence act this way makes no sense. Put forth an idea, dont ramble hatred. It cheapens your arguement.

Iraq

MK,MO — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:46:43 GMT

Bruce, NV / what is sad bruce, the fact you are too stupid to make a determination of what is actually stupid, punctuation and spelling are not what shows lack of intelligence in some of these posts, but you keep counting periods or whatever you are doing since you can’t muster up an intelligent sentence on your own

Iraq

mike, Portland OR — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:56:50 GMT

pam, los angeles, ca The Democrates are doing all they can to curb the President from contiuing this war. Problem is the Republicans keep siding with Bush. The Senate does not have enought votes to override a veto. Blame the President and the Republicans for this war.

Now the whine is aging nicely. In January the liberals told us how things were going to be run while they were in power. Nancy got the gavel, and Harry got the Senate. Now that its September, and the minimum wage bill is the only thing of substance that has passed that the liberals care about. Now it's back to the old excuse, "We're not in power".

Yes you Democrats are. You passed two bills funding the war with a Democratic Senate and a Democratic House. This is just as much the Democrats war as it is the Republicans, but the denial continues.

pam, why do the Democrats keep passing bills funding the war if they don't support the war?

Iraq

Qoheleth — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:58:48 GMT

In case someone wants to know what evil is... it is the ignorant use of religion to justify war and genocide.

In case anyone wants to know what that looks like in America, read Greg, Dallas, Texas, 4:15. These are the people who will sell our nation for a few pieces of silver and a big piece of Mom's apple pie.

And if anyone wants to know what the Apocalypse of John, the Revelation of John (the end times), looks like to these people, read Greg again for his "Christian" take on both American coasts being destroyed. (and patriotic too!)

Greg, my brother in Christ, you ass would be grass without the coasts... within a week Dallas would become an archaeological asterisk.

"Tonight your very soul shall be required of you, and then to whom will all this belong?"
Jesus

Iraq

Billy Graham — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:39:55 GMT

Lee Holmes tell your troubles to Jesus.

Iraq

Sean,GySgt USMC (RET), Havelock, NC — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:44:51 GMT

The majority of those posting comments have no military experience what so ever. Most of you are a fine example of how weak our society has become. You are exactly what our enemies are counting on. Maybe you should run for office or get off your asses, get into a uniform and do something useful to this nation instead of complain or armchair quarterback.

Iraq

Desmond — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:18:47 GMT

Mark Murray, this morning I went to the back pages of First Read. I was reading a complaint from a blogger in January.It was shortly before that when I started to post.
At the time, you and Ms. Huma used to e-mail posters directly if there was a complaint.
Unfortunately, posts like the one at 12:44 pm have become standard on this blog.I guess this blog has been spammed just like the rest.
Don't give me a thrill anymore and has chilled my optimism to post.

Iraq

Jeffrey Miller Bismarck, North Dakota — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:27:45 GMT

Anti war cowards go home and hide in your homes.I can not believe that these anti war foolish people hate war so much but while the General is speaking on IRAQ they liked to fight like cats and dogs making their own cowardly war.If you got a problem with what I say I will be sitting in North Dakota with my firearms ready to go to war with any one of you cowards!!!!!!!!!!!!I'm a very happy and proud American Republican Citizen.I've worked my butt off in the oilfields getting oil out for you ignorant anti war Dems.I just get sick when I see all the ANTI BUSH ANTI WAR STUFF YOU PEOPLE COME UP WITH.

Iraq

Jim Scott, Ohio — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:57:43 GMT

Those of you that ever believed this would take less than 10 years know nothing about politics. Those that say you cant trust the military know only what you choose to believe and choose the dirtiest stories because that is the type of person you are and what you would do. This is a complicated endeavor that takes time and patience and commitment. We must demonstrate what democracy can do for these people and how they can benefit from it. Then they have to find within themselves to some how consider a new way of life that negates everything they have been brainwashed to think. Then there’s the rivalry within the factions and the struggle for power. Think about what he would have within this country if we were divided between four major and equal groups. Now imagine we were prone to violence. On top of that imagine we have been this way for hundreds of years. We would learn to be victims with no hope. But there is hope though. Out troops daily interact with the peoples and all the factions and these peoples see that we do not fit the mold as previously described by their elders. Our troops continue to help, heal and show the generosity and love we possess even for those that do not trust us and, yes, would choose to see us dead. If we continue to persevere these peoples will be infected; with the virus of freedom, the virus of democracy. Over time these changes will come faster and faster and greater and greater changes will result for good. They have started to care and to feel like they have the power to change their circumstances and their future. Now some may say this sounds naive and unrealistic. Well let’s consider that for a moment; pursue hope or defeat. Well even if they both lead to the same place I would have rather been on the side of those that tried instead of just complained and whined about it. If you are not for continuing then turn off the news about the war and forget it's even going on. Those of us who know what it means will stand watch and make sure 9/11 doesn’t happen again. Bunch of weenies!

Iraq

Bush, TX — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 02:47:03 GMT

My name is Bush. I am the president of the world. Yes, when Bin Laden, who was once my family’s friend, gave me an excuse to invade Iraq six years ago, I took the golden chance. Saddam tried to kill my dad, he deserves to die. Plus, the economy of my country wasn’t really good at the time and I don’t know how to improve economy. I hate reading the lengthy economy books during my MBA years in Harvard. If I have not created another war, I wouldn’t be reelected again. Here I am, the president of the world again. People laughed at me when I said “OPEC” instead of “APEC” and “Austria” instead of “Australia”. So what! I am still the president of the world. Don’t mess up with Texas. I was elected twice in Texas as governor and I was elected twice as president. It is because you elected me twice! Ha, ha, ha.

When I say the surge works it must be working. This is how it works. The big company paid me when I had to promise them something. They helped me to be elected twice and I have to keep my promise. The general BetrayUS works for me. He has to fix the book to help me out. The soldiers worked for him. So, they all work. By the way, the soldiers are really brave, compared to me when I was a soldier during Vietnam War. But I am smarter, I understand the south and heartland people: they hate abortion but they believe God. So do I. When I am thinking that some soldiers die and wound during the war I have created, I pray for them. Do I really care about media poll? Not really, those are numbers and they don’t count. Here is what really count: let’s fight to the end of my term and let those cowards end the war after my term and pick up their poison pills. God bless American!

Iraq

CBS, NY, NY — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:19:15 GMT

Thank goodness most of these comments show how we are FINALLY waking up to the madness of the decision to invade Iraq - but how sad that the few of us who were so against it in the first place (for the very reasons that have since been exposed) were made "invisible" by the US media. I can excuse the 33% of Americans who are so ignorant regarding world affairs, but I can never forgive the so-called democratic media and "intelligent" politicians permitting such an outrageous decision to be implemented, and at such a predictably depressing cost to human lives, US power, influence, reputation and cost.

Iraq

Victor , fallbrook ,ca — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:46:55 GMT

All of you complainers; America is not at war, only our military is. They are all volunteers and still believe in our country; they deseve support from us here at home and people like you dont see it???

Iraq

Snakey — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:19:27 GMT

Four and a half years after "Mission Accomplished" and we can't see the time to get out???

Iraq

GEN Betrayus — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:20:01 GMT

Maybe we should just give Texas BACK TO MEXICO!
Then BUSH, TEXAS YOU CAN RULE THERE!

Iraq

JIrby, Colorado — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:38:17 GMT

Greg, Okc. Not as tired as you're going to be, little dum-dum. If you would get your news from someone besides FOX, you might learn that Halliburton walked off with 2.8 billion dollars and nothing is being done about it. If Halliburton is the only one that can take on this job, then they are a monopoly and need to be busted up so this can't happen again. Halliburton is a crooked outfit and are a part of the Bush Mafia. I think you are, and always will be, too dense to get it, so I'm probably wasting my time. Go to the website called "Halliburton Watch" and read all about it, instead of showing your ignorance here.

Iraq

luigi — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:40:45 GMT

one more thing , how many more years are we going to spend billions,billions $$$$$ of the unecessary stupid war in iraq where the iraqis isn't going to be ready which they never had since Saddam got overthrown ?????????????????????????????????????????????

Iraq

Laura, Dallas, Texas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:57:23 GMT

For once I would like to read an article not tainted with liberalism

Iraq

Jerry Buck Ocala,Fl — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:09:02 GMT

we won the war. Sadam is no longer in power and dead.
He left his country in great shape. I think it is in our worst interest to say Osama is greater than we are and a bunck of rag heads in caves can convience the American public to tuck your tails and run.

I can't believe where American interest reat, free health care for everyone, even Mexicans, free food for everyone, free housing for everyone, free college for everyone. Somebody payes for this.

Elect Hillery as President and enjoy her world for you.

Iraq

James Dickinson Oak Harbor WA. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:38:25 GMT

That is about right, 2/3 of the Americans thought that the Patroits were wrong to go to war with Great Brittian. Were they? How many needlessly died, in the rebellion? Then we had the civil war, what was civil about that? 2/3 of the American people were against it, All mothers of both sides, then 1/3 if the rest on one side and 1/3 on 6the other, so, what has changed ? Also 525,000 civilians who wore neither the blue or grey died, and we in this action have lost only a tiny fraction of that.

Iraq

William Drussell — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:56:35 GMT

The disgraceful behavior of the Democrats in Congress will come home to haunt them in the 2008 election. I think that many of them now realize they have overplayed the politics by trying to demean Patreus and Crocker for the mistakes of the past. These same politicians voted to support Bush in the Iraq war and
now want to bury their heads in the sand over what they have wrought. It is no wonder that Congress is held in even less esteem than the bumbling Bush.

Iraq

WorldPeaceMaker — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:02:02 GMT

If the war, alongside other irresponsible behaviors of the United States, shouldn't some people be held responsible? Shouldn't some heads roll?

Iraq

Kirt Silvers Kansas City Mo. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:41:51 GMT

We have not learn that using patriotism blinds judgement. Using zeugmas (911- Saddam) played on our pejudice, there is no moral high ground not this time. Time to move on and not be swayed by more half truths. Time to re-build America.

Iraq

Kirt Silvers — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:05:38 GMT

We the US upset the natural process by not supporting an uprising but invading. This created a political vacuum. The Shia have not been inpower for hundreds of years in Iraq, do you really think they will just hand over power some of that power back to the Sunnis'without some form of civil war?

Iraq

H P Boston — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:33:53 GMT

MK MO good post and so true. I agree all is lost and we must leave. Why stay and have more of our troops (whats left of them) suffer and die.
Let the Iraqi people take over their own country.

Iraq

Amy, Columbus, Ga — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 18:44:01 GMT

The way I see it the only way not to be defeated is to leave Iraq. If we stay we will not be able to sustain our troop levels in Iraq and will eventually pull out out of natural progression. Our country's Army will be beaten down. And who will protect us now? The big bad republican supporters who run their mouth about waging war ont he world but do nothing about it but talk? Yeah I'm not feeling too safe. Please please let a Democrat win in '08 or we are all in trouble.