This week, three reports on the situation in Iraq have told the Congress and the country what most of us already know. After four and a half years of war and more than six months of "surge," Iraq is no closer to the political change it needs to achieve lasting stability. At the same time, President Bush has shown that he still has no plan to change his failed strategy. Most amazingly, last night he outlined a plan for an endless occupation of Iraq.
The American military is the best-trained, best-equipped fighting force in the history of the world. When President Bush instituted his "surge" strategy, he took an unsustainable number of troops from our force and placed them in a limited number of Iraqi areas. Most Americans realized that this strategy could produce short-term, limited reductions in some forms of violence. The real question, however, is whether it would also produce an overall reduction in violence and move Iraqis towards reform and political reconciliation, as President Bush said it would in January. Unfortunately, it has not.
Levels of violence in Iraq remain startlingly high, and claims of progress are simply not backed up by the brutal facts we see coming from the battlefield. While the Bush Administration claims that the escalation strategy has reduced overall violence, the Associated Press reported 1,809 civilian deaths in August, more than in any other month this year. Reports also indicate that this summer has been the deadliest so far for U.S. troops in Iraq. With over 260 losses, U.S. casualties in Iraq are 56 percent higher this year than at this time in 2006. So how can the president paint such a rosy assessment? The Washington Post has shown that the administration is "cherry picking" statistics to paint a false picture of Iraqi security. To downplay the number of sectarian deaths, some intelligence reports have decided to classify all deaths with unknown motivations as non-sectarian and exclude deaths by car bomb from officials statistics. To read the facts for yourself, see
As disturbing as the continued violence in Iraq is the lack of promised political progress. One message came across loud and clear from the three reports released this week: Iraq has not taken the political steps that Congress and the American people demanded and were promised at the beginning of the surge. When the president issued his report card on the situation in Iraq, he concluded that the Iraqi government had failed to meet ten of the 18 benchmarks designed to measure political and military progress. This week, the independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that even the president's disappointing report exaggerated the degree of progress. The GAO report shows that Iraq has met only three benchmarks.
Another report, issued by retired General James Jones, indicates that the Iraqi national police force is "dysfunctional" and recommends that the force be disbanded and rebuilt from scratch. The surge was supposed to enable the Iraqi security forces to stand up so that American troops could stand down. Instead, as Generals Jones and Petraeus have noted, it has allowed the Iraqi government to avoid making the tough political choices that could lead to lasting stability.
The three reports released this week further confirm that there is no military solution to Iraq's problems. Our troops have done all they can, fighting courageously every step of the way, battling amidst civil war and sectarian violence in a country where they are in constant danger. But their heroism cannot produce stability in Iraq without political progress. Large majorities in the U.S. and Iraq acknowledge that our troops have accomplished all that they can in this fight. The remaining work that must be done to stabilize their country is dependent on Iraqi officials and the Iraqi people.
Unfortunately, as we heard last night, President Bush plans to leave 130,000 troops in Iraq indefinitely. That is the same number of troops as were fighting there before the surge. A war without end is not an acceptable option. We need a new direction, and in his speech President Bush only offered more of the same. As even General Petraeus acknowledges, the surge has overtaxed our armed forces and weakened America's ability to respond to threats elsewhere in the world. And equally troubling, during his Congressional testimony, General Petraeus could not agree with the President's fanciful assertion that the war in Iraq is making America more secure.
To protect our military and our country, I once again renew my call to responsibly redeploy our troops from Iraq. I will continue to urge the president and my colleagues in Congress to finally face the reality that Iraq needs a political solution, not a military one. We must begin to address the dire readiness state of our military and refocus on fighting terrorism around the world. My thoughts, hopes and efforts will remain with our troops and their families at this difficult time. They continue to bear the real burden of this war, and for that our nation thanks them.
Speaker Pelosi allows continued funding of the war and keeps impeachment off the table --in spite of what the American people are demanding.All expenditures begin in the House. All Nancy Pelosi has to do is NOT bring up Bush's request for $50 billion to continue the war. Tell Bush he has just enough money to bring the troops home within the next six months---period.And she blocks action for an impeachment indictment of VP Cheney--which would just allow the Senate to hold a trial. Are we going to allow Bush/Cheney to continue war in Iraq and bomb Iran?We are riding a dangerous paper tiger.
by
Christie (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 143 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:06:04 AM
Watch how quickly things will wind down when Congress finally has the courage to "just say NO" to further money to continue the occupation of Iraq.We must stop calling this action a war. Only Congress can declare war and they have yet to do that. They can, however, begin impeachment proceedings against VP Cheney any time they have the courage to do so. And as Christie says, if they don't present a funding bill, there will be nothing for Bush to do except show his hand as the dictator he has become under our very noses. Wake up, America, before it is too late.
by
paz love (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 71 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 12:53:57 PM
"We need a new direction, and in his speech President Bush only offered more of the same."
We need a new direction, all right. One that leads to impeachment! It's the only thing that will stop this occupation. Unfortunately, I spent 10 minutes on the phone yesterday arguing with an aide to Congressman Conyers. He was determined to convince me that impeachment was hopeless because it would take a year and they didn't have the votes to convict. I told him to tear up the Constitution and flush it down the toilet then.
God, the Democrats are worthless!
by
Catlover (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 84 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:11:58 AM
Congressman Udall and Ms. Brantingham..............
I couldn't agree with you more..... This whole ordeal reminds me of a John Wayne movie.........I swear, I believe John Wayne was Dubya's Hero..........I personally believe people must start to focus on what we are dealing with.......this Dubya is nothing more than a sh-t kicking egotistical Cowboy with a sweet tooth for power............and some where along the line he mustered up a bunch of disciples to cheer him on...........how else could he be there.................I say let's get him out...........the first rule of order.........
Next, don't worry about Tricky Dicky............he has never been a leader, only a follower............. he will be trembling in his boots untill 2008.............then in 2008 it's time to show the world who is really in charge of this country.........."We The People"........"We The People"...........Say it over and over..........."We the People".............we own this counrty and not the sh-t kicker............."We the People of the United States of America" ...........this is our country and NOT his to play with............
by
Ernest (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 132 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:51:46 AM
It's infuriating that the Dems were voted into office to end this crap and they seem not to understand that is their job. When I read that Ms Pelosi was upset over the ad by MoveOn, it made me sick. What has happened to her since she became Speaker? She doesn't seem able to handle the post.I thought the ad was right on. We are being screwed with our pants on. Even Patreaus' superior thinks he is a moron. He repeated almost word for word what Shrub said about this heinous occupation in Iraq.
It is time that the people that we elected to office started to listen to us, their bosses. If they don't, they deserve to be booted out. John Conyers should be booted out because he has lied to us. He said on many occasions that if he got two more votes to impeach it would happen. Well, we got many more votes for it than that and still he has done nothing!
Dennis Kucinich can't do it all by himself. God knows he has tried. He is the only bright light on the political scene. He has said repeatedly that Congress can stop the war by refusing to fund it. That seems simple enough for even the dummmies who sit in Congress to understand. Perhaps we should require that every person in Congress memorize the Constitution and prove that fact every day.
by
Caronome (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 241 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 1:51:45 PM
And in invading Iraq this President unlike his father was breaking not enforcing UN Resolutions, and therefore undermining not shoring up the rational and diplomatic basis of peace.
At least some of those historical wars (WW2) were worth fighting. This war (in Iraq) is a war of aggression in which the United States and some of its allies like Australia and the UK have actually been the aggressors.
Even if you accept the farcial notion of a war on terror then any terrorist or insurgent activity arising from this war and spilling out of this country perhaps as a result of Iraqis seeking payback could also go onto the scorecard.
WW2 actually achieved something, it achieved the formation of the United Nations. Undermining the United Nations as Bush has done (and I would certainly agree that the United Nations could stand improvement and reform) effectively undoes much of the gains of WW2.
by
Brett Paatsch (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 22 diaries, 1041 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:53:49 PM
I am always fascinated by those who try to justify the continuation of this illegal occupation by saying that so few have died in comparison to other "wars". Well I'm not convinced that it is the numbers that we care about so much as that we know that NONE should have died in Iraq because we invaded a sovereign nation based upon bold-faced LIES. We must get out and sooner rather than later. The Administration continually asks for just a few more months. Well, it's not going to get any better. Unless, of course, you believe that continual bombing of men, women and children is an accepatable course for our nation.
by
paz love (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 71 comments)
on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 5:34:31 PM
Why I posted this Article by Congressman Tom Udall
I have known Tom Udall and his distinguished family for about ten years.
Tom's daughter is Amanda Cooper, who is Deputy Campaign Manager for New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is his Presidential bid.
Tom's father Stewart Udall served as Kennedy and Johnson's Secretary of Interior, and almost everyone knows that he is still one of the great environmental leaders of the 20th Century. Stewart's book, the Myths of August delineates how the Atomic Energy Commission, military corporate boards, spin doctors, cold warriors, and of course the top spenders in the Pentagon, all combined forces to mislead, and continue to mislead, naive American citizens by artificially creating reasons to increase "defense" spending. Stewart's son Tom was Attorney General for 8 years, and did a brilliant job, so his point of view is as a former prosecutor. His recent article on the resignation of the former Bush Attorney General is brilliant, and I will post that soon.
In the meantime, suffice it to say that I highly value both Tom Udall's insights and those of NM Governor Bill Richardson (see prior article OpEd News: "Why we must exit Iraq Now" also published one week ago in the Washington Post).
This disastrous Iraq war is far worse than Vietnam. I am not counting deaths and comparing them to other USA wars, as one of the commenters has done in pure misguided patriotic delusion, I am regret to say. Our Congressman is not "whining': he is laying out a very obvious imperative, and he, like Richardson, has spent a lot of time observing and conferring in Iraq.
What is the worst and most frightening thing about Bush's war in Iraq is that it will permanently spawn jihadists and those hostile to the USA all over the Islamic world, and will make matters much worse for us in the emerging nations, like in Africa and in South America.
Our international image is at the lowest point possible, but it could go much lower. This is solely the result of Bush's grudge match war, adventurism, antihumanitarian decency, and above all, the result of Halliburton and Brown and Root/KBR kleptocracy, which has in essence run the State Department for the past six years, and has almost always run the Pentagon, to state the truth.
I commend Tom Udall for striking out on this vital issue, and ask readers to send his comments on to newspapers in your congressional district, and even to your Congressman and Senators.
Thank you,
Stephen Fox, Managing Editor Santa Fe Sun News
Founder, New Millennium Fine Art
by
Stephen Fox (80 articles, 2 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 479 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 6:53:34 PM
Stephen this looks, appearing as it did, unlabelled as a
forward like Tom Udall rather than you posted to OpEdNews.
It doesn't seem right (or fair to the orginal author whose views you apparently share) that you don't make clear that you and not the original author are going to be seeing any comments.
If you make clear you are reposting in the original article then at least people who want to comment to Tom Udall directly can know that they may need to comment to him via another method.
by
Brett Paatsch (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 22 diaries, 1041 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 11:15:42 PM
Who do you think you are? In the majorities book ONE dead because of the lies the Bush people created to get this thing going is ONE too many. Maybe you should spend a couple tours in Iraq then beg forgiveness for your disgusting attitude. Ya slime!
by
RM Merrill (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 22 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 7:58:53 PM
In a holy war, having an exit strategy is not an option. The whole point of going into Iraq is TO BE THERE for decades. Bush has answered the call of God to uproot and decimate the holyland of Islam. Oh you mean the American people don't know that?? Pity. But we did elect a holy man and he is only doing what his destiny calls for. And we did elect a Congress that gave him full power to do God's work, which is to fight holy wars. The last time I check that's also democracy. Oh yes, Hitler was also democratically elected.
by
TomK (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 235 comments)
on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 9:07:51 PM
we had the right to attack iraq and go ahead with the war the second saddam violated the cease fire which he did repeatedly under that coward and liar clinton he even tried to kill an ex pres or ours
second you bumbling buffoons ALL wars are about oil and resources and ideoligy every single one. only those with low iq try and demonize something that has been going on for ages
{do you really think world war one started because some duke wa SOOO popluar that it drug an entire world to war...no no no silly little rabbits its started when germany trying to get a OIL and energy resources where building a now famous rail line hooking it with iraq and britian responded with troops to iraq the assasination triggered and excuse
now think use your brain not what the papers are spewing out
it is a primary goal of any army to gain and control resources it needs to safe gaurd its country and protect it interests when sent in the demonizing of a general is shamefull and idiotic he knows more than the congress will ever know about the situation in iraq
in 4 years we have freed two countries can they make it its up to them
freedom will NOT help the current people much look at germany italy and japan after ww2 thousand starved to death {ie marshall plan to rebuild europe} but it is for the children if we leave a FREE iraq we then have another ally like germany, japan, italy, and most of europe
it is incredible tye ignorance of history and actual lack any education at all about that area and you spew just what the liberal press{ completly controll by democrats } whats you to say like little robots
if anyone her is capable of real and factual debate i stand ready
BE CAREFUL NOW I DO KNOW AND CAN BACK UP ANYTHING I SAY
not just how i feel FREEDOM IS THE BIRTHRIGHT OF ALL MANKIND NOT JUST AMERICA
YOUR whimpering about our losses shows you complete lack of any kind of real education about the facts silly silly little ones we have cities with murder rates higher than the yearly losses in iraq your argument is completly and totaly unfounded when shed in light of past wars and what we have completed already
do you for one second think it is by chance that we now have forces on both borders of iran and forces in guld just when nuke issue is coming into play iraq and afghan wher litte fish which had to be brushed aside to get at greater evil silly little rabbits trix are for kids
now having said this i WILL SAY THIS we should not be come involed with a civil war of iraq but keep the borders clear from any outside aggression they must decide for them sevles preferably by the ballot who does what
they have a chance for freedom its up to them to step up and carry freedoms torch because it is not free and we will NOT stay forever we never have and we never will
come now i lay down the gauntlet bring your facts not your liberal rantings
by
kirk watson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments)
on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 3:40:01 AM
in comparison to our loses in iraq and concerning iran
HAVE YOU ALL LOST YOUR MIND OR JUST DONT KNOW FACTS .. NOW INSTEAD OF RANTING ABOUT THING YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT LETS LOOK AT FACTS....... its never been ABOUT IRAQ OR AFGAH..... COME ON YOU CANT BE THAT SLOW ITS ABOUT IRAN ALWAYS HAS BEEN...... AND Iran what a joke! Who cares what they think! This nation has been the number one exporter of terror in the world since jimmy carter was in office. With countless acts have been supported or carried out since they took our hostages........ Listen up folks. Wake up..... This whole show has never been about afghan or iraq they are little fish...... We had to get them to bring pressure to bear on iran.... do you actualy think is is by CHANCE that we have forces on both borders and the sea with extra carriers just when the nukes issue is in play at the UN...... They will be contained or destroyed........ Its up to them. There is no other way when you listen to what they say. remember bush said that this conflict will go well beyond his terms. we have started well ...... TWO COUNTRIES free - over 40 million free for the first time. And as with germany and japan and italy and most of europe the freedom will not help the current people but the children. Will they make it? That's up to them as long as they get the same help europe did after World War Two....... One of our LOWEST casualties in ANY OF OUR conflicts LOOK IT UP INSTEAD OF QUOTING LIBERAL NEWSPAPERS OR THE OR THE SO CALLED DIXIE CHICKS WHO SAID THET DIDNT WANT CHRISTIANS AT THERE CONCERTS OR WAS NOT COUNTRY ANY MORE.... We need to finsih this STOP IRAN and come home....... i am sick to death of the foaming at the mouth bush haters and of course if you poll all democrats your get a 70% disaproval...... GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS...... AND I AM VET!!!!!! Kirk Watson ...in deus ego fides.... Co D Ranger (ABN)151st Inf... A Troop 1-238 Cav 38th inf... C Troop 2-1/150 FA 38th inf... eternus defensor
ONE FINAL POINT TO PUT OUR LOSSES IN CONTRAST
IN A SINGLE BATTLE FROM DEC 16 TO JAN 24 in ww2
WE HAS 0VER 89,000 KILLED AND WOUNDED
IN A SINGLE BATTLE SO OUR LOSSES IN 5 YRS IS ONE OTHE LOWEST OF ANY CONFLICT
Battle of Normandy – June 6, 1944 to July 24, 1944 – The Invasion of Western Europe by the Allied forces. Germany lost 216,000 men killed/wounded/captured and Allies lost 209,000 killed/wounded/captured.
Battle of Ardennes – December 16, 1944 to January 28, 1945 – The last great German offensive in World War II. Germany lost 100,000 killed and USA lost 81,000 killed/wounded/captured and 1,400 British losses.
9.) Battle of Atlantic – September 1, 1939 to June 6, 1944 – The longest Battle of World War II in which German Submarines tried to sink supply ships going to England and Soviet Union. The Battle peaked in 1942 but slowly German Submarines were subdued. Germany lost 50,000 Naval Officers and Allies lost 50,000 Merchant and Sailors.
Battle of Midway – June 4, 1942 to June 7, 1942 – The Greatest Air Craft Carrier Battle in History. Japanese attempt to threaten Hawaii by invading the island of Midway ends in total disaster. They lose 4 Air Craft Carriers and USA loses 1. Japan lost 3,500 Sailors and USA loses 500. This was Japan's final offensive in the Pacific War and after this it's Navy will only be used in Defensive operations.
Battle of Leyte Gulf – October 22, 1944 to October 25, 1944 – The Largest Naval Battle in History. Japan's attempt to destroy US transport ships carrying troops and supplies to the Philippines ends in total destruction of the Japanese Navy. Japan loses over 10,000 Sailors and USA around 2,000 half of them dying on the American Air Craft Carrier St. Lo, from a Kamikaze Attack.
Battle of Okinawa – April 1, 1945 to June 16, 1945 – The Last Battle of World War II and the bloodiest battle in the Pacific War. USA attempt to use Okinawa as a stepping stone for the Invasion of Japan. Japan lost 120,000 soldiers defending the Island and 100,000 Japanese civilians also die. USA had 58,000 Casualties.
Battle of Philippines – October 20, 1944 to March 3, 1945 – The battle ended after the fall of Manila in very Heavy Street fighting reminiscent of Warsaw. Japan lost nearly 150,000 Soldiers and killed 200,000 Pilipino civilians and 100,000 in Manila alone. USA had 30,000 casualties in the Invasion and conquest of the Philippines.
Battle of Guadalcanal – August 7, 1942 to March 6, 1943 – One of the largest Naval, Marine, and Army engagements in the Pacific War. This was one of the longest Battle in the Pacific War. Japanese defeat at Guadalcanal ended the Japanese dominance in the South Pacific. Japan lost 70,000 Men killed/wounded/captured and the Americans suffered 30,000 Casualties with 10,000 being killed.
22.) Battle of Anzio – January 23, 1944 to May 25, 1944 – Allied attempt to the end stalemate in Italy fails in Battle of Anzio. The American forces are trapped for 4 months in this pocket until troops break through the German defenses in Italy and link up with Anzio. Anzio was perhaps the biggest Allied blunder in World War II. Germany lost 100,000 killed/wounded/captured. The Allies lost 135,000 killed/wounded/captured.
Battle of Tunisia – February 14, 1943 to May 12, 1943 – The cornered German and Italian Forces in Tunisia launch a final attack against the Americans at Kasserine Pass which defeated the US forces. The Americans soon recovered and began a gradual retreat of German forces back to the Sea. The Allied forces had 45,000 Casualties in their conquest of Tunisia with 10,000 killed. Germany and Italy lost 300,000 Troops with 275,000 being taken prisoner and 25,000 being killed and injured.
Battle of Iwo Jima – February 19, 1945 to March 25, 1945 – The most intense and bloody and compact battle in the Pacific War. With over 100,000 US Soldiers fighting 25,000 Japanese on a small Island. In the end, USA had 30,000 Casualties and Japan had 20,000.
Battle of Saipan – June 15, 1944 to July 9, 1944 – One of the fiercest Island Battles in the War in the Pacific. This was the last line of Defense for the Japanese before the Philippines and Japan it self. Japan lost 30,000 Soldiers and 10,000 Civilians and USA had 15,000 Casualties with 4,000 Dead.
by
kirk watson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments)
on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 4:09:47 AM
Anyone who wants to write to Tom Udall directly, can....
He has a website and an address in Washington.
As a Congressman, he's kind of busy to be posting articles, and his staff doesn't have time either. There is no way via Op Ed News to post any particular reference to me as the poster, which seems rather extraneous anyway, like coasting on someone's coattails, so that is the way it is..... I have posted articles at Op Ed News by Bill Richardson and Jimmy Carter, and they seem to enjoy vigorous response, so I will keep doing this, when something comes up that seems to warrant it. Next week, or really soon, Udall on the Attorney General's resignation.
by
Stephen Fox (80 articles, 2 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 479 comments)
on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 2:40:53 PM
Anyone who wants to write to Tom Udall directly, can....
He has a website and an address in Washington.
They can IF they know that they haven't already spoken with him here.
Sometimes some politicians do take the trouble to talk to people personally and directly and so they take the opportunity to listen or hear their feedback. Conyers posted to Daily Koz just to give one example. Some of the less popular candidates do use more personal less patronising approaches then the 'machine drivers'. When any representative takes that trouble to try to represent and to be available for feedback they ought be encouraged not undermined. Certainly feedback to them should not be diverted to someone else.
As a Congressman, he's kind of busy to be posting articles, and his staff doesn't have time either.
That should be his decision for him to make not yours to make on his behalf. By effectively passing yourself off congressman Udall you are potentially diverting feedback away from him. There are many on this site that are frustrated that their representatives don't seem to be representing them. One wonders how often messages sent don't get through because someone diverts them along the way.
There is no way via Op Ed News to post any particular reference to me as the poster,
I don't believe this. I frequently see Rob Kall provide links to an original article. Thereby Rob credits the original source AND makes the material available to readers.
which seems rather extraneous anyway, like coasting on someone's coattails,
No. Posting under some else's name is coasting on their coattails.
so that is the way it is..... I have posted articles at Op Ed News by Bill Richardson and Jimmy Carter, and they seem to enjoy vigorous response,
If they are good quality articles or if you think they are then I'd agree you should post them, and naturally they get vigorous response, but don't pretend that you are Bill Richardson or Jimmy Carter posting to OpEdNews. Doing that is misleading and unfair to readers and to the authors who might have gotten real feedback instead of having misdirected it to you.
Sometimes some people will go looking for the orginal author if they know the original auther isn't the one that posted. I know this because I am one of those people.
so I will keep doing this, when something comes up that seems to warrant it. Next week, or really soon, Udall on the Attorney General's resignation.
I assumed no bad-faith in your original decision and accept that you did not know how or see a good reason not to make clear that it was you and not the actual author that posted. But if you keep up the practise when you could easily add a line at the top saying something like you found this article to be of interest and are forwarding it then that is bad faith and bad form.
by
Brett Paatsch (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 22 diaries, 1041 comments)
on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 6:46:40 PM
