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December 6, 2006

Iraq Study Group: Repeat Mistakes Of '91

NewsMax writes, Iraq Study Group: Reduce Troops by 2008.

The commission is expected to advise gradually changing the mission of U.S. troops in Iraq from combat to training and supporting Iraqi units, with a goal of pulling back American combat troops by early 2008. It is also expected to urge a more energetic effort to involve Iraq's neighbors in ending violence there. This outreach would include Iran and Syria, which the U.S. considers pariah states.

This from the same folks who convinced Bush 41 to leave Saddam in power after the first Gulf War. Need I state the obvious? Why not?

If the Iraq Study Group portrays the situation in Iraq in a negative light, how can they deny their own role in creating that situation?

The reason they cannot, rather, choose not, to recognize it was mistake not to remove Saddam in '91 is that they would have to admit they'd made a mistake. The reason they will make the very same mistake today is that their recommendations are a political solution, not a strategic solution. The only purpose the group has been formed is to improve the political standing of George W. Bush, just as they did with Bush 41. What was that he said?

This will not be another Vietnam. This will not be a protracted, drawn-out war.

Hmm. I wonder which Secretary of State recommended that policy.

Think about our decisions after WW2 not to pursue Victory in Eastern Europe or North Korea. We expended a vast amount of wealth and countless lives countering the Soviets during the Cold War. Not dealing with them at the time exposed the entire world to threat of "mutually assured destruction." In North Korea, Kim Jong-Il now has nuclear weapons and a serious disdain for the United States. What's worse, he's cozy with Iran and Syria, two countries the Baker-Hamilton commission thinks we should ask for help.

For anyone to suggest the U.S. should not maintain a strategic role in Iraq is genocidal.

Update

Here are some excerpts corroborating the NewsMax article

Our most important recommendations call for new and enhanced diplomatic and political efforts in Iraq and the region, and a change in the primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq that will enable the United States to begin to move its combat forces out of Iraq responsibly. We believe that these two recommendations are equally important and reinforce one another. If they are effectively implemented, and if the Iraqi government moves forward with national reconciliation, Iraqis will have an opportunity for a better future, terrorism will be dealt a blow, stability will be enhanced in an important part of the world, and America's credibility, interests and values will be protected.

...

There is no magic formula to solve the problems of Iraq. However, there are actions that can be taken to improve the situation and protect American interests. Many Americans are dissatisfied, not just with the situation in Iraq but with the state of our political debate regarding Iraq. Our political leaders must build a bipartisan approach to bring a responsible conclusion to what is now a lengthy and costly war. Our country deserves a debate that prizes substance over rhetoric, and a policy that is adequately funded and sustainable. The president and Congress must work together. Our leaders must be candid and forthright with the American people in order to win their support.


Also...

Posted by Richard at December 6, 2006 7:17 AM

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» ISG Report from The American Pundit
The Iraq Study Group Report has been released, as of 11 am. The report can be found on ISG’s official website. Rick Moran cast early predictions on what the report would say. From what I see, the report suggestions stronger diplomatic attempts, a... [Read More]

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» Assessing The Iraq Study Group Report from Webloggin
I have read much of the 160 page document and this is my analysis to how it relates to the media and the political direction in Iraq. ... [Read More]

Tracked on December 6, 2006 9:46 AM