by Frank James
President Bush's visit to the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. today was clearly an effort by the White House to neutralize voices like Sens. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio) who earlier this week called for the U.S. to intelligently draw down its forces in Iraq and refocus its Middle East efforts on non-military approaches like diplomacy.
Both lawmakers gave voice to growing concerns among Capitol Hill Republicans that the military surge is too little, too late.
While the president didn't mention them by name, he strove to provide a counterargument to theirs today, offering examples how the surge is working.
It was an attempt to buy time, to hold back the floodgates of other Republicans who might feel liberated to publicly criticize the present policy now that the highly respected Lugar and his fellow conservative Voinovich have led the way.
Perhaps it was appropriate that Bush appeared at a naval educational institution since he was trying to keep the tide of GOP support from running out on him, isolating him further.
The speech was also the latest in a now seemingly endless number of Iraq speeches by Bush the meant to take his case directly to the American people and over the Washington filter.
One of the arguments, Lugar and Voinovich made was that the surge was not in the U.S.'s national interest. Bush took that point on frontally.
It's a new mission, and David Petraeus is in Iraq carrying it out. Its goal is to help the Iraqis make progress toward reconciliation, to build a free nation that respects the rights of its people, upholds the rule of law and is an ally against the extremists in this war. And it's in our interest -- it's in our national interest -- to help them succeed.
America has sent reinforcements to help the Iraqis secure their population. In other words, one of the decisions I had to make was, what should our troop levels be? I asked the military what they thought the troop levels ought to be. That's what you expect from your commander-in-chief, to consult closely with the United States military in times of war.
They made recommendations, and I sent the reinforcements in to help the Iraqis secure their population, to go after terrorists, insurgents and militias that incite sectarian violence and to help get this capital of Iraq under control. The last of the reinforcements arrived in Iraq earlier this month, and the full surge has begun. One of our top commanders, Ray Odierno, puts it this way: We are beyond a surge of forces, and we're now into a surge of operations.
Like a war room commander, the president used a visual aid, a map, to describe the various U.S. and Iraqi military operations that are part of Operation Phantom Thunder, an effort to clear al Qaeda and insurgent strongholds in Baquba in Diyala province and elsewhere.
The goal was to give the impression of a lot of forward momentum on the part of U.S. and Iraqi militaries since it's hard to argue that a quagmire exists where there's a lot of activity.
Right now we're at the beginning stage of the offensive. We finally got the troops there. Americans have got to understand, it takes a while to mobilize additional troops and move them from the United States to Iraq. And we got them there, and now we're beginning to move.
And there are hopeful signs. Last week, our commanders reported the killing of two senior al Qaeda leaders north of Baghdad, one who operated a cell that helped move foreign fighters into Iraq and another who served as a courier for the same cell. Within Baghdad, our military reports that despite an upward trend in May, sectarian murders in the capital are now down substantially from what they were in January. We're finding arms caches at more than three times the rate a year ago.
Although the enemy continues to carry out sensational attacks, the number of car bombings and suicide attacks has been down in May and June. And because U.S. and Iraqi forces are living among the people they secure, many Iraqis are now coming forward with information on where the terrorists are hiding.
On the ground, our forces can see the difference the surge is making. General Petraeus recently described what he called astonishing signs of normalcy. He said that about Baghdad. He talks about professional soccer leagues and amusement parks and vibrant markets.
In the mixed Shi'a-Sunni neighborhood of Rashid, our foot patrols discovered a wall with two Arabic sentences spray-painted on them. It's just a small example. It certainly didn't get any news, but it says, yes, yes to the new security plan, no difference between Shi'a and Sunni.
The fight's been tough. It's a tough fight, and it's going to remain difficult. We've lost some good men and women. And even as our troops are showing some success in cornering and trapping al Qaeda, they face a lot of challenges.
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Comments
"Bush Tries To Counter GOP Defections On Iraq"
To late Prez Chimpy, your fellow dead-ender Republic Party members want to get re-elected and they know their continued lockstepping with your civil war in Iraq isn't going to help their already feeble cause.
Posted by: John E | June 28, 2007 4:40 PM
I can't even believe he is back to "stay the course". This war will keep going till he leaves office. I hadn't really gone along with the calls for impeachment...but...if the republicans can impeach a well liked president for perjury over a "youthful indiscretion" than we should go ahead and impeach for stealing the goverment from the people. I know those diehards love this war, but you really need to start thinking about the destruction of your party for years to come.
Posted by: bill r. | June 28, 2007 4:41 PM
Knuckleheads to nitwits, geniuses to Mensa members, Americans from sea to shining sea know there is no long term success in Iraq that isn't preceded by a political one.
So, where is Dubya's mention of a political solution in Iraq?
Posted by: Doug Zook | June 28, 2007 4:41 PM
"And even as our troops are showing some success in cornering and trapping al Qaeda, they face a lot of challenges. "
Cornering and trapping Mr. President? That's not what your commanders are saying.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/world/middleeast/26baquba.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6737661,00.html
Why do you keep lying to the American people Mr. President?
Posted by: Tony | June 28, 2007 4:54 PM
Mr. James,
You failed to mention the most remarkable aspect of this speech.
Bush's comments regarding Israel and Iraq:
"Terrorists have taken innocent human life for years in suicide attacks. The difference is that Israel is a functioning democracy and it's not prevented from carrying out its responsibilities. And that's a good indicator of success that we're looking for in Iraq."
Suicide bombers and regular garbage pickup = Victory in Iraq.
Finally!!!!
Victory defined by the Decider-in-Chief.
Posted by: johnf | June 28, 2007 4:57 PM
Sppeaking of dead-enders, isn't that what you Loony Leftists are? No jobs, or not very good ones; unloved, unwanted; stuck on your own little weird alternative reality.
And, Tony boy, from your NY Times link:
Col. Steve Townsend told a group of journalists that his soldiers had wrested control over most of the area from Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, deprived the insurgent group of its nominal capital and made headway in protecting the residents from reprisals by militants.
But he acknowledged that his forces had not killed or captured as many of the insurgents as he had hoped.
“We are on our way to securing the population of Baquba, which is what we came here to do,” said the colonel, who commands the Third Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the Second Infantry Division. “I am pretty satisfied, with the exception of my own goal to kill and capture as many as possible so we don’t have to fight them somewhere else.”
So, Tony, outside of killing or capturing as many insurgents as he hoped, Col. Townhend "is pretty satisfied," and says, "We are on our way to securing the population of Baquba, which is what we came here to do."
Tony and the rest of your breed, please ocnsider enrolling at Huntington or Sylvan educational and learning facilities. It's quite clear you need the help!
Posted by: John D | June 28, 2007 5:11 PM
Posted John D June 28, 2007
Lil' Johnny Deadender,
If you are foolish enough to believe that we are "winning" in Iraq, whatever that means, then why don't you head on down to your local Army Recruitment station in Streamwood IL. and sign up to help stem the massive loss of mid-level officers who are leaving the military in droves in protest of the Republican's failed Iraq "strategy"?
Posted by: John E | June 28, 2007 5:44 PM
BC Col. Townsend, like many active duty personnel while representing the military, would ever admit to any down sides publicly without backlash? I don't expect them too. Yet they do within their circles. As our military I would not expect them to run counter current their Commander in Chief's orders especially in the media. They are better than that. Their loyalty more evident to their Commander in Chief than this administrations to the will of the majority of people in this country they represent while employing the military in their name. That more then the public falling apart on this war WOULD automatically foreshadow a defeat. Yet please continue bringing up generals on the upside. I'm no denying their isn't one, and I'm not saying they won't be able to get most of their agenda through. The problem is is that what they think is the answer might not make that much difference in the long run without a multi-directional strategy that should have been invested in along time ago to make room for the undoubtedly long time it will take to take hold.
Posted by: AR | June 28, 2007 6:50 PM
I will post this e-mail from someone actually in Iraq in this Swamp post too. Read it, Johnnny E. (the weirdo who last Fall said he was going to Iraq and who said his son was in Iraq).
I hope this update finds you all well. We continue to move forward
with the development of Iraq. I am sure you are aware the last couple of
days have been a little rough on the casualty side with our numbers
growing.
Regardless of what the media states this is due to the fact that we
continue to squeeze the enemy north of Baghdad and he is fighting back. I
actually heard one reporter last week state that this was not the case
as the recent surge in casualties was not by "direct combat" but rather
by roadside IEDs. Some one needs to inform her that this enemy is
smart enough not to face us head to head. His tactics are directed right
at the reporter in the hopes that she will do exactly just as she did in
her statements and analysis. Enough said about that, I just ask that
you pray for the young soldiers of whom will forever be in our memories
as heroes.
I spent two days in Kuwait this past week attempting to pitch an
airport Hotel concept to two investment firms. I was given the directive by
the Chief of Staff of Corps to personally lead this economic
development at the Baghdad International Airport effort and to have some real
results for the Commanding General. Currently, we are renovating a
convention center and office building and many other smaller infrastructure
projects to include trash removal, fire safety and air controller
training. When asked if I have an experience in aviation my answer is no,
but I did spend last night at a Holiday Inn Express. Yea, I know, not
that funny. In any case one does not say no to the CG and I have a team
of seven project managers of whom there is some aviation experience
working with me on this (and in case you are concerned, SFC Conley is on
the Airport team now as well, funny how that happened). While I am not
sure if we will be successful in getting a hotel ground breaking by
summer's end I am doing my best. Bottom line is that we have some
interested parties but no one is going to commit to such a large project
without Iraqi Government assurances that they will not have it all taken from
them in two years. I will keep you posted on our progress here.
Oh, and yes, I did get to stay in a very nice hotel in Kuwait City.
Only
problem: Alcohol is illegal in Kuwait.
Lastly, here is a photo of another fine NCO, SSG Begley is an Air force
communications NCO and was my driver on one of our recent convoys. I
call him "guns" as the fella is no small boy. About twice the size of
Woody!
He has actually been driving me more these days as even though SFC
Conley and SPC Tran, my regular vehicle team are still a part of our convoy
teams, we are trying to separate the knowledge base of specific
sections into multiple vehicles for security reasons.
Take care and enjoy your summer!!!
Scottie Venable
LTC, Chief, Economic Development
Multi National Corps - Iraq
Camp Slayer, BLDG V8
APO AE 09342
MCI 914.360.9230
IRAQNA 0790.193.9598
VOIP: 703.673.7066
E-MAIL NIPR:stefanos.venable@iraq.centcom.mil
SIPR:stefanos.venable@s-iraq.centcom.mil
AKO: stefanos.venable@us.army.mil
Posted by: John D | June 28, 2007 7:18 PM
Surge? Reinforcements?? Additional troops?? Give me a break! These are the same brave soldiers stretched even thinner.
Like we were just 15% away from "victory"? I could see sending 20,000 diplomats - but not more of our soldiers.
More time? 5 years of this isn't enough?
Folks, this war will end when we run out of money. And at $2,000,000,000 a week of borrowed funding, it won't be much longer. U.S. bankruptcy will be the final chapter in this sorry saga.
Posted by: Fred | June 28, 2007 8:55 PM
Surge? Reinforcements?? Additional troops?? Give me a break! These are the same brave soldiers stretched even thinner.
Like we were just 15% away from "victory"? I could see sending 20,000 diplomats - but not more of our soldiers.
More time? 5 years of this isn't enough?
Folks, this war will end when we run out of money. And at $2,000,000,000 a week of borrowed funding, it won't be much longer. U.S. bankruptcy will be the final chapter in this sorry saga.
Posted by: Fred | June 28, 2007 9:03 PM
"Suicide bombers and regular garbage pickup = Victory in Iraq.
Finally!!!!
Victory defined by the Decider-in-Chief.
Posted by: johnf | June 28, 2007 4:57 PM"
Let's not forget getting the trains to run on time.
Posted by: TheReamer | June 28, 2007 9:11 PM
Johnny Torture_
President Bush Claimed we were cornering and trapping the enemy. As the article made clear, that did not happen at Baquba. Bush Lied.
Posted by: Tony | June 28, 2007 10:05 PM
Lil Johnny D Fruitcake,
I see your still trying to sell the W. administration's "Mission Accomplished" Iraq propaganda crap.
Seriously, are you really that stupid or is this just some sort of act you do for our amusement?
My dogs are smart enough not to believe the W. administration on Iraq anymore, what's your excuse?
Posted by: John E | June 28, 2007 10:34 PM
"I asked the military what they thought the troop levels ought to be. They said 250,000. I chuckled and said, 'Try again.' They said 225,000. I laughed and said, 'No, come on, be serious.' 200,000. 'Lower.' And that's what you expect your president to do. NeGOsheate for the American people. And that's what I did. I got them down to 165,000."
- President Bush
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | June 28, 2007 10:34 PM
If this is a new mission, what happened to the old one? Did it fail? Did it succeed? What was it? Why are we letting alqueada go free? What about the terrorists who aren't part of the new mission, are they free now? What about the terrorist training camps? So these big nasty terrorists are such a threat to our national security we think it best that "the Iraq government" should take care of them? If the majority of americans want our troops home then it is flatly false to say "america" sent reinforcements. But what would you expect from the coward in charge. We have to deal with the terrorists he's creating on our behalf.
Let's talk progress, last week we killed 2 (the false infernece being they were bin ladens henchmen)people, they killed at least a hundred, good point george.
E-mail, dear judge, my mission to stop beating my wife is moving forward. I just need more time.
Posted by: Barry | June 29, 2007 9:09 AM
John is having a wargasm.
Posted by: Mrs. Jesus | June 30, 2007 7:29 PM