Max Cleland: "I know something about the Vietnam War."
Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images
by Mark Silva
To hear President Bush tell it, Iraqi military forces are the unsung heroes of the war in Iraq.
Max Cleland, a disabled veteran of the war in Vietnam, tells a far different story. Cleland suffered huge personal loss in a war which the president, this past week, attempted to liken to the conflict in Iraq.
"We are still in the early stages of our new operations,'' the president said of the war in Iraq, in his weekly radio address today. "But the success of the past couple of months have shown that conditions on the ground can change -- and they are changing.''
Cleland, a former senator from Georgia and director of the Veterans Administration who lost his legs and an arm in Vietnam, offered the Democratic Party's response to the president's radio address today.
"I know something about the Vietnam War,'' Cleland said in his radio reply to the president. "I know something about the price that was paid for continuing that war long after it was clear we could not succeed.
"There are similarities between the war in Iraq and the war in Vietnam.'' Cleland allowed. "One of the lessons to be learned from Vietnam is that the commitment of American military strength alone cannot solve another country’s political weakness.''
Text of the president's radio address:
"Good morning. This week I traveled to Kansas City to address the annual convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I spoke about the ideological struggle that our nation faces in the 21st century, and the lessons we can draw from the advance of freedom in Asia in the 20th century. America’s enduring presence and perseverance on that continent aided the rise of democracy, helped transform American enemies into American allies, and made our country safer.
Next week I will address the members of the American Legion at their annual convention in Reno. In that speech, I will focus on the Middle East and why the rise of a free and democratic Iraq is critical to the future of this vital region and to our Nation’s security.
I will also provide an update on the developments we are seeing from our new strategy in Iraq. Every month since January, U.S. forces have killed or captured an average of more than 1,500 al Qaeda terrorists and other extremists. And in June our troops launched a surge of operations that is helping bring former Sunni insurgents into the fight against al Qaeda, clear the terrorists out of population centers, and give families in liberated Iraqi cities a safer and more normal life.
As security improves, more Iraqis are stepping forward to defend their democracy. Young Iraqi men are signing up for the army. Iraqi police are now patrolling the streets. Coalition and Iraqi forces have doubled the number of joint operations. As the Iraqi people feel more secure, they are also forming neighborhood watch groups. They’re volunteering important information about the terrorists and extremists hiding in their midst. And the increase in tips helps account for the marked reduction in sectarian murders.
By driving out the terrorists from cities and neighborhoods, we’re creating the conditions for reconciliation -- especially at the local level. In communities across Iraq, citizens are seeing their local and provincial governments return to operation. Despite continuing violence, leaders in places like Anbar, Najaf, and Ninewah are now working through local provincial councils to approve funds to finance the rebuilding of homes and neighborhoods, to fight corruption, and to create new jobs.
Here at home, it can be easy to overlook the bravery shown by Iraqi troops and Iraqi civilians who are in the fight for freedom. But our troops on the ground see it every day. Last week, a team of American soldiers was meeting with an Iraqi citizens group near Baghdad. Suddenly, a suicide bomber came running around a corner and headed straight for our soldiers and the Iraqi civilians.
One Iraqi man saw what was happening and ran to intercept the bomber. As he pushed the terrorist away, the bomb detonated -- killing both men, but sparing four American soldiers and eight Iraqi civilians. Army Staff Sergeant Sean Kane is one of those who says he owes his life to this brave Iraqi. Sergeant Kane says, “He could have run behind us or away from us, but he made the decision to sacrifice himself to protect everyone.” Sergeant Kane spoke to the Iraqi man’s father, who said that even if his son had known the outcome beforehand, he “[would not] have acted differently.”
The story does not end there. Later that same night, the citizens group contacted the local director of the National Police and told him the location of the al Qaeda cell believed to be responsible for the attack. The National Police immediately conducted a raid that resulted in four arrests.
We are still in the early stages of our new operations. But the success of the past couple of months have shown that conditions on the ground can change -- and they are changing. We cannot expect the new strategy we are carrying out to bring success overnight. But by standing with the Iraqi people as they build their democracy, we will deliver a devastating blow to al Qaeda, we will help provide new hope for millions of people throughout the Middle East, we will gain a friend and ally in the war on terror, and we will make the American people safer.
Thank you for listening.''
This is the text of Max Cleland's response:
"My fellow Americans, this is Max Cleland, former U.S. Senator from Georgia.
This week, President Bush gave a speech comparing the ongoing war in Iraq to the Vietnam War.
He used this analogy in his latest plea to the American people for yet more time to continue his war.
I know something about the Vietnam War. I know something about the price that was paid for continuing that war long after it was clear we could not succeed. I know something about years of war failing to produce a stable, secure, and democratic country. I know something about enemy attacks increasing and taking an ever higher toll on our troops. Fifty-eight thousand young Americans were killed in Vietnam. Three hundred and fifty thousand were wounded.
I was one of them.
There are similarities between the war in Iraq and the war in Vietnam. One of the lessons to be learned from Vietnam is that the commitment of American military strength alone cannot solve another country’s political weakness. This should be a somber warning to us all to responsibly end the war in Iraq and the additional loss of precious American lives.
Congress has required the president to issue a report soon on the state of the war. This assessment gives him yet another opportunity to do the right thing and change course in Iraq.
Unfortunately, it appears he will continue to argue that if the American people and the U.S. Congress will just be patient things will work out. He is likely to say that given more time victory is just around the corner. He is likely to argue that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
But like political leaders during the Vietnam era, this President has a “credibility gap.” The majority of Americans see a profound difference between President Bush’s optimistic rhetoric and the grim reality which lies beneath.
Our history in Vietnam and the facts on the ground in Iraq today prove the American people are right.
How do I know? Because I’ve seen this movie before. I know how it ends. I know that all the PR in the world didn’t change the truth on the ground in Vietnam and won’t change the truth on the ground today in Iraq.
What is this truth? The truth is that more than 3,700 Americans have already lost their lives, more than 20,000 have been wounded, and nearly $500 billion in American taxpayer funds have been expended.
The truth is that despite this enormous sacrifice, we find ourselves mired in a civil war with no end in sight and Iraqis unable or unwilling to make the political decisions necessary to end this conflict.
And the truth is President Bush’s decision to go to war and stay at war has actually encouraged thousands of new recruits for Al-Qaida in Iraq and around the world, has made the Middle East and other parts of the globe less safe, has alienated the Muslim world and allowed Al-Qaida - the enemy that attacked this nation six years ago - a chance to rebuild and restore its terror network.
These are the facts. But the facts will not stop the President and his fellow Republicans from trying once again to sell the American people a bill of goods on the Iraq War.
The failures in Iraq are not the fault of our troops or their courage in battle. They have done everything asked of them and more. The conflict in Iraq is an Iraqi political problem, not a U.S. military problem. We can't continue to sacrifice American lives, deplete our treasury and weaken our national security. We can’t expect our soldiers to continue to risk their lives especially when the Iraqi leaders themselves show no interest in achieving a peaceful political solution.
President Bush's report to Congress will attempt to show that his escalation has produced improved security in certain parts of Iraq. But it will ignore the stark truth in Iraq - - that his overall strategy to buy time for Iraqis to make the needed political decisions has failed and, just like Vietnam, we are enmeshed now in an open-ended war for which our troops and our country will pay the price for decades to come.
That's why we must act now. This fall, Democrats in Congress will continue to stand with our troops – and with the American people - - to remember the lessons of history - - and end the Iraq War.
This is Max Cleland. ''
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Comments
the truth of the matter is that this is about business, not people, our lame duck democratic congress wont act because of fear of the response to the oil conglomerates which THINK they have the people of our great nation in a stranglehold, let us address the real enemy of the american people, big business
Posted by: jerard gambold | August 25, 2007 12:31 PM
"all the PR in the world didn’t change the truth on the ground in Vietnam and won’t change the truth on the ground today in Iraq."
are the wize comments I walk away from this as "talking points"
Thank you,
Tyler
All Power To The People
Posted by: Tyler | August 25, 2007 12:35 PM
It is unfortunate that Max Cleland doesn't have his own television network to support his position like Bush and his rubber-stamp republicans have in Fox "News".
Posted by: Rhod Zimmerman | August 25, 2007 12:38 PM
AMEN! We need a smart president! Bush is such a dissappointment!
Get our boys back home soon--end this era of stupidity!
Posted by: Nettie Gamble | August 25, 2007 1:05 PM
Your headline is in error. It is not Bush vs. Cleland. George Bush is too much of a gentleman to attack Max Cleland. And it's not even Cleland vs. Bush. It's two different philosophies about a highly debatable subject.
Posted by: Darnell | August 25, 2007 1:06 PM
Bush and his cronies could not care less about the sacrifices made in pursuit of "victory" in Iraq. American energy companies and the military/industrial complex continue to salivate over the tantalizing riches to be exploited in Iraq. Fat cat
Republicans and Democratic lackies care only about
perpetuating the status quo. When, finally, the
American economic machine
collapses under its own
staggering debt we all
shall be compelled to take notice. The time to leave
Iraq is NOW. Let Iraq
sacrifice its own brave
patriots. The bloodbath is
inevitable; let it flow.
Bring all of our dedicated, professional, motivated
combat personnel home.Begin
the withdrawl today.
Posted by: Roy Phillips | August 25, 2007 1:39 PM
Darnell,
Dubya doesn't leave fingerprints because he's got people like Rove to do his dirty work for him.
And no, Rove leaving the White House doesn't change that.
Posted by: Doug Zook | August 25, 2007 1:47 PM
Bush and his ignorant followers are concerned about seeing Junior's lies through to the end of his disastrous presidency so that Junior can get out of the crosshairs of having to deal with the quagmire he and the rabid neo-con-noncompoops have created in Iraq.It is a shame that such a small minority, but a good amount nonetheless, are more concerned about giving "cover" to a draft dodger and letting him run wild and create the deaths of 100's of thousands of people in the process and wasting billions of dollars that could have been better spent domestically. These people are not "patriotic" as they believe, but are zealous fanatics. They are More concerned about living a lie out through to the end that has sent back this country's position in the world about 100 years than doing the right thing by condemning this President and his cabinet by impeachment. Instead, they will attack a noble veteran of the Viet Nam War to rationalize their sick positions on this war. Again. They are the "Radical Right" of this country and are more similar to the "Radical Muslims" they so disdain more than they realize.
Posted by: MASTER of REALITY | August 25, 2007 2:00 PM
Darnell,
Bush/Cheney had Rove's gang put the political hit on Mr Cleland. Are you just trolling or are you too bloody stupid to read about something before commenting. How was your VN service? Enlist? Get drafted? 'Cheney out' with 5 deferments? Go AWOL like the Bushrat?
Posted by: A N Other | August 25, 2007 2:22 PM
When it comes to war, Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld et al are only good at one thing: Finding Deferments.
Posted by: Bill | August 25, 2007 2:23 PM
Another politician stressing the importance of political documents. He should have given the "peace in our time" speach.
Posted by: whatnow | August 25, 2007 2:25 PM
Per Darnell: Bush is too much of a gentleman to attack Max Cleland.
Are you retarded Darnell? Umm, do you know why Cleland lost his senate seet? His courage and patriotism was attacked by the chickenhawk Bush team.
Bush is a sociopath. Don't beleive me? Here are some of the common symptoms.
Superficial charm
Unreliability.
Untruthfulness and insincerity.
Lack of remorse or shame.
Antisocial behavior without apparent compunction.
Poor judgment and failure to learn from experience.
Pathological egocentricity and incapacity to love.
Specific loss of insight.
Fantastic and uninviting behavior with drink, and sometimes without.
Failure to follow any life plan.
Posted by: nisleib | August 25, 2007 2:54 PM
Your headline is in error. It is not Bush vs. Cleland. George Bush is too much of a gentleman to attack Max Cleland. And it's not even Cleland vs. Bush. It's two different philosophies about a highly debatable subject.
Posted by: Darnell | August 25, 2007 1:06 PM
Nice try, Bruce
Posted by: John E | August 25, 2007 3:10 PM
I see the Swamp has censored any mention of Liberal Democrat Cong. Brian Baird's change of mind on Iraq--a reversal much more significant than what Warner said. In today's Seattle Times, Baird writes about how he, an anti-war Democrat, has changed his mind on the war
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003850954_bairdop24.html
An excerpt:
"As a Democrat who voted against the war from the outset and who has been frankly critical of the administration and the post-invasion strategy, I am convinced by the evidence that the situation has at long last begun to change substantially for the better. I believe Iraq could have a positive future. Our diplomatic and military leaders in Iraq, their current strategy, and most importantly, our troops and the Iraqi people themselves, deserve our continued support and more time to succeed.
... to walk away now from the recent gains would be to lose all the progress that has been purchased at such a dear price in lives and dollars. As one soldier said to me, “We have lost so many good people and invested so much, It just doesn’t make sense to quit now when we’re finally making progress. I want to go home as much as anyone else, but I want this mission to succeed and I’m willing to do what it takes. I just want to know the people back home know we’re making progress and support us.”"
Posted by: Bruce | August 25, 2007 3:47 PM
Doug, despite the headline, how exactly is it Bush vs. Cleland? Where has Bush said anything about Cleland.
No one can take away what Cleland gave for this country and the injuries he sustained. But he was still an ineffectual senator, who basically marched lock step and barrel with the Left wing of the DNC.
Oh, and "rhod," yes the Dems do have their own television networks, they are called MSNBC, NBC, CNN, CBS and ABC.
Posted by: John D | August 25, 2007 3:52 PM
The Iraq debacle is a mess. However, a quick exit may leave it in a state that could cause more harm to us than it already has. If George Bush would admit he made a mistake, perhaps both sides of the political spectrum could collectively figuring out how to get out.
Posted by: Rick M. | August 25, 2007 4:30 PM
Text of the president's radio address:
"...Here at home,it can be easy to overlook the bravery shown by Iraqi troops and Iraqi civilians who are in the fight for freedom..."
No one at home is overlooking the bravery of Iraqi troops or civilians, Mr. President. Just as we don't overlook your cowardice during the war in Viet Nam.
Posted by: Rick/Sneads Ferry, NC | August 25, 2007 4:33 PM
I am tired of the neocons & even some democrats stating, "if we get out of Iraq now, all hell is going to break loose."
Get a life, thousands innocent Iraqi's are dying daily. With the American troops out the violence will continue. However, it will force Iraqi's (and the Arab league) to help stabilize the country. I think we are more of a hinderance to the stabilization than a help.
Either way, the current status is not acceptable!!
Posted by: Ruben | August 25, 2007 5:14 PM
I do not recall any of the top management at the networks he states sending out memos as to what type of stories and what knid of words to put into their reporting like what was done at Fox. Give me a break, in all honesty all the networks we have in this country are just plain sad. We don't get news, we get their version of the news. Look at how little coverage the Downing street memos received here, not to mention the whole Niger embassy theft and subsequent farce about how Saddam was plotting to get Uranium, it was all a hoax. It was hardly reported in the U.S. media. I find myself looking towards the internet for all my news now. That is why I think it is the next thing that will get cracked down on. And then they put some crackpot up beside somebody who actualy has credentials, which automaticaly gives the crackpot credibility. I always say if Edward Murrow was alive today he would take them all out and put his foot up their behinds. How did we get here? I think Rove and Cheney and the boys did exactly what they planned to do. Divide the country and put the debate where they wanted the debate. Now we have a country that is so caught up in war, that we don't take the time to see what was once a fine country going straight to hell. If we all don't start taking a vested interest in this country, they will ruin it.
Posted by: Fred | August 25, 2007 5:36 PM
History will show this person's terms in office to be the darkest times the post-WWII generation has experienced. This will be not because we were attacked in New York by extremists but because we were attacked from within by people we elected to represent us and defend our hard won constitution. The War on Human Rights is progressing unchecked with examples of torture, lawyer-like wiggling out of the Geneva Convention, elimination of our protection against unreasonable search and seizure, ability to successfully petition our government for change, restrictions on government employees to speak on issues the president finds contrary to his own, incompetence in handling the destruction of one of our largest and culturally rich cities, ignorantly suppressing scientific study in stem cell research, denial of overwhelming scientific evidence of planet-wide climate change, treating our returning wounded soldiers in inexcusably unsanitary, understaffed hospital conditions, and what gets to me the most: the chief law enforcer and protector of the constitution has time and again said that the responsibility for many of these disasters lies upon him yet time after time he accepts no consequences, such as impeachment, for the above-mentioned violations of the constitution and gross negligence in providing for the general welfare of the people. I have also heard that this president has referred to the US constitution as "just a goddamn peace of paper." Be this true in fact or even just in actions this I would hope in itself is an impeachable offense. What has happened to us if we have willingly given total control over to this man that takes his sworn oath to have so little respect and meaning.
Posted by: Joe | August 25, 2007 5:42 PM
We owe Senator Cleland a huge thanks for his service to our country and for having the courage and insight to speak out against this president. Many veterans like myself think this war was a bad idea from the start. It is time to stand up and say no more.
Gerry
Posted by: Gerry | August 25, 2007 6:14 PM
George Bush and his fascist cronies are traitors to the cause of freedom and to the American people. Everything that is happening now was predicted by anti-war types before the invasion began. Real americans, who truly believe in our system of laws, government, and accountability should work every day to counter the lies and deception spewing out of the White House and their propagandists. This is sick stuff and everyday patriots, like our soldiers, students, mothers, fathers, teachers, professionals, politicians, and the like, will be paying a dear price for years to come. Corporate America and the Congress have a responsibilty to help end this nonsense and bring stability to our nation. The profits realized today by the corporations involved in this mess, whether it be Halliburton, defense contractors, or some mercenary force, will paid back in the blood and suffering of Americans and Iraquis. I am disheartened by the divisions created by the decisions made by the administration and their ne'er do well supporters. Wrong President, wrong decisions, wrong timing.
Posted by: Cyrus Clarke | August 25, 2007 6:17 PM
"To hear President Bush tell it, Iraqi military forces are the unsung heroes of the war in Iraq."
But which ones are infiltrated, corrupted, and dedicated to killing our guys and gals? Lots of them. Where are the 200k Kalishnikovs? Killing our boys, that's where.
The Iraqi security forces are hopelessly compromised, not unlike the Saigon political structure and the ARVN in the Vietnam complex.
The Iraq/Vietnam analogy didn't apply at first, but just about the the time President DimWit proclaimed mission accomplished it began to change, until today. Now the comparison is nearly perfect.
Posted by: C.Morris | August 25, 2007 10:54 PM
Cyrus, don't feel bad. Take heart in knowing that the American public has finally awoken and has realized what a bunch of pond scum the Repukulicans really are.
They are like a vampire. We didn't kill them off at Watergate. We didn't kill them off at Iran-Contra. Now, in 2008, we have a chance to put a stake through the heart of 'conservatism'. It is a failed and evil 'philosophy' as currently practiced. It has no credibility and fully deserves the humiliation being inflicted on it right now.
This is the motto: Republicans are TRAITORS. Never forget it.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | August 25, 2007 11:00 PM
Remembering Sukarno say the truth in the sixties:
"TO HELL WITH AMERICA".
It is the same relevant truth today in the 21st Century. Once again:
"TO HELL WITH AMERICA"
Posted by: Sukarno Today | August 25, 2007 11:05 PM
I wonder if all this anti war crap would be posted had Bill had the pair to take out saddam during his eight years. If he kept his pants zipped up long enough, maybe the next president wouldn't inherit problems that he wouldn't/couldn't deal with.
Posted by: joey | August 26, 2007 7:09 AM
Sukarno Today,
Allah will have his revenge on the murderous, vile, scum bin-Laden and his toady, fool supporters.
Americans and our allies are working to speed up that meeting.
Posted by: Mohammad | August 26, 2007 9:21 AM
"Remembering Sukarno say the truth in the sixties:
"TO HELL WITH AMERICA".
It is the same relevant truth today in the 21st Century. Once again:
"TO HELL WITH AMERICA"
Posted by: Sukarno Today | August 25, 2007 11:05 PM"
"TO HELL WITH SUKARNO IN THE SIXTIES, TODAY AND TOMORROW"
Posted by: Op109 | August 26, 2007 10:40 AM
Joey doesn't understand that, one, the Republican adventurists put Saddam in charge and, two, Saddam had nothing to do with 911. It is our invasion of Iraq which has led us to the place we are now; an invasion which never should have happened. It doesn't have anything to do with Bill Clinton's sexuality. Containing Saddam and letting his own people take care of that problem was probably the way to go there. Perhaps Clinton understood that better than G.W. Bush. GW's dad certainly understood that very well. This is the problem.....people don't know their history; even recent events, much less 19th or 20th century political affairs. I reckon they are too busy keeping track of somebody else's sex life, sucking up to the talking heads on TV, and believing the vulgar commentary on the radio to really take the time to understand what is up and what is down. This is killing us and we are dying as a nation. Look at the divisions these people have created. I say, Joey, or anyone else who feels the way he does, let us leave this division behind us. Let us unite for strength, freedom, and peace. Let's take care of our own and leave the voyeuristic need for adventure to the private sector. We are Americans. We are better than this.
Posted by: Cyrus Clarke | August 26, 2007 5:38 PM
I remember the Republics 'swift boated' Max as unpatriotic and a coward. His opponent never served, BTW.
Also, Ann Cooter claimed some of his injuries didn't count because they were non-combat and he had had a beer before hand. Tried to pitch him as a drunk. These injuries happened on a helo pad. He saved some guys there I think. Anyway, the military decided he deserved some medals. Don't think they are liberal. According to the Cons, everyone in the military is a Republic.
These people have no shame.
Posted by: C.Morris | August 26, 2007 7:43 PM
I want people like John D and Bruce to take a good look at the photo of former Senator Cleland, and then justify how Karl Rove could question his patriotism in the election campaign last year.
Posted by: BC | August 27, 2007 12:21 PM
Bruce cherry picks the words of Congressman Baird to make it appear that he supports pResident Doogie Howser's unnecessary war. Let's look at the actual transcript, shall we?
Tucker: We begin with the troop surge in Iraq. Brian Baird is a five term Democratic Congressman from Washington state. He voted against the invasion of Iraq and has maintained his opposition to the war ever since. That's a stance popular in his district. And yet after his latest trip to the Middle East, one of five, his opinion appears to be changing. Congressman Baird joins us now to explain. Congressman Baird, thanks for coming on.
Rep. Baird: Great to be with you again.
Tucker: So how has your last trip to the region changed your view?
Rep. Baird: Well, you know, this is my second trip in four months, and while there I visited throughout the region to Israel, Jordan, Palestinian territories, Egypt, and I have to tell you, I think we're making progress. When I spoke with the Generals, and the troops on the ground, and Ambassador Crocker, there's still a lot of challenges, but noticeable and important progress, and I think we need to try to work together to try to make this thing a success.
Tucker: I just want our viewers to be clear on one thing. You are not a raging neocon, you have not supported this war, you were against it from the beginning and you were until recently for a withdrawal of American troops. Is that right?
Rep. Baird: Well not quite right. I believe frankly that the invasion of Iraq was one of the greatest foreign policy mistakes in the history of the country and I still believe that. However, once we had made that commitment and were on the ground I've pretty steadfastly opposed a timeline for withdrawal. Recently our party put forward a resolution really aimed at making sure that the preparedness of our soldiers was not sacrificed for this war and I did support that. But I really believe what we need to do now is stop looking at backwards and look at where we are today. The fact is, this country is trying to rebuild from very difficult circumstances. Their police were disbanded, their military was disbanded, the civil government was taken apart, the infrastructure was destroyed, and the borders were left open. To expect any country to rebuild from that in three brief years is I think not realistic. We have a strategic interest in seeing that this mission succeeds, we have a moral responsibility to the Iraqi people and the region, and I think we are seeing signs of progress and it is worth letting Ambassador Crocker and General Petraeus have their time and breathing room to move their project forward.
Tucker: Well I agree with you completely, I think this was a tragic mistake from the beginning and the Bush administration's fault, but I don't want to see it get worse. I'm not a Democrat though, so I can say that without fear of getting howled off the stage, You by contrast are presumably beholden to Democratic voters and they disagree with you strongly.
Rep. Baird: Well I'm not sure all do and I think the thing I would say to them is look, what happens if we pull out. A couple of things happen. One, the Iranians expand their influence in the region. I don't think most Democrats like the notion of a fundamentalist theocracy running rampant in the region. The extremists on the ground in Iraq are the people who cut heads off of civilians and stone women to death for going to school. We don't want to leave that country to those people either. This is difficult, and one of the frustrations is that I don't think the administration has fully leveled with the American people. I know painfully well, that if we decide to keep troops on the ground for a longer period of time it will mean more American casualties and more lost US dollars, but I believe the outcome if we pull out precipitously would be far worse. And because of that I think the right course is to keep the presence on the ground probably through to next spring and then begin a gradual withdrawal. And I think it's also important to note that what we say and do here have real consequences on the ground in Iraq in terms of how we impact their efforts to resolve things politically and we need to be very careful with what we do.
WOW! TWO WHOLE DAYS in Iraq on a visit completely orchestrated by the Pentagon, and he sees the surge is now working!
What a guy!
Posted by: BC | August 27, 2007 12:30 PM