After quoting from some truly horrific links, Jeremy Brown at Michael J. Totten's blog blandly offers:
There's no denying that the current flareup in the fighting is disturbing to read about and is a horror for the people involved in it. But I don't see how anyone can deny that this is a struggle for the advancement of Iraq's future as a free, potentially democratic state. This is a struggle that we have every reason to hope will succeed and, I think, much justification for being cautiously optimistic about.
Of course I was not aware that anyone was denying that this viscious fighting is a struggle for Iraq's future. And while of course we have "every reason to hope," is such hope based on any sound evidence? Is it plausible? Is it reality-based hope? Or is it simply hope because there is little else?
Faced with what appears to be a continuing decline, I fear that George Bush will do exactly what he claimed Kerry would have done (had Kerry been elected): "Cut-and-run."
But Bush will not withdraw our troops in the (possibly defensible) best interests of Iraq but rather in the best interests of the GOP. The sop to our national conscience will be to allow virtually unlimited immigration to the USA for Iraqis who wish a safe-haven from Baath party fascists seeking to reestablish their dictatorship.
So I hope Iraqi food is good because I foresee -- and I do hope for their sake, more than ours, that I am wrong -- a lot of Iraqis emigres living here and making their way by running restaurants serving their national food (which is a traditional & honorable way for new Americans to start their climb up the economic ladder.)
From what I can tell, we suffered 400 casualties (including wounded who returned to duty) and took out 2000-3000 permanently, not counting any wounded who later escaped. If what is going on in Iraq is victory for the anti-government forces, I don't think they can stand much more victory. Even at the most generous of estimates, the last week has seen the enemy lose 10% of his forces and he has no replacements at hand for the bases in Fallujah so the remaining force is going to suffer heavier attrition in future.
I actually think we're doing pretty well.
Posted by: TM Lutas | Nov 23, 2004 at 01:22 PM
I agree with you
Posted by: Paul | Feb 05, 2005 at 09:52 AM
What is Iraq's favorite meal?
Posted by: Raelynn | Feb 24, 2005 at 05:40 PM