Surge's Success Going Unnoticed

Weekly Standard: Progress In Iraq Should Be Media's Focus, Not Insignificant Blunders

(Weekly Standard)  This column was written by William Kristol.

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In order to preserve the cosmic harmony, it seems the gods insist that good news in one place be offset by misfortune elsewhere. It may well be that Gen. David Petraeus is going to lead us to victory in Iraq. He is certainly off to a good start. If the karmic price of success in Iraq is utter embarrassment for senior Bush officials in Washington, D.C. — well, in our judgment, the trade-off is worth it. The world will surely note our success or failure in Iraq. It will not long remember the gang that couldn't shoot straight at the Justice Department — or, for that matter, the antics of congressional Democrats — unless either so weakens the administration as to undercut our mission in Iraq.

Obviously, it's too early to say anything more definitive than that there are real signs of progress in Baghdad. The cocksure defeatism of war critics of two months ago, when the surge was announced, does seem to have been misplaced. The latest Iraq Update (pdf) by Kimberly Kagan summarizes the early effects of the new strategy backed up by, as yet, just one additional U.S. brigade deployed in theater (with more to be added in the coming weeks):

This "rolling surge" focuses forces on a handful of neighborhoods in Baghdad, and attempts to expand security out from those neighborhoods. . . . A big advantage of a "rolling surge" is that the population and the enemy sense the continuous pressure of ever-increasing forces. Iraqis have not seen such a prolonged and continuous planned increase of U.S. forces before. … The continued, increasing presence of U.S. forces appears to be having an important psychological, as well as practical, effect on the enemy and the people of Iraq. . . . [Meanwhile] in Ramadi, in the belt south of Baghdad stretching from Yusifiyah to Salman Pak, and northeast in Diyala Province, . . . U.S. and Iraqi forces have deprived al Qaeda of the initiative.

This sense of momentum is confirmed by many other reports in the media, and from Americans and Iraqis on the ground.

But back in Washington, congressional Democrats are still mired in the fall of 2006 and seem determined to be as irresponsible as ever. They're being beaten back — in part thanks to the fighting spirit of stalwart congressional Republicans. Last week, the Senate defeated a resolution that would have restricted the use of U.S. troops in Iraq and set March 31, 2008, as a target date for removing U.S. forces from combat.

On the same day, on a mostly party-line vote, the House Appropriations Committee reported out the Democratic version of a supplemental appropriations bill for the war. It was an odd piece of legislation — an appropriation to fight a war replete with provisions intended to ensure we lose it.

Here's what the Democratic legislation does, according to the Washington Post: "Under the House bill, the Iraqi government would have to meet strict benchmarks. . . . If by July 1 the president could not certify any progress, U.S. troops would begin leaving Iraq, to be out before the end of this year. If Bush did certify progress, the Iraqi government would have until Oct. 1 to meet the benchmarks, or troops would begin withdrawing then. In any case, withdrawals would have to begin by March 1, 2008, and conclude by the end of that summer."

Got that? Oh yes, in addition to the arbitrary timelines for the removal of troops, there's pork. As the Post explains, "Included in the legislation is a lot of money to help win support. The price tag exceeds the president's war request by $24 billion." Some of the extra money goes to bail out spinach farmers hurt by E. coli, to pay for peanut storage, and to provide additional office space for the lawmakers themselves. So much for an emergency war appropriations bill.

The legislation may collapse on the floor of the House this week. It certainly deserves to. Republicans can insist on a clean supplemental — no timelines to reassure the enemy that if they just hang on, we'll be gone before long, and no pork. They can win this fight — and if they do, combined with progress in Iraq, the lasting news from March 2007 will not be Bush administration haplessness; it will be that we are on the way to success in Iraq.

[zoroastor]

Ahh. I see. You take issue with my use of the present tense "AM".

I don't know any vets that don't still consider themselves a soldier. Clear it up?

[zoroastor]

Allopinion1,

As I've posted many many times, I retired after 18 years. I'm not sure where your confusion set in. I reread my posts, nothing is contradictory. Second, if you had read the entire thread, you would realize that I am making light of some of the whiney comments posted by some far right crybabies. As your comments are usually rational and thoughtful, I disagree with you, but it isn't aimed at you. As to it amusing you, I'm glad I could brighten your day, otherwise I couldn't care less.

Ajaxrose,
You would have noticed that this is a post that CBS ran in an effort to be balanced. It is NOT generated by CBS, and they are under NO obligation to run it at all. I would be greatly suprised if one of the bastions of the far right media EVER ran an article or story by a left leaning one. If you can think of an example of such, please post it. Who's fair and balanced?
Also, when this article was first posted by CBS, it was the top story in the opinion section. As it is editorial, and not news, that is the highest placement it can receive.

[ajaxrose1]

Of course it goes unnoticed. The only thing anyone hears about is what the STUPID, LIBERL, LEFTIST, SO-CALLED media reports, which is only the negative. I'm surprised this was even a story, but not too surprised by how buried it was. No congrats there, CBS.

[clemenhagen1]

The irony of our policy of course, is that the Iraq War has done nothing but strengthen our mortal enemy (Bush's view / not mine) the Iranians. We voice support for the Maliki government but shudder at the prospect of Shiite militias run amock. The Iranians received an invite from Maliki, not the U.S. It's now clear that our buddies, the Saudis have been funding and thus fueling the Sunni insurgency, though we conveniently blame it on al Qaeda. And now rumors have been flying about covert aid to Sunni radical elements (can you say al Qaeda) to foment full-blown regional war between the Shiites and the Sunnis. Remember Saudi Arabia's role in Iran-Contra? Remember Elliot Abrams' and John Negroponte's role in Iran-Contra? Remember that eight billion dollars "disappeared" during the early days of the Coalition Provisional Authority. All this time I merely thought they stole that money. Could be they've got even more devious designs than that. Eight billion in cash will fund a whole lot of terrorism, and the Saudis certainly have a track record. So do the current criminals running this show...

[anopinion1]

waaa - cry baby cry.
Things aren't going my way... Time to call someone a name. waa
My party is losing... Time to question someone's integrity and courage. Waaa
My party is getting caught doing just what the Democrates have been saying its doing all along... Time to jump up and down and stomp my feet and point my finger. Waaaa!
I've voted for and continue to support criminals. Time to deny, deflect and defend and then say it's all for national security. Waaaa!!!
I don't know what else to say to support my unsupportable position. Time to say the media lies. WAAAA!!!
Whiners. One and all.
Posted by Zoroastor at 04:46 PM : Mar 20, 2007

?? i thought you were an 18 year military man...
and what was with your other post. Are you still in the military or not????

This post sounds like something a 14 year old little girl would make. Coming from a 40 year old man it just makes me laugh.

[mcvet]

It's garbage like this that keeps the delusions of Bush alive. There has been and continues to be NO effort to a political solution in that nation. Sure we may be able to keep them apart for awhile. That will only mean that the bloodshed will me much worse when we are forced to leave and rest assured folks we WILL be forced to leave. We can not withstand this type of drain on our treasury with Social Security and Medicare coming due. The difference is we have trained their "Security" Forces and those forces will use that training in a fight with their fellow citizens. Then there's the regional tensions and differences. Iraq will give that a chance to bare itself. With the Sunni's backing their guys and the Shiite's backing their folks, it could be a long and bitter battle indeed. We have seen these periods where violence has been down before only to see it come back with a fury. If they are NOT talking, and they are not, we will not see an end to violence in the near future. We stand to lose so much here an gain NOTHING, because the distruction of their Country is already OUR fault.

[karlimhof]

Zoroastor

good description of "lieberpussy", my nickname for him is liebersissy.

he is for sure a professional provoker - i think his job is to stifle discussion.

i liked your piece and am of a like opinion - guys like you who've served have a mountain to say about what's going on.

[zoroastor]

superpatri18,

I logged off yesterday, lieberpussy, because, unlike you, I have a life outside of these threads. It wasn't that I was "afraid" or somehow unworthy to respond to your rapier wit. Of course you are a mental giant and a wordsmith of grand proportions, so you can understand my reluctance to enter into debate with the formidable likes of you.
As for proving my military background, I'd be glad to - In person. Somehow I doubt you'll take me up on that. Further, I suspect your military service consists of armchair generalling, Rambo movies and never having the Cahones to join yourself.
I support our troops. I served for a year in Iraq. I support them by wanting to get them home, safely. I support them by wanting to ensure they have the proper equipment necessary to do the job and do it safely. I support them by wanting to remove a commander-in-chief who is unethical, at best, and criminal.
No ONE, and I mean NO ONE in the democratic party wants to leave the troops high and dry. No one wants to risk their safety by "undercutting" them. We just want them out of this pointless, unwinnable, dangerous war. You are the one who wants to keep them in harm's way. You think the additional 2% pay increase soldiers may enjoy under a republican majority in anyway makes up for being on the front lines in Iraq, or being away from family for a year?
I would like to repeat my invitation to you to "show you my military credentials".

[bluestardad]

LIKE A PARASITE ATTACHED TO ITS HOST AIPAC NEOCONS PROMOTE ISRAEL AT ALL COST TO AMERICA WHILE HIDING UNDER OUR SECURITY!

WEEKLY STANDARD, WILLIAM KRISTOL AND THE NEOCON SELL OUT AMERICA FIRST GANG!

DO A LITTLE RESEARCH SOME OF YOU ARE SO STUPID IT IS A WONDER YOU CAN CROSS THE ROAD.

THESE GUYS HAVE CAUSED MORE DEATH THAN ANY WEAPON KNOWN TO MAN! IT IS TIME TO STOP THEM!

SEE HOW MUCH AIPAC INFLUENCES YOUR SENATORS VOTES ON IRAQ?

http://www.aipac.org/forms/join_aipacClubs.htm


Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN)
Allard, Wayne- (R - CO)
Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA)
Cochran, Thad- (R - MS)
Coleman, Norm- (R - MN)
Collins, Susan M.- (R - ME)
Cornyn, John- (R - TX)
Craig, Larry E.- (R - ID)
Dole, Elizabeth- (R - NC)
Enzi, Michael B.- (R - WY)
Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC)
Hagel, Chuck- (R - NE)
Inhofe, James M.- (R - OK)
McConnell, Mitch- (R - KY)
Roberts, Pat- (R - KS)
Sessions, Jeff- (R - AL)
Smith, Gordon H.- (R - OR)
Stevens, Ted- (R - AK)
Sununu, John E.- (R - NH)
Warner, John- (R - VA)

If you think Americas sacrifice is worth it contact your ELECTED OFFICIAL and tell them http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

The House Speakers email address: [e-mail]

[e-mail] Here is the Republican Party email address too!

[e-mail] Here is the Democratic Party email address also!

[bluestardad]

karlimhof; well spoken, They take refuge in America and promote Israel or Saudi Arabian Causes at the expense of America like a parasite that attaches to its host and eats its insides out while hiding in its protection.

[karlimhof]

This is your mentality, Lefties. The mentality of hate towards Jooz, Christians, and America in general. But you sure know how to tolerate ILLEGALS, Islamofascists (Pelosi, Murtha, Webb, et. al., want them to win),and froootcakes. That's your speed - a bunch of cowards and crybabies. Period.
Posted by superpatri18


This guy, lieberman18, liebersissy, now he's "superpatrioteer".

Allow me to define a "patrioteer":

"one who makes a blatant show patriotism, or who profits from it"

A perfect fit for a guy, probably a staffer for AIPAC or ADL, or the JDL - and getting paid to inject his false patriotism on line.

I wonder how much he get paid - by the hour or by line?

Anyway, his hot air and racism would serve him well back in the holy land - he's got the "right to return" and spanking new israeli passport to boot. The return of the profligate son, ready to kill all the naziislamofacists - go home lieberman and take your uncle joe with you.

[book54552134]

Any minor advances in stability in Iraq are coming too little, too late.
It's not as if the Bush Administration was not provided an ample opportunity to get it right. The problem is that, because of incompetence, arrogance, or some other reason, they have failed, quite utterly.

[jsilver2th]

Just like Lyndon Johnson said, the boys will be home by Christmas....

Some where over the rainbow....

[jsilver2th]

William Kristol: "...undercut our mission in Iraq."

Now what is our mission in Iraq again? I mean this week....

[bluestardad]

Bush is playing all of us for suckers! He is supporting al Qaeda in Lebanon with funds from Iraq! The recently resigned terrorist Czar ask for a demotion to deputy Secretary of State Because he did not want to be tangled up with another Iran Contra style Funding Fiasco that is going on in Lebanon. While you are at it Can the Democratic Leadership really deliver on getting America out of Iraq as America wanted November 7, 2006? Here is the stream read it yourself!

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/070305fa_fact_hersh

[bluestardad]

Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahaf (Baghdad Bob)

"Do not be hasty because your disappointment will be huge," al-Sahaf is quoted as saying in early 2003. "You will reap nothing from this aggressive war, which you launched on Iraq, except for disgrace and defeat." "We will embroil them, confuse them, and keep them in the quagmire," he said later, adding that "they cannot just enter a country of 26 million people and lay besiege to them! They are the ones who will find themselves under siege."

[superpatri18]

oxmyx,

obviously your posting was directed to the guy who calls himself bluestardad.

That is, if you were making any sense, unlike your call name...

As for "one of those soldiers" - still, no reply. Go figure. If he were one, especially in a volunteer army, he'd be outraged at Princess Nan and crew trying to undercut him and his fellow soldiers.

But continue to bash Bush and blame him for everything except Anna Nicole Smith or Britney Spears (or is that next?) and don't say a word about Pelosi or the other traitors.

All money for our troops - none for the traitors and cowardly Democrats in Congress. Nor for the ILLEGALS they want in our cities and towns.

[superpatri18]

prove the pudding zory...

If you are indeed one of the troops then if anyone should be outraged at the behavior of the traitor Dems, it should be you.

Let the surge work if you are indeed an American soldier. If you echo those who urge defeat and cut and run, not only will you eventually have to fight them someplace else, Iran maybe, or the streets of Western European, or even here - you will be no better than the cowards and neo-nazis who continually post here.

If you are indeed a soldier in our armed forces, I sure pray for those serving alongside you.

[zoroastor]

waaa - cry baby cry.
Things aren't going my way... Time to call someone a name. waa
My party is losing... Time to question someone's integrity and courage. Waaa
My party is getting caught doing just what the Democrates have been saying its doing all along... Time to jump up and down and stomp my feet and point my finger. Waaaa!
I've voted for and continue to support criminals. Time to deny, deflect and defend and then say it's all for national security. Waaaa!!!
I don't know what else to say to support my unsupportable position. Time to say the media lies. WAAAA!!!
Whiners. One and all.

[zoroastor]

superpatri18,

I AM one of the troops you claim I'm undermining.

And there you go whining... proving my point.