Little Consensus On Surging Troop Levels

Panels Criticize Iraqis' Abilities To Secure Themselves, But Offer Varying Opinions On U.S. Role Going Forward

(CBS/AP)  "That raises questions, which I hope the commission will address, as to why more Iraqi units should not be given the lead responsibility that they are capable of now," he added.

The study found that the Iraqi military, in particular its Army, shows the most promise of becoming a viable, independent security force with time.

Worse off is the Iraq police force; the study describes them as fragile, ill-equipped and infiltrated by militia forces.

Jones' panel recommended scrapping Baghdad's national police force and starting over.

At the Pentagon yesterday, Maj. Gen. Sherlock said that the U.S. military does not believe the Iraqi national police should be disbanded but acknowledges that getting the Iraqi army up to speed will take time.

Sherlock urged reporters not to draw conclusions on the stream of Iraq studies released in recent days until next week.

And at a House hearing on "Next Steps in Iraq" today widely varying opinions were heard.

Retired Army Major General John Batiste described the current situation as a "lose-lose" situation, and that the surge coming "too little, too late" was merely a minor reinforcement for an Iraqi government "incapable of stepping up."

"At worst, the surge has had little affect on countrywide violence," Batiste said. "At best, Iraq is in a holding pattern dependant on the U.S. military to control the violence. This is a no-win situation."

"We are seeing the myth of Sisyphus being carried out again and again."

Retired Gen. John Keane said that what he witnessed during a two-week visit to Iraq was that security was beginning to improve.

"In terms of quality life issues, things have changed," Keane said. "When I talk to Iraqis, they don't want us to go."

Keane disagreed with the benchmarks being used to measure success. "I think the national benchmarks are unrealistic," he said. "We browbeat the Iraqis into these benchmarks. I think some patience has to be shown."

In the face of a flurry of government reports criticizing the level of progress in Iraq on many levels, Pentagon spokesman Major General Richard Sherlock similarly asked for patience until Gen. Petraeus' and Ambassador Crocker's presentation next week. "I think they will bring in a variety of different factors into that assessment," he said.

Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., seemed to have little patience: "Standing down only after Iraq is ready to stand up seems to be a recipe for an unending Iraqi occupation."

[starleo146]

Posted by toldyouso21 at 09:27 PM : Sep 06, 2007
OH Toldyouso how I do love your Post did you hit this or what I just get so frustrated how no one can seem to squelch this man''s propaganda maybe we need to hire a add agency Haaaa.

[starleo146]

Posted by starleo146 at 11:32 AM : Sep 08, 2007

TO ADD to this comment this is more Patriot Act enforcement and Bush adversaries trying to squelch the American voice. There will be a March on Sept 15 in Wash. D.C. so that should prove interesting. I think each and every American should exercise there right to speak in any form and a big turn out will tell Bush something and the congress so lets hope a lot will turn out.

[starleo146]

Earlier in the week, mounted DC police charged a group of reporters at a press conference held by organizers of the September 15 protests against the occupation of Iraq. Tensions between city officials and organizers have been particularly ugly, and there have been a number of outrageous attempts to kill the demonstration -- to squelch Americans'' right to speak out on the most important matters of the day. If you can, please get to DC next week, join the march and send a message that this type of thing is not acceptable.

-Joshua Holland

[prinzowhales]

The best thing to do here would be to recess the joint House Foreign Services and Armed Services Committee meeting and flog them...and, after pouring alcohol on their wounds, reconvene and have them discuss impeachment proceedings against the vile, lying dogs in the Washington Regime who launched the Stupid Peoples'' War in violation of the Nuremburg Principle against wars of aggression.

I understand Osama is going to issue a new video for 9-11 and has dyed his beard for the occassion. "Vanity, vanity..." One would think he would have other things on his mind, straggling about Afghanistan/Pakistan, trailing his dialysis machine behind him...It is good to remember the alleged Islamic terrorist, Mohammed Atta, the alleged leader of the 9-11 attacks...

...He moved jauntily towards martyrdom in a bar where his party left a Koran after drinking heavily. He received $100,000 from the Pakistani General who headed ISI and was breakfasting with Senator Graham as the 9-11 operation took place. Atta''s father claimed he had heard from his son after the attack...obviously, one of the 70 virgins he was rewarded with for his deed had a pre-paid cell phone that could operate on "Roam" in the hereafter.

[toldyouso21]

Funny how no matter the misgivings or nay sayers on both sides for Bush''s war--they all still sit back and just do whatever he says--in the way he wants it. Defend him and lie and die for him when they know he is wrong, cajole and give in to him when they know they are right. talk about balless and spineless.

...And How Can this Be? For he IS the SWISATZ HADERACH. (NOT.) LMAO