January 25, 2007

Ignoring the Gorilla

OK.    The State of the Union speech the president gave the other night was pretty good.  At least in terms of form.  In terms of substance, however nothing much was said.  At least nothing much most people wanted to hear.

The American people tuned to the State of the Union address partly to check out Nancy Pelosi, but mostly to find out   out exactly how the US was going to  get out of the Iraq  quagmire.  

What they got was something far different.

Basically Mr Bush  promised more of the same failed policy.  But now, in addition to US soldiers motoring around Baghdad getting themselves hit by RPGs, IEDs, mortars and small arms fire,  American soldiers will now find themselves becoming part of a local constabulary assigned to  mini-fortresses through the city.  And still taking fire via RPGs, IEDs, mortors and small arms fire.      This is the new 'clear and hold' policy.  This will have the effect of making duty in Iraq even more dangerous since small outposts are difficult to defend and are nothing more than sitting ducks for whoever wants to target them.  Anyone remember the Beirut barracks bombing?    Imagine a series of Beirut-like suicide bombings.  Which is exactly what is going to happen.

Yes, health care, immigration reform and similar issues are important, but most Americans want an exist strategy in Iraq but Mr Bush simply hasn't got any to offer.  

And the 360 KG gorilla is still out there, consuming lives and treasure in Iraq.

Posted  9:00 AM  PST

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