…apparently the Anbar tribes have quit “playing both sides” and come down on the side of the US. What does that suggest about who tribes think is going to win? And why do they think that? Another commenter at Small Wars Council shrewdly understands, from the apparent progress in Anbar, that the correct interpretation of “changing the rules of engagement” doesn’t mean “taking the gloves off” but increasing the degrees of freedom that the commanders in the field are allowed to exercise. Mandatory severity may be just as damaging as compulsory leniency. Perhaps the real lesson of Anbar is to let men on the ground do what they think is right. But the real gem is buried in a link to the blog Talisman Gate, which relates how a Jihadi satellite TV station has gone from broadcasting Islamic Internet attack video to criticizing al-Qaeda.
Christopher Hitchens on the changing positions of Hillary Clinton – along with a handy primer for those hiding deep in the Iraq memory hole.
Smash thinks a political backlash is in the wind as anti-Murtha forces begin to organize.
John Hinderaker – “Apparently it’s a matter of policy at the Associated Press that President Bush be blamed for everything, so the reporter made up for McCain’s omission.”
Sam Johnson of Texas “was a pilot who flew something like 90 combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. He was shot down over North Vietnam and spent seven years as a POW, most of that time in solitary confinement. He returned to the U.S. in 1973 and was elected to Congress in 1991.”
Add related links in the comments.
We should all salute this gentleman. A true hero who has done his part to try to give us a better world.
Sam Johnson is a true vietnam hero and a hero of today’s troops…
John Kerry and John Murtha are not heros…nor are they men!
Liberals, watch the video and note what a real hero and man looks and acts like.
Why can’t Canada produce politicians of Sam Johnson’s integrity, vision, toughness and intelligence.
How do we end up with such mealy mouthed weeneies.
I believe this is why liberals/dippers hate the US., if Canada ever compares itself honestly with our best friends next door, the stark contrast becomes obvious.
The libs/dippers must demonize the US because arguments based on merit go favorably, for guys like Sam Johnson.
Absolutely right on the money!
**Without the Americans, the man said, kidnappers and killers who have terrorized Sunni Muslims in the Shiite-dominated area would resurface. Drawing his index finger across his neck in a slicing motion, he indicated what happened to Sunnis when U.S. forces were not around.**
But when U.S. Army Spc. Rany Grizz pressed the man for details, he encountered one of the most stubborn enemies facing American and Iraqi forces attempting to carry out the latest security crackdown in violence-racked Baghdad: Iraqis* paralyzing fear and distrust of virtually everyone, including the Iraqi army, their next-door neighbors and their own relatives… **
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No wonder, with Ahmadinejad*s well paid agents working through Al Sadr*s killer blackshirts, death walks everywhere, invisible, amoung the people. = TG
A US pullout from Iraq is immoral and more costly than enduring and doing the difficult but correct thing there.
Northern Iraq, [ the Kurds], are enjoying a vibrant life of freedom, prosperity and enterprise.
So too are Iraqis in areas other than Baghdad.
A US pullout would destroy these excellent people and their dreams.
The Kurds are a big population living mostly in Turkey but in many surrounding countries as well. They are currently the best friends the US has anywhere today.
A US pullout would turn this population into enemies of the USA on grounds of betrayal.
Kurds are the ideal loyal undercover agent for freedom in Iraq. With their help, there is real opportunity for *breaking* the Al Sadr death grip. = TG
Libs, Dems, Murtha followers ..
A US pullout would reduce these good people to dust.
[cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?channel=60Sunday]
tinyurl.com/4zr55
Is that moral? How can you justify that?
I*m reasonable. . . Convince me. = TG
What a contrast between Sam Johnson and John Kerry.
One spent seven years as a POW and has the strength and grace 34 years later to support those that are defending our freedom.
The other spends seven years diddling rich heiresses and manages to bring himself to tears by announcing that he won’t be reporting for duty at the White House.
Blair to Announce Iraq Withdrawal Plan
hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BRITAIN_IRAQ?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
A straight shooter with real grit, guts & graciousness.Topped with the gravey of integrity. Something both Republicans & Democrates can learn from.
After Kerry & his mini me Edwards, its good to see a real war hero. An honest to Goodness Man Instead of the usual political jelly fish.
Nice to see someone not politicising this. Frankly if you read the wire services. More bombs go off in East Asia from Muslims than even Iraq. Not including India, China, Russia. Including South America & of course Isreal.
Yet they (liberals /socialists) still see no problem in this or think its just a scattered problem by differentiated groups. Its denial on a cosmic scale.
If America pulls out, get ready for the darkness to decend with a quickness.A black curtain of inhumanity will cover the planet.
A big Amen to Sam Johnson for speaking out on the devistation done by the MSM joined by the snake oil politico’s of pork. The leftists who have never taken responsability for the millions dead at the hand of thier Religion of socialism. With fanatics of an earthly utopia run by Elites or a new aristocracy.
Man’s got…hmmm…Integrity, that’s it!
Yeah..thats the word!
excellent video and I encourage all here to share it extensively. it damn near had me in tears