"You dont need a highschool diploma to figure out who is better of the two evils: American occupation vs Saddam occupation."

You mean like when Saddam used nerve gas against the kurds? You mean when Saddam filled in the gardens of eden to kill off the marsh arabs? You mean when Saddam...

Markham Iowa... I guess the people who live there don't get a highschool diploma because they drop out before history class...

Our enemies are now our friends. Whew, I was never expecting it to be so easy. That's so nice. Well, keep giving those Sunnis cash and weapons. So they'll keep being our friends. Wait a minute. Didn't the CIA give billions in cash and weapons to some other religious faction in Afghanistan in the '80's? They were our "friends" for a few years and now they are...any guesses? Ah, heck. Just believe what the government is telling us. It's a lot easier that way. The Sunnis are our friends. HOORAY!

We picked this fight when we elected Bush to office.  No matter how bad the taist is in our mouths about the goings on over there its time we except what we have done and follow through with it. Dems are using this as a platform to regain power in our country and this is very conderning to me as an american.  Why do we need to use the hearts and minds of our people in a game for power when we are sending our sons and daughters to do what we have clearly decided to do.  I pursonally support our troops and the job they are doing and though I do not support Bush I do beleive that we should see this through.  We are americans and if we do not do what we say we will do then who will?

What concrete proof is there that organized terror groups are becoming a non-issue in Iraq? Is it not likely or at least possible that we've now trained and armed an otherwise inferior adversary? Well armed groups that like teenage kids just waiting for mom and dad to leave so they can raid the liquor cabinet may still pose a very real threat. Boasting about turning points give me pause. "The Devil's greatest accomplishment was convincing the world he didn't exist."

You wonder how many times the White House can play this "We're just starting to turn this around and we can't stop now" card.  The answer, apparently, is "as many times as they damned well please."

It's bizarre and ridiculous that every time Bush's ratings fall, he just trots out the old "we're winning, don't let those liberals fool you, they just want to see us lose because they hate America" garbage and--boom!--instant jump in ratings.

Yet, one after another, these pronouncements of progress and success fall away like shuttlecraft booster rockets after serving the purpose of upping the ratings.  Six months later, they do it again.

DON'T YOU BUSH-LOVERS GET TIRED OF THIS?????  And, of course, when we get chased out of Iraq, as is inevitable, we know who you're going to blame--all the wrong people.

I wonder how many times we've reported "progress" in the same areas?  I'd like to know what progress the Iraqi Government is making.  We can patrol Baghdad for 24 hours a day with every Soldier in the Army, as long as we just give Iraqis handouts they are going to take it and not take any responsibility for themselves.  

If there are so many tough guy conservatives, why is the military having such a tough time recruiting and retaining troops???? Maybe they just talk the talk like Bush and Cheney! I would realy appreciate an answer on this one.

The most interesting, enlightening, and messed up read I've come across to date.  It’s a looooong read, but it’s worth it.

www.uruknet.info?p=35722

My favorite part is where corrupt contractors, despite evidence of an Excel spreadsheet detailing their blatant fraud, are declared innocent of defrauding the United States government because in actuality, they defrauded the CPA (Coalition Provisional Authority), which wasn't actually the US government.... despite the fact that the CPA was financed by the US government, and staffed by US governmental agents (Paul Bremer, et al). It reminds me of the recent logic Cheney used where his office isn't subject to oversight because it is not actually part of either the legislative or executive branches of government.

In the actual paper copy of RollingStone, there is a graphic that I saw: $12 Billion in US cash was shipped to Iraq, to the tune of 363 TONS. Of that $8.8 billion, or 266 tons are missing. This is on pg 68, under a pic of soldiers guarding a $30 million in a huge stack. Terrible.

Speaking of things missing from Iraq, I read a report that says a bunch of guns intended for the Iraqi police forces have been turning up in Turkey in the hands of the PKK (Kurdish seperatist forces). The Pentagon is sending over their head inspector guy to "figure out" how it happened.

So just to recap, Iranian weapons showing up in the hands of Shi'ite "terrorists" = Reason to go to war with Iran. American weapons showing up in the hands of Kurdish "terrorists" who are operating in Turkey and Iran = Unintended mistake.

Great job men.  I bet it is refreshing to hear those 3 great words.  It is my hope if we pull out like the defeatest democrats wants us to, when we get attacked here in the united states the first bombs hit on the people who are saying negative things about our troops and the united states.  Then perhaps this may get there attention if they are still alive.  Probably not.  The democrats would come up with another aimless comment how it is George Bush's fault that it happened even though he won't be president when it does.  Do you really think if Hilary Clinton becomes president they would blame her for being attacked like they did George Bush when we were attacked 9 months into his presidency.  Now come on.  The Dems would never do that. Actually the Democrats really are the emeny here.  Speaking of deaths.  We lost more people in the city of Detroit in one month 30+ then we did in Iraq in one particular month.  Perhaps we should pull all the citizens out of Detroit.  Actually the reason there are so many deaths in Detroit is they have a Democratic Governor.  What does the Democrats say about that.  Go ahead and put your spin on this one fools.

I have been to Iraq twice. Once as a soldier and once as a civilian. We are rebuilding alot of public health clincics, schools and getting electric and potable water to people who never had it before. So there is some postive things coming. All I can say is I voted for the past Democrat and I will vote outside of my Republican party again!
Support the Troops!!!!!

Geoff Pizii, you're playing the word game again about what a "win" means. You should know by now what it means and if you don't you're uneducated. Libs like you play this game everytime our military demonstrates success because success upsets you. Winning will be when multiple successes, politically and militarily, add up to more than the violence the terrorist can dish out. Iraq already has a Democracy but it won't survive without a decrease in violence. If you and your lib friends want to decide that any violence constitutes failure in Iraq then you also must conclude that the US is a failure.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for hearing good news about our boys overseas. My best friend and my brother will be joining them soon enough, so the more good news the better. But there is a wealth of historical examples that governments imposed on foreign nations do not work. They don't have the proper mindset, they don't think the same way we do. Even if we calm down the insurgents and train the police and build up three branches for them, it will collapse as soon as we leave. Iraq is not America, and our friends and family are dying to try and mold it that way.

y can't we relocate Iraqi people. that would be the ezest way to go about this all build safer places for them to live.I'm sure the ones that want to live in peace will go.and the ones that don't will stand and fight  but will have no place to hide.
give me the choise of staying in baghdad an being killed or moving down the road 100 mile to a safe haven that we built for them. I would be moving and I'm sure most would move also.
better to build something new then to try and rebuild something thats broken down and out dated.
that would decreased sectarian violence in a big way.

Let me shed some light looking at US from outside. I am neither muslim nor a party to middle-east conflict. There are two entities we are talking about here:
1. US as a nation we live in
2. US as a country with a foreign policy.

About no. 1: US as a nation is a great country for the people living inside it. Of course like any other country we have problems and lying politicians. Who cares about that. Its the people living in US are very tolrant and give a chance to others to speak.

About No. 2: US as a country with agressive foreign policy is a monster of course made so by our politicians. We never mind our own business. We tell everyone nice things but do completely opposite. For example, we talk about freedoms and democracy. And who are our allies, all dictators and kings and autocrates? We talk about human rights and who uses depleated Uranium bombs, of course us? We talk about state sponser of terrorism and who created Taliban and now Al-Qaida? Who bombs and breaks peoples houses in the name of security, we and Israel. when was the last time we or Israel gave a compansation for breaking and damaging someone's house? And we expect the others will UNDERSTAND.

Go outside of US and you will see what are policies are causing around the world. Until we elect leaders who have lived peacefully outside of US for a little bit of life, we will continue to have problems. I think only people sensible to be President to mend our mistakes in Foreign Policy now are Clinton or Barak and Ron Paul (not in any order). Gore would have been extremely nice one but he it too busy saving the fish that he does not care about people.

I've reached the point where I can't believe what anybody says about Iraq: not the media, not the military, certainly not the Bush Administration. Everybody wants to spin the numbers into their version of the truth. Consequently, I've stopped paying much attention to the war.

George Bush has caused the death of more Iraqis than Saddam Hussein ever did. Anyone who still believes the lies that this President continues to spew should be the ones joining the military and putting their lives on the line to spread American Imperialism!

It really pains me to read some people's comments regarding the war in Irak. How is it possible that  some of them warming their but in a sofa and supporting the insults spewed at our troops and their general.
Even more hearting is the negativ attitude of some snators, would be presidential candidate echoing the most ridiculous demands - "get our of Irak" How long did it take to get out of Europe, S. Corea, Cosovo. Short memory!! And 600,000 Americn sodiers died in WWII, 6MN Jews and about 20mn  Russians perished then. What a shame to forget what it takes to fight for a lasting peace nad human diginity. Wake up senators and their suporters....

Oh, come on, we have to lose, success is not part of our plan to win back power in Washingtion.  Stop reporting any success.  Repeat after me, we are losing, we have lost, surrender now, surrender now!!!

There has been precisely one suicide bomber in the last several days since the release of AQI's video proclaiming they had 'defeated the U.S.' in Iraq.  The past tense is key.  It can be taken as a Orwellian explanation that Al-Qaeda is moving on to other places (like Pakistan).  While it doesn't end the Iraqi conflict (especially with Shia militia), that tape might prove to be AQI's white flag.

Not that the Democrats would celebrate this, and that is what is truly sad and disgusting.

#1 american loser...we have more oil in this country than all middle east combined...if we were just in it for the oil...it would be easier to slap you and your liberal morons in the head and start drilling...read a book or 2 and you will be better informed to speak...

If you are in the military or have a loved one in the military I truly respect your sacrifice. If not and you are supporting this war, I would like to know what you are doing to support it besides putting a little ribbon on your car ( I Support The Troops) What is your personal sacrifice to the cause that you whole heartedly support?

This has far less to do with "Bush loving" then it does with hate. Hate of Republicans, Democrats, and America’s support of Israel, our religious freedoms, and the fact we are considered a “conservative” nation based on Christian values and ideals. How many realize that until recently, we were the largest exporters of Christian missionaries in the world. Let’s just step back a moment and consider a few other things:

A) Let’s take the Europeans. They seem to have forgotten a few important history lessons; Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, The Baltic’s, just to mention a few. How many millions of civilians, not to mention soldiers, were killed by those regimes? How many were killed outside of actual wars? Our losses to date can’t match how many died under those regimes in a single year of their ruling, maybe even a single month. They seem to have forgotten the American lives and money it took to give them back peace, freedom, and rebuild those countries? If it had not been for The United States, Europe would be a Nazi-Fascist ruled dictatorship, as well as the Middle East, Plus I am sure there would have been a race or two completely wiped from history. (The Jews, The Blacks, to mention a couple, Even the Arabs might have been eventually wiped out.) It seems that the Europeans have overly short memories, and little sense of right and wrong. Too many here use Europe’s values as a base line, Europe is a cesspool and going down fast, Period! Promoting hate, Anti-Semitism, and a general lack of respect for life and others. No, Europe has never been a standard for this country. Europe has always been at the core of many of the worlds problems, ask our forefathers.

B) How about Saddam Hussein, How many civilians were killed by him during peacetime. How many soldiers died in the conflict with Iraq? And let’s not forget all of the Chemical and biological “toys” he played with, both on Iran and his own people. While we are certainly not perfect, we are no-where near that level of whatever you want to call it. I highly doubt we will be in my lifetime at least.

C) What about the Iraqi People? Those opposed to this war seem to forget that when these people have been asked on the streets, in the public squares, even though our troops have made some bad choices and mistakes, they are still glad we are there! They know what it is to live under a dictatorship. They understand the sacrifice it takes for real freedom. They know if we leave now, they will loose everything they have gained. Does anyone in this country really understand what it is to live each day in fear for your life? In fear that if you said the wrong thing, you and/or your family might be killed or maimed? Doubtful. The Iraqi people aren’t rejecting our presence, nor is the Iraqi Government, with all of its flaws. It comes from outside sponsored groups, influenced by countries and organizations that want Iraq to be an Islamic regime, with no religious freedoms, no political freedoms, no women’s rights, nothing. (Now here lies a puzzle, where are all of the woman’s rights movements in this argument, and why are they not standing on the side of securing woman’s freedom against such tyranny?)

D) How many of you are aware of the Nazi influence in that area from almost a century ago? Few I Suspect. Shortly after WWI, but well before WWII, (Early to Mid 1920’s) The Nazi fascist party began sending envoys to the Middle Eastern Governments. Their goal: Persuade those governments not to allow German Jews to move there. Many of the teachings about the Jewish people told in the Arab worlds today began with the Nazis, Like how they sacrifice their own children for Passover, etc. With Nazi support and weapons, the Arabs of the region begin terrorizing and killing Jews. Prior to that point, Arabs and Jews had lived peacefully together. It was that same Nazi influence in this country that caused our rejection of countless applications by German Jews to move here prior to WWII. Thus when Hitler came to power, many Jews were stuck in Germany and Europe. They could go nowhere. Today, whether we like it or not, we are still fighting that Nazi influence both here and abroad. This is where much of the current hate by the Arab nations towards Israel and the Jewish people comes from. If there were no other grounds, wouldn’t human decency demand our involvement? Hatred, bigotry, and Anti-Semitism are huge problems, not easily overcome. But much of it today is rooted in ignorance and lies, pushed by Islamic regimes and anti-Semitic groups, not the U.S. Government.

E) Now that we have a couple of points covered, has anyone considered how Iraq would be the perfect location to launch an attack against Israel? I am sure many terrorist groups and their sponsor countries have. Listen to their politicians and leaders; Listen to the hatred for Israel and the Jewish people in their words and voices! Listen to that desire to wipe the Jewish people from existence. (And anyone who supports Israel, a.k.a. America!)

F) If this country (These United States) is so horrible, as our media suggests and hints at, then why is it the most desired country to live in? Does Europe have an issue with illegal immigrants like we do? Do they have the masses so large wanting to enter their countries that their governments can’t keep up with the paperwork?  Our country is not perfect, because we as individuals are not perfect. As far as our troops go, they are only human. They are bound to make mistakes. To listen to some of you, one would think that our Government, politicians, and military leaders do nothing but plan how to start and keep wars going. Obviously that implies our soldiers kill innocent civilians for sport. Get real.

G) As far as this war is concerned, The facts do not support our pulling out yet. We are not loosing because our troops are in the wrong, we are loosing because our own hearts are in the wrong, and have been from Vietnam era. No one loves war or the idea of the innocent dying. And no one wants to die, but this relentless hatred of our military and our government in my book, is wrong, and ungrateful!

H) The Draft: There are pluses and minuses. Here are some plus points I see to consider. Prior to the termination of the draft, how populated were our prisons? Today we are facing an epidemic in that area. How about the numbers of youth in gangs, violent offenders, not going anywhere in they’re lives. Don’t think I am advocating we create an army of killers. But there is something to be said for being in the military. While it does not make us perfect, it does instill a sense of right and wrong more and more missing in our society and homes. It gives many the direction they don’t have now in their lives. While a draft is often looked at for military reasons, it may well be the one thing that can save our current generation from itself. If you are drafted, how much time will you have to join street gangs? Organized crime? Really: what percentage of our soldier’s end up in prison compared to the general population? Few. Yes there are the unfortunate individuals who chose badly and commit crimes, some violent. And then there are those who “loose it”. But these are rare cases, and not the norm, although to listen to our media these rare cases are actually epidemics. Let’s keep things in prospective. For the most part what is learned in the military can be one of the greatest things any man (or woman) can gain in their life, and I am not talking about killing. I am talking about respect, loyalty, honor, discipline, hope for a better future, working with others, installing a sense of pride in ones accomplishments, in seeing the result of a job well done, learning to help others, realizing your full potential, your talents, education, etc. Talk to someone who has been enlisted. These ideals have been instilled. And even though a soldier is first trained to kill, how many do you meet that do not have a better appreciation for life, and the lives of others. One cannot argue that those who come out of the military are not some of our best citizens. Think of all of the good contributions that our veterans have given us.  Yes, some make bad choices, but far less percentage than those who don’t join. I have one brother out of four who was in the Marines. The difference between him and my other brothers is stunning. I only wish they had all made that choice.

I) In this instant information age what we know, our adversaries know. Each time our media blabs about strategies, or that the citizens here want to pull out, or any of a thousand other negatives on the war, those who wish us harm hear it too. They can read, watch the news, etc. For those who have it in their minds that we should know all about what is going on there, think again. There have been points in this war, The Vietnam War, our intelligence gathering, Our troop actions, deployments, Etc, that our own media has become an informant to the enemy. Tying our government in knots, dividing our nation, and giving those who wish us harm hope they can defeat us or at least cause us more pain, even giving ideas over special reports and news casts of what the enemy could do that would hurt us even more. Constant pole taking, promoting negative opinions, telling us nothing, but our enemies a lot. This constantly ties the hands of our own troops and increases their chances of being killed. Our own “freedom of the press” may well be our biggest enemy. I am not advocating it be revoked, but I am advocating some common sense from these writers and publishers. It is the abuse of that privilege that harms this country, our chances of victory, our hope for peace, and the return of our troops sooner rather than later, more than anything. Writers so bend on pushing their twisted views and opinions thru “news” stories. Without really considering the long-term effects. A famous line from WWII summed it up perfectly: “Loose lips sink ships!”

One last thought; being our country and government are so terrible, have any of you considered moving to a better more tolerant country, say Iran? Doubtful. How is it there are those who scream and make this country sound like it is a dictatorship worse than Iran, and then not move there? The reality is that most would not want to live anywhere else. Seems a bit Hippocratic to me (Oh, Wait, I forgot about Canada, See ya!) We should be far more thankful for the freedoms we have compared to so many others, and far less self-serving in our thinking. I heard once, that when our troops entered Iraq, a woman in an Iranian restaurant was overheard saying: “Finally, we can only hope we are next.”

That sums it up perfectly.

G -Minnesota

>>It is my hope if we pull out like the defeatest democrats wants us to, when we get attacked here in the united states the first bombs hit on the people who are saying negative things about our troops and the united states.<<

Only someone as sick as you would hope for something like that.  The problem with your...uhhhh...logic...is that it means we must stay in Iraq forever or they will somehow come over here and attack us.  Not only is that pathetically unrealistic but we weren't occupying any country when 9-11 went down.  We've given them MORE reasons to attack us now so if it happens, it is George Bush to blame because he caused it by stirring up so much hatred for us and also because it would mean he lied through his teeth about making American safer.

>>Then perhaps this may get there attention if they are still alive.  Probably not.  The democrats would come up with another aimless comment how it is George Bush's fault that it happened even though he won't be president when it does.<<

He's still responsible because he started this mess in Iraq.  He is responsible for that war no matter how long it drags out and no matter how badly it will end for us.

>>Do you really think if Hilary Clinton becomes president they would blame her for being attacked like they did George Bush when we were attacked 9 months into his presidency.<<

I don't know and neither do you.  What's hilarious about your statement is that you are already predicting Hilary Clinton will be the next president.  What's the matter?  Don't have faith in the republicans to varry the day?  And why is that?  Might it be because they backed an idiot who was botched an occupation in a major way?  Or is it because they seem more interested in taking bribes, soliciting sex in public restrooms or lustily chasing pageboys around with their tongues hanging out?

>>Now come on.<<

Yes, come on.

>>The Dems would never do that. Actually the Democrats really are the emeny here.<<

The enemy are people like you too stupid to know we're all in this together and if you don't like being in same boat with us then either get out or work with us to find a way out the situation (personally, I'd rather you just get out).

>>Speaking of deaths.  We lost more people in the city of Detroit in one month 30+ then we did in Iraq in one particular month.  Perhaps we should pull all the citizens out of Detroit.  Actually the reason there are so many deaths in Detroit is they have a Democratic Governor.  What does the Democrats say about that.  Go ahead and put your spin on this one fools.<<

We don't have to since you've just spun it for us.  You list yourself as being from Arizona.  I LIVE in Detroit and you, dir, do not know what you are talking about.  Don't you think you should live in a city before you attack it?  After all, we here in Michigan do not a have small cities like Phoenix crawling with a half-dozen serial killers aT the same time.

What's that?  I don't know jack about Arizona?  I know as much about it as you do Detroit.

There is an old saying that you believe only what you want to believe--regardless of facts.  To paraphrase President Lincoln "If you don't believe me all the angels in heaven on my side will not change your mind".  I choose to believe we are better off keeping the terrorists occupied in the Mideast rather than cutting and running and letting the terrorists re-assemble in other parts of the world--namely, here in the USA.

As A US Soldier I am getting sick and tired of all the armchair quarterbacks who think they know so much about Iraq. This includes both leadership and the American public. If you get your information on the news and think you know everything then you are sadly mistaken. The news doesn't show all the good stuff we have done in Iraq (ie: Building schools, hospitals, sewage cleanup, giving computers, school supplies and books) Most Americans have never even been to that region of the world, let alone into Iraq itself. So if the liberals of the world want to actually know what they are talking about when they rant and rave against the Best Country in the world and how bad we are. Then get off the couch, lace up your boots and get on a plane because I want to see how liberal you are after that first round goes by your head. That is if you are lucky and it misses you.

Send all the nay sayers to Iraq, why with their mouths alone they'll conquer anybody, anything. If you think this world is bad, just wait until you see the one coming if your attitude holds. Bummer.
You hope to hell our men prevail, otherwise life is going to get worse for everyone. Can you grow a beard and act stupid? Your part way there already.

A knowledge of history is good, and factual reporting is good.  Best is supporting our troops once an action is committed to.  But in the very long historical run, I believe we must consider that the world must get past it's tendency to solve matters with such destructive tactics as war, which waste such immense amounts of humanity and it's cultural accomplishments.  We must learn non-forceful diplomatic skills that are peacefully conversational.  Even our reporters [and college presidents] get so contemptuous right from the start that we begin from before the beginning of every major and minor step, to drift toward violence instead of peace.

clearly, if we leave Iraq the whole place will go to hell.  The 'good' people of Iraq are tired of their own women and children being killed, NOT by American troops, but by insurgents...so called Muslims. Surge on!  It's working!  
 To think that this war can be won or lost is not the question,  it's some sort of stability and security in a place that has been living in the past for far too long.
 The Democrats will have us all wearing burkhas if we let them. If we and our allies don't secure some kind of control in that area we might as well start building bomb shelters, cause it's going to rain nukes.   The Dems would like us to negotiate. Maybe they will try to negotiate with the insurgents and all get beheaded. This is how they negotiate.
I support our troops. I don't think Bush has done the best job, seeing how his advisors have twisted the truth to him, but I support the war on the scum that took down our security and freedom on 9-11. Someone has to stand up to them.  As usual, the Americans are the only ones witht the guts. If the Dems win, then we will go down in history as cowards. Guess we could do well to stand at our own borders and stop the wave of illegal immagrants, who are cover for the insurgents (the real enemy) coming into this country with dirty bombs in hand. Ready for that,all you bleeding heart liberals?  

I agree that there have been and will continue to be a lot of bad things happening in Iraq. But for those of you who say that nothing good is happening or ever will happen over there, you should read this. http://www.michaeltotten.com/archives/001517.html

Please review General Westmoreland's comments about how the Vietcong were a defeated force, on the run, etc. right before the Tet Offensive in Vietnam.  Please be skeptical about military statements not backed up by independent reporting.  Just as in Vietnam we are trying to impose a military solution to a civil war - and if we continue the result will be the same: a Republican president pulling out and blaming everyone except himself.

I hope and pray for the success of America and all those willing to give their all.  We are currently living in China teaching English, hoping that this is an opportunity for understanding to happen little by little. When some students say they like Americans but don't like their government. I tell them "Americans are the government!" I believe what we are doing in the world is for the good of the world...certainly a whole lot better than what our enemy wants!!! Go American Forces and all who are standing up willing to give their all for others. God bless America and I pray for her success and for her leaders to continue to be good (not perfect- but desiring to be the best they can)men and women. Those who critize our God-fearing leaders to the extent that some do....I say "he who is without mistakes in his life, let him cast the first stone."

We know the so called "surge strategy" includes US use of terrorist methods such as "baiting" innocent Iraqis by tempting them to pick up "potential harmful devices to the US forces" and then shoot them. We know ie. from 2004 that the US "succeded" in Fallujah by destroying the city and its habitants. We all should know by now that the US only measures progress in dead Iraqis. It is Vietnam over again - you save a city by obliterating it! Let us not be fooled by mainstream headlines - we know better than that!

Before the U.S. invasion in 2003, all of Baghdad had an average of only one murder per month. Last month they still averaged no less than 4 per day. I hope Republicans everywhere burn for this invasion for oil. It is truly obvious that the "compassionate conservatives" are real axis of evil. Any of you ignorant hicks ever READ the bible? You know, the parts where Christ is talking. Lines like "You turn the other cheek" These things sink in at all? He as a Pacifist!!! You went to war in his name!! See you all in HELL

al-Qaida in Iraq wow, just remember there was no al-Qaida in Iraq before we showed up.  Be nice to us Americans or we will bring democracy to you.

God bless the United States military!  To all of you idiots who do not support them, or the mission in Iraq, you really need to step back and look at the situation.  Are the Iraqi's better off than they were under Sadam's rule?  The answer is ABSOLUTELY, we here in the US have the right to speak out against our government, women have the right to get an education, to vote, to live our lives without the fear of being imprisoned, or executed.  Last time I checked Pres. Bush did not have any son's with torture chambers where he was raping women and torturing citizens because they were of another religion than he was.  I do not recall a time when he used a nerve agent on anyone because they were protesting him. Our worst fear from our government right now is that if we call a region known to support terrorism, our calls may be monitored, how horrible!  The majority of the Iraqi's support the American troops, and are grateful that for what they have done. but you dont hear about that, because the media knows that good news doesn't sell.  

"Good job" to the troops in Iraq - our country is indeed proud of your efforts.  For all you whiners who oppose our action, Baghdad is waiting for you.  

It is unfortunate that war exists but sometimes, it is the only language certain people understand.  If we must fight, then let's get it on do it right.  More of our people are killed becasue we try to restrain the military than for any other reason.  As far as this administation's lack of an exit strategy is concerned, I would suggest the exit strategy Truman used to get out of Germany and Japan after World War II but we are still there.  Ditto for Korea.  The only place where we had an exit strategy that actually worked was in a place called Viet Nam.  Do we really want to follow that plan?

This is such a dumb war....Id rather pay social security so that in 30 yrs when I retire there arent revolutionaries with pitchforks on the white house lawn...

Wait!? Have we found the WMDs? Oh that's right: There was and is no connection between Al Qaida and Sadaam Hussein. Anyone willing to admit that the WMD reason for invasion was wrong? Anyone?

When will we see that we need to get rid of the presedent we put in Iraq and His friend the leading insurgent and then we will see a change for the better
and install a democrat senator as pres from N.Y.

I greatly appreciated the comments from those able to see Iraq in the historical prism of the last 100 yrs, & who understand that none of us would be sitting in our easy chairs pushing keys if not for those good men who paid the price by confronting tyranny and oppression.  WWII took 6 yrs, the Cold War 40 yrs, and Vietnam was winnable (and justifiable when you consider the 30-40 million people executed & starved by communist regimes)until Americans lost their backbone. The War against Islamic extremism won't be won just by killing terrorists. We must give young Islamists something to live for to counter what they're taught in their madrassas. Political and economic freedom give you something to live for. Iraq can become the the beacon that shows the way for other Islamic countries.  But with all the moral relativism and multi-cultural garbage emanating from our universities and liberal media, I wonder if there are enough Americans with sufficient backbone and a functioning moral compass to understand that there really is evil that must be confronted in our day.

We can't defeat the effects of outside insurgents using temporary troop surges without securing Iraq's borders. It appears to me that the only way the US could stabilize Iraq, is to bring back the draft and send in 300,000 more troops. Should the US support this? And when we leave will it all start over again?

Just want to say a few things. First, I want to say THANK YOU for a job well done, to the service members that are inthe FRONT LINES doing their job as "ordered" by our 'President' and "Congress".

Second, Congress mainly the Democrates need to think of what they are doing to this country. They are dividing the country, instead of supporting what they have done back in 2003. "ORDERED" our military into a war without thinking about the consequences of what was about to happen. They hoped that the war would turn out like it did back during the first Gulf War but, it turned out that this time the soldier and other militia fought back this time.

Third, lets look at reality and lets the Generals that are on the ground make the decision as to when we should start preparing to deploy our military back to their home stations. Congress just because you went to see what is happening, you saw nothing, you spent a few days in country and I guess you are the right individual to make the decision. Wake up and smell the coffee, I would like for you (Congress)with no military background; to go and spend a tour (12 to 15 months) in Iraq or Afganistian now, you can help make a decision with the on the ground experience as to when the military should come back.

Do not let those people down, that we went to protect and liberate from a government that was killing their own people through "genocide" with nerve agents and other stuff.

If you can talk the talk and walk the walk then you have that right to speak up. If you have not been there Iraq, Afganistian or other wars and conflicts, how can you speak from experience. You do not know what it is like to fight for the Comrade that is fighting with you in combat.

If you want to talk the talk and walk the walk then enlist in the the Marines or Army, then you can talk all you want!!!!

Once again thank you for your service.

You can always tell who the Cowards are by their "lets run and hope no little children are ever killed by whoever takes over" attitude. The day some foreign tank shows up on their street somewhere in America is the day they holler "mommy dont let them get me" Im for nonviolence.

You know the difference between us and them. They would come to our country, kill everyone, take everything, show no compassion or mercy for anyone, then go home leaving charred debris while they continue chanting DEATH TO AMERICA. (ie 9/11)

We're stuck in the mud in Iraq only because we go by our Christian values that have guided MOST of our country's major war decisions. We try to help the innocent people in Iraq to have a better life.

The idiot liberals and media in our country would rather us leave the whole world alone and become victims of oppression ourselves here at home.

Stand up PROUD AMERICANS !!
We're doing the right thing to help the weak. We're not there to take their oil. Sometimes personal greed on my parts says maybe we should but we don't.

You "no-brainers" that rather sit around griping about those that try to make the world a better place MAKE ME WANNA PUKE !

So do you libs think your savior, your deity, your alpha and omega Hilly C is planning on pulling the troops out?  Hee Hee... See you in the healthcare line, comrades.

t. hill from Texas, thanks for responding...I am all for success, but at what cost? To achieve the things you say it takes to win will we must have the Iraqi government willing to work together to accomplish political reconciliation. This clearly has not been accomplished. Wasn't the surge intended to give them breathing room to work together? This did not happen. This requires heavy POLITICAL (not military)lifting on our part as well as the Iraqis. Bush certainly feels that ruling with guns and bombs is a much better way to win the hearts and minds of our fellow "democracy experimenters". All we have done by invading and occupying a sovereign nation is breed more terrorists. This will be our legacy.

R:
I don't have children in the war because they are to old. But as a parent who worships his kids(most of the time) it is not a stretch for me to put myself in their shoes. speaking for myself i can honestly say that we as parents raise them and go through all the things that happen with children as small as a scrape when they fall all the way to fighting and dieing in a war about ideals. These men and women may be of age to be men and women and no longer children are still CHILDREN TO US WE WOULD STILL WORRY ABOUT THEM DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM JUST COMING HOME FROM WORK AND OTHER THINGS THAT ALL PARENTS WORRY ABOUT. AND HERE THE PARENTS OF THESE FINE MEN AND WOMEN ARE HOME UNABLE TO GET TO THEIR KIDS IF THEY ARE HURT AND JUST TO SEE THEM AND LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY ARE THERE AND IT IS GOING TO BE FINE. The kids think you are crazy for treating them like children at their age but it makes the parents feel better just to hug them and see that they will indeed be fine.Any one who is a parent can easily walk in a soldiers parents shoes.All parents for the most part feel the same about their kids. they are the best and brightest and best looking children in the world (even if they are born with three eyes)they are still the best looking on the planet.That's what parents do.And for you to say that if you have no children in the war you have no place supporting it is JUST WRONG. No one likes war and no one likes to see other peoples kids hurt or worse. ALL THE PEOPLE THAT WERE MURDERED IN THE TOWERS WERE SOME BODY'S KIDS TOO.And to let the Animals that did this think for a moment that they can COME HERE AND DO WHAT THEY DID TO SOME BODY'S KIDS AND GET AWAY WITH IT IS JUST INSANE. IT IS NOT WHO WE ARE AS A PEOPLE, YOU CANNOT JUST COME HERE AND DO THIS TO 3000 AMERICAN FAMILIES AND JUST WALK AWAY WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY FOR
IT.This country still has the ability and will to defend it's people any where anytime it has to.Yes you have the ANTI WAR CROWD THAT ONLY WANTS THEIR RIGHT TO DISSENT AND THAT'S FINE. BUT YOU STILL HAVE A GREAT NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT FEEL THAT "THE RIGHT TO DISSENT IS NOT FREE" THERE IS A PRICE TO BE PAID AND SADLY THE ONES TO GO OUT AND COLLECT ARE THE ONES WHO COMPLAIN THE LEAST.YOU SAY WITH OUT CHILDREN IN THE WAR WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO SUPPORT THE WAR AND I SAY THAT IF YOU ARE WILLING TO LET 3000 FAMILIES GO ON WITHOUT JUSTICE FOR THE PRICE THEY PAID AT NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN IS COLD. YOUR IDEA OF THIS IS THAT IT DID NOT TOUCH YOU OR YOUR FAMILY SO IT MEANS NOTHING TO YOU. BUT WERE THE VICTIMS OF 9/II YOUR FAMILY YOU WOULD WANT ALL THE JUSTICE IN THE WORLD AND MORE.WE AS A NATION ARE A FAMILY, YEAH WE ARGUE ABOUT WHAT FOR THE MOST PART IS NONSENSE BUT THE OLD SAYING IS "MESS WITH ME MEANS YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY"AND I MAY NOT BE RELATED TO ANY OF THE SOLDIERS IN THE FIELD BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT I HAVE NO FEELING FOR THEM OR THEIR FAMILIES.UNLIKE THE PEOPLE THAT THINK LIKE YOU, I SEE US AS A FAMILY AND YOU SEE IT AS "IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU" I HAVE A FAMILY AND YOU HAVE "YOU" WHICH ONE OF US HAS THE WRONG IDEA OF COUNTRY AND FAMILY.
 P.S. I WAS BORN IN ITALY AND CHOOSE TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY MINE AND THANK GOD FOR THIS COUNTRY (NOT AS OFTEN AS I SHOULD"BUT YOU TAKE IT FOR GRANTED"
I ALSO KNOW THAT THIS WILL NOT PRINT THIS BECAUSE IT WILL BE SEEN AS A PERSONAL ATTACK BUT IT IS MEANT AS AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT.

SO now we've got cholera in Bagdad, is that  winning the war on terrorism?  How can anyone ignore the catastrophic results of this war and subsequent occupation? When we as a people no longer are affected by the suffering that our 'NATIONAL" foriegn policy is directly responcible for, then we are as culpable as our government. This is beyond politics, it is a reflection of a nation... and personaly, how anyone could be proud of these developments is beyond me...

I never cease to be appalled by the comments of the arm chair generals who have never travelled to a 3rd world country. They believe that the rest of the world is like their safe little island in Iowa and that no one will ever bother to attack them there. Wake up before your family thinks Jihad is your uncle's name and your daughters face is masked in black. But then again, that might suite you fine since your mind seems to have preceeded the veiling of your women. America's troops, generals and President are doing an unprecedented job of keeping the United States a free and safe country. My son and his fellow soldiers are proud to serve their country, having freely signed the blank check we should all be willing to endorse. I feel for those who live under the misconception that a murderous, butchering dictator is better than the life that is coming to Iraq. But I guess you would have been disappointed in 1945 upon the report of another dictators demise and the new Europe that was birthed. Just what flag flys over your home and whose blood was spilled to purchase it?

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