Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Mark, Chicago, IL — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:58:17 GMT

I understand the war is unpopular and post invasion has been dreadful but the Iraqi people need us now as much as ever, if we abandon them as we did repeatedly during the 90's it will be a very big blow to our country's image as a supporter of struggling, aspiring democracies. Let's leave the fighting of battles and military strategies to military minds, not people who write news articles for NEWSWEEK and other outlets who continuosly cry for us to leave Iraq but offer ZERO honest analysis of what would happen afterwards. I really fear for this country when the media presents such shallow and shortsighted debates and instill that process onto the public debate. Keep our countries long term priorities in mind and remember while we help Iraq's aspiring Democrats that it is al Qaeda, the Shiite death squads, the Iranian death squads, Saddam holdovers and foreign jihadis who are the bad guys, NOT America, not George Bush, not the troops in Iraq and not the elected government of Iraq.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jean MacGregor, Bellingham, Washington — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:03:20 GMT

I truly appreciate Richard Engel's reporting. I'm thankful he is there to tell us how it really is, and I hope he stays safe.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Shannon, Memphis, TN — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:08:19 GMT

How are things to the South of Baghdad? I have a friend deployed and I'm concerned what's happening near him..

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jonathan Taylor, Sunnyvale, Ca — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:08:29 GMT

What will the situation be if and when the saudia's deploy troops... for both the shia and sunni villagers?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

ronda, ft lauderdale, florida — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:11:12 GMT

Richard, first of all you have been amazing and i hold my breath for your safety every day.
what do you think the us should do. i fear we are making a mistake pulling out afganistan??? should we not re-align ourselves to be stronger in the face of more intense violence in the future.we will not solve the problems in Iraq, esp since they don't even want begin the process.Why does the us have to be front and center and not surrounding. what do you think

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Naseem — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:12:48 GMT

Seems like its never going to get better in Iraq.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Tony Shumpert Chicago, IL — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:14:29 GMT

The story just keeps getting worse. The middle east has president idiot to thank for upsetting the balance of nature and possibly engulfing the entire region in war. I would like to know when the media is going to talk about impeaching bush or arresting him and his cabinet for war crimes.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Karen Porter, West Chester, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:18:17 GMT

I pray for you, Richard. You are a true American hero. Many of us are working every day to end this stupid, horrible war. Please tell the Iraqi people that - and tell them we are sorry for the stupidity of those in power in Washington now. They stole the power from the people and do not represent us. We have our own "evil dictator" problem.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Alice Bard — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:19:35 GMT

Richard Engel is the most courageous reporter that I have ever witnessed. While the pretty boys collect their multimillions as anchors, this man puts his life of the line ever since day. Thank you for your honest reports. Please, please stay safe.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Diane Stapleton — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:22:41 GMT

I commented when all of this started with Afghanistan, had no one ever read Kipling and his very poetice descriptions of the caves and fighters of the region. Last night tmc played Lawrence of Arabia, what about The Charge of the Light Brigade. Centuries of imperialism should teach us something, ya think? The problem is idealogical fanatical religists on both sides. If they want armageddon and Jesus to return I wish it would hurry up and then he can tell them what idiocy zealotry is....again!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Connie — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:23:26 GMT

WOW...to say this is the President's fault may not be the best thing to say. Truth is, Iraq or any place in the Middle East for that matter, will never be a safe place until God comes back and stops it Himself

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Loutfy, Tucson Arizona — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:24:26 GMT

I think the problem of Baghdad that no one is addressing is the uneven handiness. This is the whole problem in the Mid East. If we go and send more troops to increase the uneven handiness (by supporting Shiite vs. Sunnie) not only this will not work it will increase the violence. The under dog will rebel even more. We need to insist that the existing government in Iraq be even handing or it will never work. If we can not influence them (which look like we can not) then it is better to leave. When are we going to learn?? Un fairness creates resentment and rebel does not it?? So why should we expect any difference in the Mid East.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Len Bustin, Temecula, CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:24:36 GMT

The simplicity of the matter is that we must first take control of the streets before any plan can be implemented. If there is a rise in crime anywhere, even in hometown USA, the first action is to increase the police. Then, we go from there. Otherwise, we're quitters and losers.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Hodge — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:27:01 GMT

Mark - it doesn't matter whether we stay one day or fifty years. This is going to descend into chaos the minute we leave.

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William Verbano, Boothwyn, Pa. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:28:04 GMT

Who is Mark from Chiago kidding! The military minds would have figured this thing out a long time ago if not for the bungling of the Bush administration.

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Ryan, Chicago, IL — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:30:38 GMT

Can we have a better example of the left's arguements about this war? Point the finger and offer nothing all while being completely ignorant or worse negligent to point out the fact that these Sunni-Shia, Islam vs. the West tensions were NOT created by Bush. Thank you Tony for clarifying that you are as worthless as your misguided opinions.

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daniel ,salem , or. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:30:54 GMT

end the war , stop it now. stop our out of control dictator bush

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jarred Elwell, Norman, OK — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:31:23 GMT

Yeah, don't you hate it when people elected by the public turn out to be dictators. Next time some else gets elected that we don't like we should never give them a chance and not respect the people that voted for them. That will probably solve a lot of problems.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

frank jones — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:32:24 GMT

the russians went into afghanistan, and how are they doing now? the thing that all news agencies neglect to report is, who is making the money? and why is this not being reported?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Josh, Hershey, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:33:24 GMT

This war ain't over until Isreal-Palestine problem is solved. People have to realize that nothing "American" is going to succeed in ME until we keep arming and supporting Isreal. The day US stops supporting Isreal..all the things that Rummy promised of people dancing around our tanks etc will happen. So please all those who really want to see America succeed in this war..work towards that.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Brian Finneran, Saratoga Springs, NY — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:33:55 GMT

Richard, I just wish to join others in thanking you for the thorough and straightforward job you do, day after day. Please stay safe .. we need you, along with Brian Williams, Tim and the rest of the news crew. Thanks again, Brian in NY

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TSUMBRA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:35:25 GMT

TIME TO BRING BACK THE DRAFT - AND THE FIRST TWO DRAFTED SHOULD BE BARBARA AND JENNA!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Samuel Watkins — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:35:40 GMT

What this issue proves is how little the American people know about the Arab world. I have lived with them in America, Detroit- MI. for more than thirty years. These tribes have never bonded with each other ! They didn't in Michigan although they lived with each other. They had their spaces and areas. What people fail to realize about Sadaam is that he knew he had to keep these tribes isolated yet living around each other at the same time. What he did was establish himself in power and built a faction to support his position, never allowing power to be distributed to these tribes individually. And because this President rushed America into this situation, he lacked to take the time to study the people of Iraq as a whole. Because of this if our soldiers stay, the problems will only escalate. This is the real Iraq, the one America has never seen because under Sadaam, this situation was prevented. Don't think I supported Sadaam, because I didn't !!!

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Rick, Boise, ID — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:35:54 GMT

We are between a rock and a hard place now in Iraq. I fear for our own country and its safety now more than ever. The full repercussions and consequences have not even begun to hit the United States. There was a joke on late-night TV last night that the Bush Exit Strategy involves Crawford, TX in January of 09'. What a mess we are in as a nation!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Leo Cinquino, chicago, Illinois — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:37:31 GMT

We created a tragedy in Iraq. Given the total breakdown we cannot solve this problem with force unless we send hundreds of thousands of troops. Bush is attempting the worst of both worlds too little strength and no diplomacy. This makes the Baker commision seem more correct. This is important information that should be part of the debate.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Len Turnbull Elmhurst, Illinois — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:37:51 GMT

Sounds like a lot a second hand clap trap, conjecture and no qualification of any induendos!!!! Get in the street and get the pics!!!! then maybe I'll believe the cr** you write about,blog smogggggggg!!!!!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Raghu, Sacramento — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:40:15 GMT

I just got dropped at the Portland airport by a cabbie who got back from Basra in Iraq recently. He told me that there is a huge dislike in Iraq for the Americans and our policies/meddling and this turmoil will likely continue till we pull out of there completely. People dont have the basics, no one is safe and things have gotten worse according to him from last year and the year before.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

DR. X. Cambridge MA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:40:28 GMT

It's the people who voted for Bush and those who let him assume power in the year 2000 that are responsible for all of this death and destruction. What a great world it would be if true majority of votes would win the elections in the USA, not these "wieghted" electoral college reforendums. Thanks Richard for the report. You are providing a great service.

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Bert, Southern California — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:40:37 GMT

Someone needs to e-mail this blog to the President, sure sounds like a civil war to me.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Laurel Noel, Leonardtown, Maryland, USA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:41:32 GMT

I feel like the Middle East is the new Africa -- what with its civil war and genocide. And -- unlike Africa, which we largely turn a blind eye to -- we have a presence there, but it doesn't appear to be doing any good. I often wonder how the Iraqi people must feel to be living in such a nightmare, yet have no voice in what happens next. Just a puppet government, and occupying forces, and centuries-old hatred and retribution. You can only watch and read the reports and think, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." No matter how crappy our politicians and government institutions can often be, it is still a blessing to live in right here in America.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Quinten, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:44:09 GMT

To pull out of Iraq would be one of the worst disasters ever done in world history. Yes the region is currently in a state of Civil war, and I respect the reporters giving us this information. But we also need a full, not partial reporting of what is going on so the American public can be more informed of this issue and not take a knee jerk reaction as to what to do. If more troops have to be sent to stabilize the region, and Not take Any sides then so be it. The Iraqi government has yet to prove it can police itself and clean up what is going on.

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JohnHenry, Wisconsin — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:44:51 GMT

The Right repeats the same stupid mistakes and turns on the Left and says, "you have no plan!". The Baker Commission was not part of the Left and it offered over 75 new ideas after 9 months of study. Bush took 3 months and just doubled his bet on a losing hand. Partition, withdrawal, talk to Iran, Syria, Palestine, whoever it takes! Impeach Bush and teach the neo-coms that they are un-American, anti-democratic, and politically inept.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Todd, Denver, Colorado — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:47:26 GMT

Yes, the violence in Iraq is not good and there is much more suffering to be had because that is what history tells us needs to happen. One of the comments posted amazes me at the ignorance and sheer stupidity people have at times. Making statements such as..."The middle east has President idiot to thank for upsetting the balance of nature and possibly engulfing the entire region in war". Wow! Balance of Nature. What balance and what does nature have to do with it? I guess they believe that the mideast was always so peaceful and in total harmony till the President got involved. Whatever! The bottom line is that American and other western cultures have gotten so used to the having things happen instantly and to avoid suffering in any way. There is no long term thinking anymore. Instant gratification is the rule. I am sorry but there is no historical reference by which we can compare what is happening in Iraq that will lead us to think that this struggle shouldn't be happening. Mistakes will always be made no matter what you do but if we learn anything from history we need to understand that this process of completely changing the structure of a country will take years. Many more years then what we have invested. So get over it and stop trying to be arm chair quaterbacks.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

R. Baker — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:48:21 GMT

Don't worry Mark, we ain't leavin. We are building permanent ... err ... "enduring" military bases over there. We are there for the long haul. All hail Operation Iraqi Liberation! All hail our mighty American Empire!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Les, Elmira, New York — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:48:30 GMT

I believe the problems in the middle east have been around long before our present administration and will be around long after all of us are dead and gone, but besides that, to pull out of the middleeast now would have the same result as when we abandoned Veit Nam. We need to stay and finish the job, right or wrong, should we have gone in in the first place is all second guess and hindsight, and not relevent now. unfortunately it will cost more lives before it is over and will put a huge strain on our armed forces but the job is far from over.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Doug Thompson, Sacramento, CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:49:29 GMT

The cleansing is just the beginning. You can't have a full scale civil war without territories and the creation of those territories is being accomplished through the cleansing process. Once that's completed the only thing stopping the real 'blood bath' will be American Troops. They'll wait us out. Like any good gorilla warfare once we beef up (surge) Bagdad, they'll just move the battlefield to somewhere else and continue killing until the American public has had enough. We'll leave. I experienced this once before, in Vietnam. I am afraid, Richard, this will not have a happy ending.

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Paul - Michigan — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:50:18 GMT

It's time we had a women president......... Go Hillary.... Go Democrats ......

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Nate, Oklahoma City, Ok — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:51:20 GMT

I am thankful we have a President that has the courage to confront a ruthless Dictator like Saddam who (did) control(s) a state that sponsors terror.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Josef Balzer Askeaton Ireland — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:52:20 GMT

I am amazed: Master Bush declares that pulling out will not only strengthen the enemy- aka "al Qaeda"- but will also leave Iranian involvement unchecked... And when was the last time he took a good hard look at the makeup of the present Iraqi government? US-troops which will be "embedded" in Iraqi units (whewww- the court-poets are really stretching it with that one: first "embedded journalists" and now embedded troops...and to *think* that they got rid of Clinton for getting "embedded"!)- and which will conduct patrols together with Iraqi security-forces whose structural integrity is seriously compromised by plenty of equally "embedded" militia-men... and exactly what are they going to do if they want to go after the very militias whose members are "embedded" with them? Throw spitballs?? Meanwhile, they are now thinking about "surges" in Afghanistan as well... Now lets look at what we've got here: An Iraqi government pretty much pre-determined by the Bush-administration, made up of all kinds of people with pro-Iranian militia-links; an Islamic republic of Iran, who by now has a seriously vested interest in as much mayhem in Iraq as possible, in the vain hope that this will keep the Americans busy- which is greatly aided by aforementioned "democratic government" which- ironically- is greatly aided by the support they receive from the aforementioned Bush-administration; additional troops being sent into the country bordering aforementioned Iran to the west, and additional troops being sent into the country bordering aforementioned Iran to the east. An additional aircraft-carriergroup has been dispatched into the gulf- presumably to provide tourist overflights for the overworked managerial staff of Halliburton. Err- am i missing anything here, or am i actually getting the feeling that this mess is about to get *one helluvalot bigger* instead of smaller??? Why should anyone be surprised if insurgents will decentralise their efforts by simply avoiding the troops sent to Baghdad- of course they'll do that. I don't need to be a military strategist to figure that out- all it takes is a wee bit of common sense. By the way- there won't be any ground-troops going into Iran. They'll simply bomb the living daylights out of that country, as they did with Iraq in 1990; the idea is to neutralise the Iranian armed forces, not to remove the Mullahs. The troops are being sent there to deal with the aftermath of all that, back in Iraq. Syria will be next after that...

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Judy Katzmark, Superior, WI — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:52:21 GMT

This is the way it has been in the middle east since the beginning of time. What right do we have to inflict our beliefs on them any more than we would accept them to come here and try to change our ways. I believe that our presence in Iraq is the biggest cause of what is going on there and we need to back away.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

tawiah, Fort Washington.MD — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:54:58 GMT

Hi Richie,May the Good Lord keep you safe so that we can hear from you first hand.Iam supprise that for the first time in this country's history the Amerian people have not taken to the streets to demand the president to resign.This mediocery has planted a deep fear in the American people that if you ask for my resignation,Al-quaider will bomb you.He is evil and get him out of the white house.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Ray — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:55:25 GMT

Josh true the Israeli-Palistinian situation is a grave concern It should be addressed and the US should not support Israel with everything it does, but do you think everything would perfect if not for that. Would Kurds, Shias and Sunnis suddenly embrace? Very simplistic. I hope we do become a force for good and in the middle east though. Iraq will become separate states. Create stability and bring the trrops home.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Gary Boggs, Ft.Lauderdale — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:56:03 GMT

Hey, Ryan in Chicago, where were you before we invaded Iraq? If only you had been able to tell King George about this Sunni-Shia thing maybe he wouldn't have thought the mission was going to be accomplished so easily. Like George, I don't think you knew the differnce between a Sunni and a Shia then. Quick, which was Sadam and which is Osama?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

wais — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:57:34 GMT

Bushy and Donald (Ramsy) should be ashymed themselve that put Iraq in a this position how could he sleep at night he is going to get crazy when he is finished from the White House he and his cabinet should get punished for war and it will believe that they are working on prosecute Donald for his war crime in Netherland court.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

John, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:57:40 GMT

The problem is I don't know who to believe anymore. I know that the Bush Administration is a large part of the problem. However, I honestly don't believe the media anymore. They hadn't practiced correct journalism principles when the US got into this bloody mess. I.e., they didn't question what the Bush administration said was "so" [weapons of mass distruction, why we went after Saddam when the real problem was Osama, etc.] I haven't seen any real evidence that they are now following the principles. I've lost total faith in the Bush Administration, and sadly, the journalists for the most part.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

sylvia, corpus christi texas — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:58:00 GMT

richard your are the only source of truth out there in iraq i am sure the american people appreciate that. when everyone is safe and reporting from a safe distant you are there and reporting the facts. i pray that you are safe and out of harms way always.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Irwin, Woodland Hills, CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:59:58 GMT

I think some people here forget the core of the situation, which we seem to have forgotten from our misadventure in Vietnam, namely that peoples resent the presence of foreign troops on their lands and any attempt at installing a so-called dempcracy, Any body, like Mr. Maliki, will be rejected by their peoples puppets of the U.S. The more he succumbs to pressure form the U.S. to crack down on Sadr the worse it'll get there. Between the Sunni's outrage at the hangings and Sadr's outrage at this U.S.-inspired crackdown, what we've seen so far will look like a picnic. Hopefully we can throw Bush in the brig one of these days for this waste of our precious human lives and our standing in the world!!

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bob c — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:01:55 GMT

forcing people to follow is not leadership in its truest form. if one is a true leader(and not just an enforcer) people will follow your lead. if you are going somewhere safe and good then your followers will be also. if you lead them off a cliff then they fall. just look where the IRAQUI'S have gone and you can see the quality of leadership they have been given from all quarters. it is a sad day for those that follow...

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Bob Slately — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:04:54 GMT

If 20 million Shiites and Sunni's want to have a civil war then there is likely nothing the USA can do but referee so that the parties engage in only a moderate amount of slaughter versus full-blown genocide. One thousand, four hundred years of antipathy between these sectarian groups is a creation of Muslim culture and an Iraqi problem . . . . if all it took was the removal of a dictator to set it off then it was going to eventually happen anyway with or without America around. Eventually, the parties will separate themselves into areas where they can feel protected . . . and then they will eventually talk and arrive at some political solution. Any solution will be arrived at by Iraqi's, not Americans. The problem Bush has is that he defines this as an American victory or an American loss when America will probably have little to do with the final result. Bob

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Brian Harmon, Louisville, Kentucky — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:07:23 GMT

Mark, I have to question why it is that only critics of military adventurism are required to predict the future, whereas supporters only need wave the vague threat of "disaster" to be considered authoritative and credible. We critics are also calling out "disaster," just as supporters are -- it is just that we critics define the roots and effects of disaster differently. Secondly, why do you war supporters somehow believe that the only way to "engage" with a place is through destructive force? Can you not imagine that decrease in troops could lead to a truer, more democratic engagement? Let me ask how outside military force is facilitating democracy there -- or even security. And thirdly, I think war supporters are moral cowards so obsessed with an ephemeral and non-existent "security" that they are unable to stand the thought of events taking their course without paranoid thoughts of armageddon. This of course leads to the hysteria over Iran. Our nation with thousands of nukes fears a small nation with ONE? The elephant fears the ant? It is here that the machismo of "realists" is shown up to be its opposite: paranoid cowardice. Real security only comes through having the courage to treat others as equals -- security be damned. The US now is running scared (under the rubric of manly words like "resolve" and "war on terror") -- and mistakes happen most easily when people are freaking out. Mark's post is an example. And Josh, we will not see peace in the Middle East until the Palestinians are given some security against US/Israeli violence. Peace will never be imposed through force of arms. This fake machismo is the only reason the solution has not been reached for so long: withdraw to the pre-1967 war borders. How hard is it to understand that?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

wais Virginia — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:09:22 GMT

Karen Porter from PA I love your comments thank you This Bushy needs to be impeached right now

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Jen, Baltimore, MD — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:10:06 GMT

Ok, since the Dems have the power-- now what? Its like seeing a tour group of a broadway show. The cast memebers change-- but its still the same play. Face it, we were all dupped by this president and his cabinet-- way back when (remember the movie "Wag the Dog") because he made getting Sadam a personal issue-- with his "this is the man that tried to kill my dad" comment. Its like some crazy old western-- "Don't worry daddy-- I'll git 'im fer ya!" We had no logical reason to go into Iraq and everyone knows it-- but won't admit it. And now-- there's now logical way to get out. We, the people showed the powers that be what we thought about the way they've handled this-- and now what?? Nothing---not a thing. SO, it really doesn't matter what we say, now, does it??

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Tony de Padova — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:11:23 GMT

Bush started this war without any provocation from Iraq. He continues to frighten the public with false but inflammatory comments not based in fact. Now he says we need to make another mistake to correct the previous ones. What we are all forgetting is that as religiously fervent we might be, the Sunni and Shia are more fervant. We must let them resolve this, even if we created the circumstance. Most importantly, nothing happening there cannot be controlled with diplomacy and compromise.

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jeff bunkers, oregon, ohio — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:13:25 GMT

Collin Powell told Bush that if he invaded Iraq and he broke it he would ending up owning it. Well, he broke it and now the American People will pay for Bush's ignorance. It is time to impeach Bush.Jeff Bunkers

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Greg Romero, Santa Fe, New Mexico — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:13:37 GMT

Richard, thank you for what you do and keep safe. People forget why we are fighting the cause, they have forgotten the reason why we are fighting terrorests. American people do not know how it is to live in those contries that have dictators that demand you to live there ways and religion or die. We have taken out a dictator (Sadam) that was killing his own people who needed to be stopped. Half the country have never liked bush because he is christain and follows moral ways of God and is a republican. Evil people must be punished and not let free to do what they want or they will get worse. If terrorests would of been delt with long ago we wouldn't have this problem. Fellow Americans do not forget those lost in the twin towers, they were inocent people that didn't deserve to die. I am praying for you Richard and everyone else that needs our support.

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Laura, Nashville, TN — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:15:03 GMT

Hodge, do you think this mess isn't total chaos now? Did you read the UN report that states schools are closing, girls and women are not allowed to attend schools even if they were open? Is this the democracy you planned on? Most importantly who decided that the US was responsible for installing a Democracy in a foreign country in the first place? For pete sake our leadership thought the Iraq peoples would fall down and kiss the feet of the soldiers liberating them from Sadam and when that didn't occur they had no answers for what to do next. That is the reason that Iraq and Afghanistan are both worse today than they were 5 years ago.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

michael S, Chicago, Il — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:16:20 GMT

I hate to disagree with everyone.. but its been a civil war for over a year now. We as a nation should not and cannot be involved in a civil war. IF that means leaving the iraq people to their fate... so be it! we as a nation have better things to do to prepare for the oncoming storm of violence around the globe and possibly here in america! Its time to help OURSELVES and rebuild our OWN nation!!!! what happened to amrerica first?? help someone else yet our own yard is gone to hell??? just some food for thought

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Kevin, Seattle — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:16:40 GMT

It's Bush's nightmare. I'am sure he felt guilty every night.

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Gerhard Tauscher, Deland, FL. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:16:44 GMT

Thank you Richard Engel for your excellent coverage of the situation in Iraq. What puzzles me is that there seems to no cohesive and comprehensive plan by the coalition forces to separate the Sunni and Shiite neighborhoods by buffer zones controlled by the allied forces. Allow sunnis living in Shiite zones a week to leave and enter Sunni policed areas. Likewise, Shiites returning to Shiite policed zones. Construction funds for new housing for the refugees should be provided by the USA and the United Nations. Buffer zones would be created by bulldozing areas, policed by coaltion forces, and strong restrictions of travel between zones. Each zone would establish it own local government system and provide at least one representative from each zone to vote in the parliament. Above all, plan to avoid civil war and ethnic cleansing carried out by death squads.

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steve — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:16:54 GMT

We are in the middle of the war for servival if pull out of Iraq it will be defeat to USA and will get very bad for us

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Brad , Orlando, fl — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:17:44 GMT

This mess in Iraq will never improve. This is what happens when you attack a nation that has shown no violence toward us.....George Bush is in way over his head and is just to Czar like to admit it. The American citizens must respond to him..It is our country..Write your Congress reps and voice your displeasure to them.

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DAWUD MOSS — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:19:49 GMT

THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN IRAQ IF WE PULL OUT AND MAKE NO MISTAKE WE WILL BE PULLING OUT. WE WILL BE PULLING OUT BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE SITUATION THERE. THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME PRECONCEIVED NOTION THAT WE AMERICAN'S ARE BEST SUITED TO FIX ALL THE WORLD'S WOES. THE FACT IS WORLD HAS BEEN RESOLVING ITS ISSUES WITHOUT AMERICAN INTERVENTION SINCE THE BEGINNING OF MANKIND. TAKE RAWANDA FOR INSTANCE. AN ETHNIC CONFLICT FAR WORST THAN THE PRESENT SITUATION IN IRAQ. WITHOUT AMERICAS ASSISTANCE THEY RESOLVED THEIR ETHNIC ISSUES. HISTORY WILL SHOW YOU THERE WASN'T MUCH OF AN ETHNIC CONFLICT IN IRAQ UNTIL AFTER, WITH THE SUPPORT AND BACKING OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, SADDAM HUSSAIN ROSE TO POWER PRIMARILY AS AN ADVERSARY TO IRAN IN REPRISAL FOR THE HOSTAGE TAKING IN 1979. AT THAT TIME, ONLY THREE YEARS AFTER LEAVING VIETNAM, THE U.S. HAD NO STOMCAH FOR WAR. MY QUESS IS THAT THE IRAQS WILL EVENTUALLY RESOLVED THEIR ISSUES EVEN WITHOUT OUR IMPUT. LET'S REMEMBER, IRAQ IS THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION. THEY HAD ADVANCED FORMS OF GOVERNMENT WHEN EUROPEANS WERE LIVING A SAVAGE LIVE WITH NO FUNCTIONING FORM OF GOVERNMENT.

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Dennis, Amery, WI — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:20:42 GMT

interesting blogs. However many of the arguments that are presented here are emotionally motivated. Think about whats happened. We went into a war with out just cause, we eliminated Sadam Hussein who by the way was keeping the peace in the entire region. Was he killing some of his people? yes he was but in all the years he was the leader less died than what has perished since we got involved 4 years ago. We disrupted the very fragile stability by the decisions made by the commander and chief plus his radical staff. Cheney, pearle, Rumsfeld, Rice, andf lets not forget the man who couldnt stop pushing for war against Iraq Wolfowitz. These people have been given rewards for their deciet and any one who voted for this regime is as responsible as they to come up with an answer. I served in this region twice and I had enough intelligence to know with out intelligence reports that once we occupied Iraq we would become responsible for the instability we caused w/o possibility of leaving with out the country collapsing. The current Bush government needs to be held accountable for this blunder and pay the consequences not the soldiers who have fought bravely.I personally would like to see those who have made alot of money from this war send their sons and daughters to to show their patriotism. So again any one who voted for the current dictator in Washington you are equally responsible for his mess and you need to come up with ideas on how to fix it. The rest of us voted against him that was our solution.

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Egypt, Detroit, Mi — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:21:11 GMT

As an American, I do not care about another country and its democracy. Especially Iraq. Because Iraq is made of so many sects, Kurds, Shiite, and Sunni, that democracy for one would be subjugation for other. We will never establish unity in Iraq. Shiites believe they decended from Muhammad and should control the places that Muhammad created for Muslims, Mecca, and the sites he conquered in his life, Sunni's believe in imperial conquest of their own but not imperial occupatin from us, and Kurds want their portion of the oil and to live in peace. Our troops signed up to protect the Constitution at home and abroad, we have done neither because Bush & Co., is destroying our Constitutional guarantees while keeping us occupied with war. We don't belong in their civil war. We need to take care of home and our democray here. I don't care about their democracy, let them have their own civil war, like we did, to solve their own problem before we lose our country trying to save theirs.

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Ron, Northern Kentucky. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:21:14 GMT

Yeah, Richard is real brave sending out those stringers every day. Sitting in the hotel bar waiting for them to come back with stories he pays for. His biggest fear is that his stringer gets killed and he doesn't make his deadline.

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R Pabon, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:21:36 GMT

This happens in almost every war. People will only stop fighting, Killing and dying until they are tired of doing all three. And from everything I've read of the Arab mentality this will take many decades, if not centuries. The US, by invading Iraq, and Al Queda, by taking advantage of the situation, have unleashed an evil that will not go back into the bottle in our lifetime....

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Alikunju — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:22:39 GMT

Be sensible. do not expand the war in Iraq. No body wins. See 10 years back everyone outside US want to go to US. US was a hero in the mind of all third world including Arab and middle east young men. But now it is all changed. Why ? and for what ? Love brings back love. Respect human rights and dignity of others. Now the reason for attacking Iraq is over. No WMD, no more Saddam. Now let UN take the lead role and find a go forward for Iraq. Let the US and British forces be replaced by Third world and Arab forces which may bring back peace and stability. after that let a Democratically elected govt takeover. Let us not the hear the voice of violence clash of civilisations which brings only tears and sorrow. Save the US servicemen lives as well as Iraqi's. Continued presence of US and British forces in Iraq will only help who are against peace and strengthen the arguments of anti US forces in region. It is time for healing. No more wars please....

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Seejay, Seattle, WA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:23:35 GMT

The West TOTALLY underestimates the role religion has in all this, thanks to "church-n-state-r-separate" woven into its political DNA (unlike the Middle East). The Sunni-Shia conflict dates back all the way to the 7th century, after Muhammad died....nothing new under the sun here. To have a sliver of a chance of stopping the sectarian violence, the USA has to intentionally frame all their discussions and solutions w/n the context of religion and the role of Islam...whether they like it or not.

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Rick, Salt Lake City, Utah — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:24:29 GMT

The truly depressing news is that, while most Americans think that Baghdad is as bad as it gets, it's really a lot worse. At the same time, the misguided supporters of this invasion still think that it was not only the right thing to do, it's still the right thing to do. At least the Iraqis now have democracy. Unfortunately, democracy requires cooperation, commitment, and social stability. All of these are missing in Iraq. This is not a country of the people, by the people, and for the people. The Iraqis are not prepared for democracy. We should keep in mind that even the United States of America struggled to maintain its ideals through our own civil war. And here we are again struggling to maintain our ideals not through our own civil war but a civil war thousands of miles away in which we should never have been involved. But our ideals are again under attack from within, not by the enslavers of the South, but by an administration and its supporters who desire to scare us into sacrificing those ideals.

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jon sarkin, gloucester ma — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:25:34 GMT

to richard engel: this is the best thing i've read re: iraq jon sarkin

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Mary Lafayette, CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:26:34 GMT

I agree with the writer who says let the military decide what course is best in Iraq. However, General Casey has opposed the troop surge in Iraq. Bush does not listen to his military advisors and is ruining our military, our future security and killing thousands of people through his inept planning.

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Keith Bradt — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:26:50 GMT

Richards report shows that the problem in Iraq is not only in Bagdad but encompasses the entire country. Sending more US targets to Bagdad will not secure Iraq. It is up to the Iraqi government to take over (with our training) and make the consessions they must to create peace in thier country.

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jane doe, LA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:28:20 GMT

we are not there for democracy. if we are, then why not china or rusia, or saudi arabia, or egypt or...... let's face it our texas oil tycon and his friends are out to secure AMERICA' future oil reserves, but i think we'll come out with something even better than oil. then all this is wasted. remember your neighbor will treat you the same so treat them well. think of what is going on in the mind of the world opinion when they find out about agent orange, guantanomo, turture on the airplane. even if we were there for democracy, we are sol.

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DAVE , LAGUNA NIGUEL — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:30:14 GMT

THE LEFT DOES NOT HAVE TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. WE SHOULDNT BE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. WE MUST LEAVE NOW! THESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AT EACH OTHER FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, AND IT IS NOT GOING TO END ANY TIME SOON. DIPLOMACY IS THE ONLY ANSWER. WAR JUST MAKES THESE PEOPLE RALLY TO THE CAUSE. THE LEFT SHOULD CONTINUE DOING WHAT ITS DOING. DENOUNCE THE WAR AND WATCH THE REPUBLICAN PARTY COLLAPSE AS IT IS DOING RIGHT NOW. BY THE WAY , HAS ANYONE SEEN OSAMA?

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Brian, New Phila OHIO — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:31:19 GMT

Unfortuneately all of the atrocities Saddam committed and his style of iron fist ruling is the only thing these people know and the only thing they will respond to. Introducing Democracy to these people is like giving your 16 year old kid the keys to a porshe and saying now try not speed out there. Ive been there. It takes more than saying stop, it takes a gun in there face and an attitude of I will to keep the Iraqis under wraps.

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Paul Scott New York, NY — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:34:09 GMT

Mark- Get real! What aspiring democracy are you referring to? Aside from a few million iraqis falling into place during a well-choreographed election, nothing I have seen there even remotely smacks of a budding democracy, especially as we know it. Certainly for me, our government will need to disguise it's real intent, which is to establish a foothold in the Middle East, with a far more creative offering. And now that we're on the subject, why is it a "better alternative" be offered when illuminating the tragic mistakes associated with this invasion? Now that this travesty has been pretty much exposed for what it is, isn't saving additional American lives quite sufficent? The self-thinking patriot

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Shannon McKemie, Placentia CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:34:21 GMT

Thanks for the honesty that you bring to the reporting; bringing us the inside look of the arabic perspective. Stay safe and be well.

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Chris Nissen, Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:34:30 GMT

The more I read about the mess in Iraq the more I feel absolutely convinced that Bush's decision to invade Iraq Will come to be viewed as the greatest strategic blunder that any American President has EVER MADE!!! There is simply no way to fix the troubles that he has unleashed!

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bobf — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:34:55 GMT

Wow , give me a break Connie. It was God that got us into this war and now you say he will get us out. What a hypocritical thing to say. Remember Bush said a higher father told him to invade Iraq. It is in Bob Woodward's book. That statement has scared me more that anything else Bush does. By using this statement, he absolves himself of all liabilty and the dead are God's will. Facts do not matter when you have god's ear. No matter what evidence and facts you show Bush, all he has to say is god told him what to do and thus deny any accountability. So Ryan and Connie was Bush talking to your god . It is obvious you like war , because you belittle and berate anyone that talks against it. By the way Ryan, Democrats have a lot of ideas for the Iraq war, but Bush does not listen to anyone except your god. All I know is the god I pray to is loving and caring. It sounds like your god thrives on war and violence. I am sick of you right wingers that say liberals have no alternatives. What ever we purpose will be fought tooth and nail because Bush and you right wingers think you are smarter than the rest of us and you use god to justify any positon you want, facts be damned. Last time I checked democrats purposed the over horizon strategy that most general support, but Bush doesn't like it so end of debate. Democrats purpose dividing up Iraq into 3 sections,but Bush does not like it, so end of debate. Democrats purpose withdrawing troops, but Bush doesn't like it, so end of debate. Do you see a pattern here, Bush will not debate or explain his policies and positions but oppose all others if he does not agree. remeber God told him to invade Iraq, so any position he takes on Iraq , it is with his god's blessing. So he does not have to listen to the people, opponets, or advice, He has the ultimate trump card. God told me to do it.

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Lisa Moody, Louisville, KY — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:36:54 GMT

Ryan in Chicago proves a point that has been proven time and again over the last several years. When the right is dead wrong they attack on a personal level because that is all they know how to do. This is not about right or left Ryan. This is about America. This about 21,500 more US Soldiers and Marines going to a foreign land to fight a failed policy. This is about a President and an Administration that speaks of democracy in a foreign country and all but wipes their feet on the one we have in our own country. I'm tired of partisan BS. We need to stand together as Americans or we will lose what is most precious to us and it will be our children that pay the price! WAKE UP AMERICA!!

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Do Not Understand — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:40:36 GMT

Here's a bit of reality from a soldier over in Bagdad. "Iraq is a weird place, its where you have an ancient culture clashing with modern gagets and moralities in a place where people have been living since the dawn of mankind, all of which seems to be covered in trash. you remember all those commercials of the old guy talking about feeding kids for only pennies a day? well thats this place. you have little kids playing in the middle of a dump, surrounded by burning trash as they watch over their sheep, goats and cows. packs of wild dogs are everywhere, but for the sake of winning the hearts and minds the higher ups don't allow us shooting them. there are a bunch of really cool ancient buildings and monuments, stuff like that, and the bread that we get from various local bakeries near the police stations we visit is actually quite tasty. All in all though, what it all boils down to, is that have a group of people trying to fix a broken system, and it'd go somewhat smoothly if it wasn't for all the damn iranians and syrians coming in and causing chaos."

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David, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:40:40 GMT

The U.S. is supposed to be a democracy, yet 75% of the population wants us out of Iraq, and still we send more troops in. This is Bushocracy at it's worse.

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Rick in Woodland Hills, California — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:42:13 GMT

Irwin in woodland hills...thank you neighbor....well said.

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bobf — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:43:13 GMT

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Dell Wells, Houston, Texas — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:44:39 GMT

I do not understand the "American" people today. I listen to all of our politicians and have become so disgusted with the political future of this country. My question is now and until I can get a really good answer, why don't we, the "American" people start letting our government know that their conduct is unacceptable. To remove our troops from Iraq and Afganistan will be disastrous for us as a country. None of us want to see our children coming home in a casket or wombed but what they are sacrificing is important to them and should be important to every American here in the United States.

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Jessie E.Inglett, Kingsport,Tn. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:47:10 GMT

Hey Mark,why don't you,George,Dick,Condi,and the neocons get on your white horses and clear the streets of Irag. Maybe the Sunnis,Shias,and the other criminals of Irag would be in awe of such a brave posse; they would raise their arms in surrender. However, I believe you are just another who is willing to send others to do your fighting for Democracy, ditto our present administration. If these mideast nations had no OIL they would be only a dot on the world maps; but sadly they have become the new killing fields for our young men and women. Why aren't the "sons" and "daughters" of our so called leaders fighting for Irag? I certainly agree that Rice has nothing to lose. Maybe her undying support for this war makes her the "Mother of War" and War George Bush's New World Order. To win this war we would have to be willing to destroy the Shia's and Sunni's militias and take on the whole Mideast Region. Do we really want to do that???

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William, New York City — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:49:29 GMT

All the comments posted are exactly what make America the best country in the world. If you were an Iraqi and made your feelings known, you would probably be dead now. The complexity of the Middle East is something that most Americans do not understand. Their way of thinking is positively barbaric. Things were tolerable until they decided to kill Americans. The same people who are complaining about the President would be the same people who to complain when the terrorist start to kill Americans in downtown USA. When that happens, these same people would be demanding that the President do something. As distasteful as it sounds, it is better to fight in Iraq than in the continental USA. The American way of life is worth defending and must be defended. Keep an eye on the larger picture. The extremist in the Middle East wants us dead. There is no compromise or negotiating with them. The world is running out of options. We need to kill them all and nurture the rule of law.

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Phill, Concord NH — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:51:41 GMT

Interesting, we don't hear enough about what is happening outside of Baghdad. I did read one article about life in one Kurdish area that sounded pretty rosy. I imagine there must be other areas outside of Baghdad that are flourishing, but then again who knows, perhaps that other article was BS. Anyway, I think if I could suggest anything to the people commenting on this blog, it's to take all the things you see/read/hear about (especially from mainstream media outlets, such as MSNBC) with a grain of salt. Do any of us TRULY believe that their articles (at the very least, the selection of their articles) are without bias? If you do, you shouldn't. Fox is your right-wing outlet, NPR/PBS are your left-wing outlets, and everybody else is somewhere in the middle; but on any given topic they all lean towards whichever direction will bring in the most viewers/readers/listeners. In this light, I think it's pretty obvious that Iraq has become unpopular very much on it's own, and thus the media presents it in as bad a way as possible. As we should all easily recall, not long ago the war was in fact quite a bit more popular. That was a time when you heard many more excuses for Bush, and war-bashing was left to "Democracy Now." And now to the editorial... We don't need to do something like increase our forces there because 'otherwise we'd be quitters and losers.' We need to quit worrying about our image, and do whatever needs to be done to return peace to that region. If they want to establish democracy after that, so be it. But we stirred this monster, and now we need to put it to bed. Unfortunately, Bush seems to think he knows how to do it, but any person with a clue knows he really doesn't. And when it comes down to it... regardless of the fact that we are still in the midst of the war, regardless of the fact that the war had near unanimous support from the House and Senate, regardless of any other argument... Bush, Cheney, Powell, Rice, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, etc. all LIED to start this thing. The war is it's own entity at this point, what happens to it needs to not be tied to the fate of a bunch of lying, power hungry politicians. We must do what's best for our men and women overseas and for the Iraqi people, but don't let these scoundrels get away with their crimes. They should ALL be impeached, if this country still believes AT ALL in the laws governing the executive branch.

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Don Lisdahl, Superior, WI — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:54:42 GMT

I support our troops 100% and think about them every day. When a soldier goes to war, he can't be involved in politics. He can't fight a war based on his personal opinions or beliefs. An army would be self-destructive if each soldier fought or didn't fight depending on how he feels about it. These troops do their job the way they were taught and ask no questions. It's the only way. But it is their leaders at the highest levels that make the decisions that can mean life or death for these soldiers and Marines. In the case of Iraq, Bush is responsible for what these trops do over there. He has decided that this fight is worth a certain amount of American lives. The soldiers will fight because that is their job. And some will die. Is it worth it? Is it worth an American life to stay the course one more day? I say no. Adding more troops will only increase the possibility of more U.S. casualties. It's time to wean the Iraqis off of us. Slowly, but steadily. Stop putting our troops at risk when it isn't necessary. Or send them to Afghanistan if you want to do more good than harm. We are losing ground there that was paid for in American blood. This is where we should concentrate the war on terror. Saddam is dead, George. You got him. Now let's "cut" our losses there and "run" down Bin Laden. He's next on everyones list. Don't waste another week in Iraq. Admit your mistake and save a few soldiers and Marines. They are the important thing here. They trusted Bush to go to war and he mis-used them. All I have left to say is, "George...snap out of it"

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sue, rochester, mn — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:55:44 GMT

Ok Ryan, Bush did not 'create' the tension between the different factions in the middle east- the tension isn't even really between us and them anymore-they have hated eachother forever -no matter what our intensions began as- Bush cannot stop the different factions from hating eachother and our being there DID allow this to explode into a civil war -we cannot make them respect eachother, we cannot make them be fair in their politics to all sides-- half the time we barely do that here. The difference is they kill eachother to solve their differnces -and their doing it with our guys in the middle dying everyday for people who do nothing to make it any better for themselves. So How Long?? How many of our guys have to die for people who think dying is noble. The USA fought a civil war and survived - Vietnam did came out of thier war after we left as well, and unlike the predictions the whole world did not fall into communism when we left. And the world will not fall to the terrorists if we leave Iraq either. Al-quida is every where, every corner of every country, You can't defeat terrorism, because as long as people are willing to blow them selves up for what THEY see as a just cause it wil continue. Bush said it himself - "victory will not look like the victories in the wars of our fathers", and thats becasue we will never completely be victorious and he knows it, right now he's just to stubborn to admit he was wrong.

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Gary Applegate, Mount Shasta, Ca. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:57:50 GMT

The U.S. needs to develop its own sort of "bellum strategy". How much does the U.S. pay Haliburton corp. for a mortar round? An amazing amount of food, clothing and other essential goods and services can be bought for the ailing Iraqi citizenry for what the war is costing. The thing is, we're so attached to using all of this sophisticated weaponry, and, on an enemy we can't any longer even clearly distinguish. True humanitarian service is what's needed here. Then, even the most brazen of Iraqi citizenry would HAVE to think more kindly of us (U.S.), then worst of them if only reluctantly surmising that we aren't the hypocrites that we've been making ourselves out to look. Iraqi's enmasse begin getting their own good ideas on seeing the light at the end of their own tunnel and move forward with it. And what do we get out of it? We get the honor of triumph bestowed upon us, the world community once again smiling at the American dream. We've brought our boys back home to Mom and some well deserved Apple Pie.

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TJ, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:58:04 GMT

As Mark, from Chicago, stated, I too fear for this country – and have for quite some time now. Not because of the “shallow and shortsighted debates” presented by the news media but rather because of those presented by blind, neo-con acolytes like him! He states that “the elected government of Iraq” are not the bad guys. I’m sorry, what “shallow and shortsighted” media reports has he been following?! Are you not aware, sir, that al-Maliki has and retains power only because al-Sadr, possessor of one of Iraq’s largest Iranian-backed Shiite militia/death squads, gave it to him – and supplied a few of his Cabinet members as well?! That al-Maliki is, himself, not only a Shiite Muslim but also a member of the political party founded by al-Sadr’s own FATHER?! That he remains in power in large part by protecting al-Sadr’s militia from the “bad guy cleansing” efforts of the US military, a stance quite obviously in direct opposition to our needs and objectives there? Are you aware, sir, of the complex realities on the ground in a country like Iraq, where factional differences, religious divisions, tribal and family relations combine to weave an almost unrecognizable fabric of “sort of good guy” vs. “sort of not real bad guy” in a cacopheny of grey zones where nothing is quite as apparent as it first may seem? That nothing in this world, my dear, is as “black and white,” “good guy vs. bad guy” as both you and other blind followers of the rhetoric of this administration seem to want to believe. I know it may be a little harder to figure things out that way, a little tougher to tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys,” a little more difficult to continue to believe that your side is always on the side of the “good guys,” but give it a shot.

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D Newell Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 19:58:34 GMT

That's quite a fan club you got there Richard Engel. Asking the Lord to keep you safe. You're work is exceptional.

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Nick Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:00:14 GMT

bush did 9/11 to get us INTO Iraq, so if anyone thinks he ever intends on leaving Iraq is delusional. And please don't start calling me a conspiracy nutcase before opening your mind and then your eyes to the overwhelming evidence supporting that "theory". I implore everyone to watch the Google videos of "911 Press for Truth", "Loose Change 2nd Edition", "911 Mysteries", "911 In Plane Sight", "Freedom to Fascism", "Terror Storm". Google "9/11 Truth" and see what you find. Are you all aware that a third WTC bldg collapsed on 9/11? It was WTC 7 which collapsed for NO reason and has since been rebuilt. It's not mentioned in the 9/11 Commission report. Lee Hamilton on the Commission even says they were set up to fail. Read about the neo-cons and the PNAC and their need for a "new Pearl Harbor" to accomplish their goals. Investigate the TRUTH and then tell everyone you know to do the same before this insane SOB in the White House causes more catastrophe!

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Jennifer Harold, Huntington Beach, CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:01:00 GMT

This is a religious/political war with no end in sight. Not even 100,000 more American troops would be able to help put an end to this blood shed. What is most unfortunate is that this situation will shape our childrens future unlike anything we have seen. We have set this world up for continual distruction. I hope money, oil and power were worth it all. My heart gopes out to the innocent Iraqi people that are now stuck in a state of total dispare. This wieght will be on the shoulders of ALL Americans. I am ashamed that we as the people of America voted this president in for a second term. What a shame! He has ruined our country in the eyes of all Middle East for eternity. There is no going back now.

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Rose Platt Kelso, Washinton — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:33:40 GMT

President Bush is doing a good job, We need to stay their , Also I believe they need to reinstate the draft not only for the guy but women to, They need to fight for their country and not complained about it. I would gladly goes if they would take me and I am a women

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Michael St.Peter, Mims, FL — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:33:42 GMT

Long before Bush became President, many in the middle east hated America. To say that he is to blame completely misses the real issue at hand - which is the fact that America has what they want, including freedom, stability, and wealth as a nation. However, they do not want these things with the opposing groups in power. The impending civil war was going to happen whether the president ordered the Iraq war or not. The real blame should be placed on the power hungry and money hungry clerics and militia leaders that are all positioning for power. Remember - Iraqis are killing Iraqis not because of hate of America, but because of their own evil interests.

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peter, canada — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:35:13 GMT

TO the the first comment.... It is the US (Bush) who has never offered a HONEST analyses what will happen after you will INVADE Iraq. Taht should have never happen. Iraquis were much better off under Saddam - honestly, there was maybe opression, but there was food, schools and more-less clean environmnet. Now there is nothing, people are leaving at a rate of 150,000 per month, and being killed by hundreds a day, not 32,000 officially dead in 2006, but many more masacred by the US "shock and awe" game.....uranium depleted ammunition, phosphorus bombs and other "garbage". You have not brought freedom, but tortured and masacrted the population...Why do you not use the A-Bomb, and get rid of them all? Than there may be a peace....

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Jeffrey Allen Kaufman — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:36:09 GMT

I feel as an American, that my hands are tied. Part of me still cannot understand exactly why we went there in the first place, and another part of me believes the reason was'nt for the weapons of mass destruction, but to secure oil. Still, I think the cost of life, to justify lower gas prices, is disgusting. Change is needed in America, not just at the helm, but accross the board. How can we as Americans, continue to sit still, and watch our country crumble around us. Reform and amending the way everything is done, is just the right step in the right direction, but first....bring back our men and women, and instead of shipping them to other countries, to protect thier freedom, keep them here, on our boarders, and in our cities, to keep our freedom safe. President Bush is the biggest mistake we have ever made as Americans, 9-11...He was in a school full of children, when his office knew that something was about to happen...a third world rulers way of hidding!! As good as Saddam himself!! Bush should have been on the White House steps, with his fist in the air!!!! Thats the President I want...a man not afraid to truely stand up against the evil in this world!!!

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Jovan, NYC — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:36:12 GMT

Despite all the bickering and name calling, i'm glad to see an honest discussion of the subject. Having grown up in an authoritarian regime under a dictator who ruled with an iron fist, i believe i can offer a bit of insight and first hand experience to this discussion. Josip Broz Tito ruled Yugoslavia until his death in the early 1980's. He managed to quash centuries of ethnic strife through torture, intimidation, and a police state. After his death, the country splintered among ethnic lines and mass rape and slaughter on an unprecedented scale occured. Saddam employed similar methods, yet somehow we naively believed that removing him from power would yield different results. We would be ushered in as "Liberators"! Democracy is a process. It isnt a product that can be packaged and shipped off for consumption. It took many years and much bloodshed for our country to get to where it is now. What gave us the right to try to force democracy on peoples who still live and function along tribal ties? We could surge another million troops and never manage to get ourselves out of the hole we have dug. As soon as we pull out, all hell will break loose. Much accusation seems to be going around, "If u dont support staying the course, offer a better solution!" When will we come to the realization that the time for solutions, surges, political resolutions is long gone?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Laurel Noel, Leonardtown, Maryland, USA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:37:17 GMT

OH, MY GOD, CAN WE PLEASE KNOCK IT OFF WITH THE RICHARD ENGEL BASHING? (And, by the way, it's usually the same people, over and over again.) WHAT DID HE EVER DO TO YOU? STEAL YOUR GIRLFRIEND?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

bill clark, philadelphia, pa — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:37:54 GMT

clean up a neighborhood and leave it, or clean it up and stay. our 20000 embedded troops will stay at neighborhood police stations. has anyone seen what has happened at a minimum security police station in the last few days? our troops can't STAY because there is no secure place to stay. does anyone in washington see this?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Laura, Nashville, TN — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:38:14 GMT

It must be time for someone to start impeachment hearings! Suggest you all read John Dean's "Worse than Watergate". I doubt a single citizen would object to both Bush and Cheney's terms come to an end sooner than later.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Egypt — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:38:38 GMT

As you see, most Americans on this blog are fired up against this war and a new surge. If Washington does nothing, the people will take it to the streets to protect this country from continual war that drains the social welfare of this country of which the founding forefathers insisted that we protect even if we have to incite civil disobedience. What most of us don't know, is that the neo-con Bush team, does not care about America or its people. People to the bush administration mean corporations, those are the American people Bush is trying to protect. Just look at who his policies favor. Bush, Cheney, Condelezza, Wolfman, and the rest are part of a "Secret Society" separate from our (matrix) if you will. The are (agents) of the old neo-colonial Anglo-Saxon Dutch Liberal Syrnarchist Bankers who funded the Nazi Regime, that did not believe in a Constitution and democracy, but in (might makes right. We have allowed them to take over our banks using mechanisms like the IMF, NAFTA and they gain power through corporations and the Military Industrial Complex. They fund economic hit men and death squads (School of Americas) who start situations in countries like MEXICO,pUERTO RICO,CHILE, ETC., they're goal is to dominate globally, like Hitler was trying to do. Hitler didn't succeed because theRE were other sovereign countries to stop him. Our troops are being used to conquer sovereign countries after Bush and Neo-cons, make up excuses to go to war. Look at the events on the globe. Take out Milosevich, Sadaam, next Iran, then Syria,CASTRO, CHAVEZ, one all sovereign leaders are gone NO ONE WILL STOP globalization. Thats why Bin Laden IS NOT A FACTOR, because he has no country, therefore, he's not on the hit list.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Mike Z., Carson City, Nevada — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:41:02 GMT

With all retoric, don't forget the hundreds of thousands of common folk that live in this mess! Someone has to stand up for them and keep the mass killings from happening. It would be great IF the United Nations had the backone to stand up for the masses that bear the brunt. So where are they and the other advanced nations of the world? No conscience I guess, so it's the good 'ol U.S. again! God Bless our nation to take the humane lead and, once again (as in Europe, Japan and Korea)try to settle the worlds mess!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Slickedy Sam , Washington, D.C. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:42:52 GMT

Bush has single-handedly screwed up America for a long time to come. I really hope Barak Obama gets elected!!!!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Elizabeth, Abington, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:43:45 GMT

I'm with Jessie. But, like I said, we need the world to understand the mess and help us. Thanks again, Bush, for the world's disrespect of us. However, I think it's time to be humble and more diplomatic.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Frank Smith — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:47:08 GMT

The situation in Iraq is detorating daily. It will never be the same Iraq that could provide security to oridinary citizens. Thank you Bush for doing this.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Dick Metcalf — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:51:44 GMT

This war is UNwinnable... I say that having just returned from (6 months in) Iraq, in support of our troops. What “we” (as a people) should do is initiate a campaign to establish a NATIONAL DRAFT for ALL political offices in the land… & use stem cell research to identify any person who might “want office” (they would be automatically eliminated from the draft). We need to get the millionaires OUT OF OFFICE, and some folks “just like us” back in there. The current political system is FULL of forked-tongued devils! WILL we do something like this? Very doubtful… most folks are too content with status quo! Right now… the only “light” I see is the SPIRIT… if we all band together & refuse to “honor” politicians (who are, after all, paid liars) with our “yessir, yessir, 3 bags full” allegiance, & begin to (on a NATIONAL scale) examine their motives, we may change (back) to a nation full of those who believe in the true freedom that belief in the higher powers provides. We need a total revamp of the political system that includes making sure that anyone who “desires” office never get one. As far as Iraq goes, there is no “light” shining. We need to withdraw with the least amount of damage to our soldiers and citizens & never pursue such a war again!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:52:30 GMT

Nick you're an idiot!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

John Hoyt, Helena Maine — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:52:50 GMT

Prophecy says that the Devil(USA)is going to be cast out of Arabia and all Muslim lands!!!!!!!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

gtmech, dinuba, ca — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:53:19 GMT

The citizens of the United states need to stand up and take back our country. President Bush has made a mockery of our Constitution. He has rewritten laws that favor his agenda and not the agenda of the people. We have no domestic agenda. Our president, congress, and the senate are all tied up with Iraq. Our domestic policies have all gone to heck in a hand basket. We need to concern ourselves with the home front first and then help other countries that need our help. At the state we are heading in right now, we will be the ones asking other countries to help us. Democracy in Iraq is a crap shoot and will continue to be so. They have always lived seperate lives and will continue to do so, democracy or not. I dont think Bush realized the mess that would occur after our occupation, he along with his cronies only realized the short term goals. Now we will be mirred in Iraq for years to come and at the expense of the US citizen.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Eric Oregon — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:54:08 GMT

It is nice to see you again in the blogs Mr. Engel. You are one of the few that seems to know what is truly happening in Iraq. You uncover the truth and the fire is burning hotter in Capital Hill. I always look forward and listen to your reporting. Thank-you again.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Dave, Tn — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:55:59 GMT

Debunking The 9/11 Myths - Mar. 2005 Cover Story http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/1227842.html Stop believing everything that comes out of France, or the Middle East.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

DAVE LYNDONVILLE, VERMONT — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:56:03 GMT

HOW SOON WE FORGET..........THE FABRICATED LIES...THAT GOT US INTO THIS MESS IN THE FIRST PLACE..NOW SEEM TO BE IRRELAVENT. SADDAM'S WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION....SADDAM'S SUPPORT OF TERRORIST FACTIONS...ETC ETC. SADDAM IS NOT A NICE PERSON...IN FACT....HIS BEHAVIOR IS UNACCEPTABLE...IN A CIVILIZED WORLD. BUT ONE THING CAN BE SAID......HIS SYSTEMATICALLY BRUTAL APPROACH.....KEPT THESE FACTIONS UNDER CONTROL. SADDAM APPARENTLY FELT...THAT HIS LEVEL OF BRUTALITY...WAS THE MEANS TO ANY FACTION STABLEIZATION IN HIS COUNTRY. THESE MIDDLE EAST FACTIONS.....HAVE FOUGHT EACH OTHER ....FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS.....AND THAT ISN'T LIKELY TO CHANGE. IN MY OPINION.....IF IN FACT....IRAQ'S THEATRE OF EVENTS IS CONSIDERED A CIVIL WAR.......WE HAVE OUR ADMINISTRATION...TO THANK FOR ENABLING THIS TO HAPPEN. DEMOCRACY AT WORK??. I AM PERSONALLY ASHAMED OF MY PRESIDENT. HE LISTENS TO NOONE....TOTALLY ENSCONCED IN HIS.."DONT CONFUSE ME WITH LOGIC....MY MINDS MADE UP" MENTALLITY. THE LIKES OF CABINET APPOINTED...COLIN POWELL ....DIDN'T RESIEGN......HE "RAN". WHEN AN ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYS SCARE TACTICS....TO JUSTIFY THEIR AGENDA....IT IS LIKEN TO PEOPLES REACTION......WHEN THE TOWN BULLY SHOWS UP AT A CHUCH SUPPER..INTOXICATED. IF OUR CHOSEN LEADERS...LACK THE ABILITY TO SIT DOWN AT A TABLE AND NEGOTIATE SOME SORT OF SETTLEMENT AND COMMONALITY......THEN WE HAVE ELECTED THE WRONG PEOPLE....AND THE CONTINUED LIFE EXPECTANCY OF CIVILIZATION ON EARTH IS ERODED. I AM A VIET NAM VETERAN.....AND AS I LOOK BACK......I ASK MYSELF.......IF THE END OF THAT WAR...JUSTIFIED THE LOSS OF 56,000 LIVES.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

LaReesa Knight, Vernal, UT — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:56:18 GMT

What amazes me is that the argument people are using to justify the U.S's continued presence and even augmented presence in Iraq is partly.." It would be a blow to our country's image..." Sometimes, it is necessary to do the right thing regardless of how it effects our "image"..and withdrawing American troops and money from a religious,sectarian and internal conflict in a country not our own is the right thing to do. Yes..it may lead to greater civil strife within Iraq...but that is when the Iraqi people and government need to step up and decide for themselves what they wish thier future to be. Western civilization emerged from the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers thousands of years ago, and has managed to exist and grow in that area ever since. I am sure the people of that country will come through this..but it doesn't need to be at the cost of still more billions of U.S dollars...and not one more American life.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Eric Oregon — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:56:23 GMT

Since Al-Maliki has been in power things only gotten worse and it didn’t help things when the beheadings took place under the orders of the Shiite Islamic appointed judges and signed by a prime minister appointed by Al-Sadr. Iraqi sectarian violence an evil design that has plagued even the simplest Iraqi citizen due to a Iraqi government and protected by the Americans that has proved over and over to be discriminative and one-sided narrow-minded. Al-Maliki does not believe in reconciliation because pride and honor to the Islamic movement and the A-Sadr ideology is more important than to look weak and defeated by such an act. The "Iranians" their big brother is watching and soon their pure Shiite dominated governments will rule the world, so they believe.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Ed, McKinney TX — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:56:41 GMT

As a state sponsor of terror, a tyrant, a mass-murderer, and a rapist, Saddaam needed to be removed. We AND a coalition of nations removed him. This was right. This was just. This was the easy part. It has been difficult to establish democray in Iraq in the aftermath. Given that the US and the coalition cared enough about the world and Iraqis to remove Saddaam, it would be irresponsible to throw our hands up in frustration. I believe in continuing to try. We must never abandon efforts in this region. And if civil war is what factions in that region require, then they must have it. These are people and we should never stop trying to help. I don't subscribe to the point of view that we're 'forcing' anything on Iraqis. We're there to facilitate/foster rights and liberties. We're struggling, but we must continue.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Greg, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:57:58 GMT

Thank God we have reporters like this who will speak the truth. Had this been done by more journalists, we might not be is such an impossible situation now. Having lived through the incredible catastrophe that was Vietnam, I am truely beside myself over Iraq. I would never have believed that we would get into ANOTHER VIETNAM. Had Bush and Cheney not been such cowards and gone into combat, they might have been more reluctant to send our military into this hell. Words cannot express the level of incompetence in this administration. And my own Senator, McCain, wants a surge? Sir, were you not shot down over Hanoi? Do you think Vietnam was a good idea? Did the surge work in Da Nang? How about Hue? Are thirty years of nightmares worth it? The only thing I can say is: God Help Us All...

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jeffrey Allen Kaufman, Murphy, North Carolina 28906 — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:58:01 GMT

As Americans, how can we continue to sit in empathy and allow this coutry to crumble around us? If America was a ship in the ocean of prosperity,and we are currantly sailing towards the rocks on the shore of destruction, just changing the captian is not going to let us sail in the right direction. We can change the man at the helm every other day, but unless we as the people of this great country stand up, and not only speak our minds, but take action, we will always sail into the rocks. Iraq is not going to change, we can not turn around a coutry that has no true laws, or leaders. Their ship has sunk down into the sea we are sailing on, and the only way to save them is to bring them aboard. America, lets not wait for the day we come into port, under another fruitless captain, we need to turn our sails, and run our ship by the rule of the people!!!!!!!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Scott Chicago, IL — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:00:06 GMT

We have these huge tanker airplanes that can drop water on a forest fire and put it out. Think of Baghdad as one big fire. I would call this "Operation Sleep". Produce massive amounts of sleeping gas that will keep people out for hours, hopefully 24 - 36 hours, and disperse it over the city. Send in thousands of troops to collect all the weapons and explosive materials, and anyone maybe holding a gun. And of course the gas would have to be dumped on a calm day or night. Hopefully there are not too many gas mask in town. How many times in the Bible did the fog come over the land?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

bob seattle wa. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:01:32 GMT

wars will not end until religions do

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

John Lutz, Ashburn, VA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:02:05 GMT

Somebody please tell me what the US presence in Iraq has actually accomplished other than the removal of Saddam from power. Seriously, what have we actually, truly accomplished that can be stated with certainty? Next,please tell me why we were attacked in the first place. No kidding here, as a nation (politicians, media, public, et al) we have been all about spending vast resources and lives (ours and innocents there) but have never answered the question of why would someone be angry enough at the USA to commit suicide to hurt our people? I believe it is for two reasons: first, we support Israel. Period and second, oil. Our support for Israel is huge (we have helped created the only nuclear power in the area in Israel - wouldn't you be nervous living nearby a nuclear power that keeps annexing more and more land near you? As for oil, do you see the USA intervening in Darfur? No oil there... I am sincere in my question because until and unless we really know why we were attacked, how can we know how to deal with them? We have spent time, money and lives dealing with the situation with guns. What if it's really about (get ready here...) winning over the hearts and minds of folks (now that's a novel thought).

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Ashley, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:02:06 GMT

We have to remember we were going along fine until Sept. 11 happened then everyone wanted to know how we were going to punish the ppl that did this to us. Well the ME is letting the terrorist train and live in their countries that is why we invaded. If Saddam had done nothing wrong why was he hidding in a hole like a little kid does when he gets in trouble? Also, ppl who believe we shouldn't use military force and just talks and meetings to solve things why is Iran continuing on with there nuclear program when other countries have tried to talk to them to have them hault it? It's been almost a year now and still they are doing what they have been doing. Back when the US was new we had a civil war so I don't see why everyone gets so bent out of shape about the whole thing. I believe ppl are mad at Bush because he doesn't have some other scandal to complain about because he tries to do things morally right. The democratic presidents haven't been wonderful either. Who do you think signed for all our jobs to be heading over seas? I wish the media would report both sides of the story. I have heard from many soldiers first hand who have served over in Iraq who believe in the cause. However, the media never reports that. They report on how many ppl were killed over there in one day and make it sound so terrible and violent over there. I would like to see the statistic on how many americans are dying in Iraq vs. how many get killed right here in America. For anyone who believe that all arab ppl don't want us there just go to dearborn, MI and ask a number of immigrants who were dancing in the streets with the take down of Saddam. Look at history we haven't lost nearly the number of americans they did in other wars. I think the President has done a good job with what he was handed to by President Clinton.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jose, Miami — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:02:54 GMT

I pray for our men & woman in uniform and those journalists brave enough to be in the middle of it all with them. I don't think we should abandon the Iraquis, but (and I'm no military brain) it seems logical to fight the insurgants in their own manner. In a way, the Dems have it right when they suggest that our troops fall back to a safer position. In fact, it might not take that many men to actively fight the insurgants. That is, operate the war totally on a covert basis, planning attacks / kidnappings, etc. on specific targets and then stealthily executing them; in and out, greatly limiting American casualties, and slowly chipping away at their infrastructure and command. This would also frustrate their efforts knowing that they can do little more than defend against "ghosts warriors". anyway, that's my two cents.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

JAMES DUCKWORTH SLC UTAH — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:04:06 GMT

WE NEED TO TERMINATE ALL EXISTING LIFE AS WE/ THEY KNOW IT IN IRAQ AND START OVER

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

bob seattle wa. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:05:27 GMT

wars will not end until religions do

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Pam Robinson, Georgia — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:05:40 GMT

War isn't always a negative event. Is there possibly a positive aspect to the war in Iraq? First thing, the Iranian president has proven he is a nut case that will eventually need to be addressed. What better place for the US to be, next door. The US had not tested its war capabilities since losing the Vietnam war. We are learning a lot of valuable lessons including equipment, deployment, war strategies, etc. The oil supply in this country is dwendling by the day. Although many balk at the idea we are there for their oil, think about your daily life without it. Those yelling the loudest about how unfair this war is, would be the loudest about what our government is doing to get their cars cranked and their houses warmed.If you read articles and research present day life for the Iraqi people instead of listening to the media, you will find life there is better for them for the most part.Although their avenus of fear have changed from the Saddam regime to the fear of the now present civil war, most are comforted by the presence of Coalition soldiers. I have a son fighting in Iraq and although I live in constant fear for his safety. I also keep in mind that he chose his career and has trained for six years. Like he says, what could I say about my career if I trained for war all this time and never got to actually fight for my country? For those who have lost loved ones in Iraq, God's will be done. He has a perfect plan, trust him to show that to you. For those whining about how the hanging of Saddam went down, think about the thousands he killed. If you give respect, you get it back!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Melissa Martin, North Smithfield, RI — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:06:23 GMT

I am a wife of a soldier out in Iraq. I will say i do not like the fact that my husband is there. Although we need to look at the good things that is coming out of all this. The kids have schools, the women are getting rights, they have medical and hospitals that they can turn to. My husband told me they never tell of the good things that are happening only the negative. We are American citizens and we have the freedom we have due to our fathers and fore fathers. were would we be if they did not fight for our Freedom. I believe we need to keep our cnegative remarks to our self and support our troops regardless of our feelings. THye need to know we support them and love them. Unfortunelty the people in Iraq do not know what love is and are willing to kill there children over hatred. If we continue to drive hatred in our country we are no better. I love my husband and support him and all the other men and women who are fighting for the rights of others. God Bless America and all who want the same freedom!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Elizabeth, Abington, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:07:27 GMT

Phil, I suggest you read the Iraq Study report. The entire country is in chaos, with tribes fighting each other for control of their towns, etc.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Ed Paul, Boston, MA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:12:22 GMT

I believe Disraeli said, "What we learn from history is that we do not learn from history." Look at Yugoslavia, better look at the U.S. The founding fathers left the slavery issue (and other) until it caused a catastrophe. Maybe the Civil war would have happened anyway, but our country took at least 100 yrs. to "get it right" (of sorts). Why in the world would anyone think the thousand year old issues in the near east would take less time and less lives? It is not simply Shiite/Sunni/Christian/etc. it is likely tens or hundreds of different burning issues many of which we have no kknowledge. We do not know what we do not know. Bush and his helpers were wrong and did not consult history, but what to do? Maybe it is best to put in another tyrant, and we cannot/should not referee a civil war. As it stands, letting the country break up with our inaction is, in my view, the best course. I believe without their emnity for us being a unitfying force among Muslims, they will revert to their traditional disfunctional ways, and, in effect, be semi-benign for many years. Maybe this idea is not appropriate for our times, but I would rather take that road, then the present bulldozing our own road in this wilderness.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

D Aloke M — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:13:07 GMT

Hi: Nothing will be bad if we pull out as soon as possible.Look at the possibility of staying there as a force of occupation and trying to install a puppet in the name of democracy (?)---possibility of pulling the neighbors into direct confrontation with none other than George /Tony coalition--- Turkey,Jordan,Syria and Iran--- they are in the neighbourhood and feeling the heat too

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Egypt, Detroit, MI — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:13:34 GMT

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

chuck hall, fernandina bch, fl — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:13:54 GMT

Ultimatly, the Iranians and the Syrians will NEVER allow Iraq to be at peace, with US involvement. Iran plans to be the big boy in the neighborhood and will continue to funnel arms and military personnel into Iraq until we are defeated. This conflict is far larger, far more complicated than 'just' secterian violence. Iran sees a Shiite region developing at their border; a friendly country next door, really, a colonized area. And oh my, all the oil one can sell! The stakes are huge for Iran. And for the US. I wish I had the right answer for this mess.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Eric Oregon — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:14:17 GMT

People don’t want to die naturally, Sunnis don’t want to die, and Shiites don’t want to die. Many Sunnis continue to die so their cause to kill is vengeful. The Shiites continue to die and their cause to kill is for the Islamic republic, one God, one government, one religion. Which of these two do you think will out last the other?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

J. Fisher, Sand Springs, Ok. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:15:10 GMT

Religion, politics, left, right, liberal, conservative, and yet...the world continues to turn. Self-aspired, pat yourselves on the back and say it's been a good day types. The only solution is to define what we as Americans really want. You want cheap energy so you can drive your BIG 50k SUV.....what are you willing to sacrifice.....Your want civil rights, freedom, seperation of church & state...Are you willing to fight for that. It has a cost...that the average American can not comprehind. Stop your crying on the left....you've forgotten what had to happen for you to have the rights you have. Stop your Bible-beating on the right...remember, our fore fathers founded this great country on religious freedom, for all beliefs...not just evangelicals. Shame on all of you for continuely stiring the shit storm and not working as a United States of America.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jack Carter — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:17:56 GMT

I am ashamed of our leaders who use the war for political gain, funny how we had to endure so much death reporting before the elections, now we still have it but with much less intensity. Lets listen to our troops in the field and then form our opinions. It is also a pity how most Americans are short sighted; I will give anyone 10-1 odds that those who are still in favor of the president are very committed successful people. Maybe if we had continuous attacks in our country they would see the light. Simply put, I would rather take the fight to them and plant the seed of freedom among them. The people we are battling are humanity’s cancer; it needs to be dealt with aggressively.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

JANG RIVERSIDE CA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:19:38 GMT

After US approach in Iriaq I think let two boxers sunnie and shitas fightout themseleves and findout who can take care of the people of Iriaq. The local people only can stop this stupid killings US has done the best for the Iriaqe people.They should apperiassete it. They should also stop the al-quada enterance from Iran and Seria.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Nick Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:19:39 GMT

9/11 and the ensuing destruction of our rights, freedoms and protections within The Constitution, and now Iraq, are the continuation of the bush New World Order as daddy bush announced on Sept 11, 1990. Yes, exactly 11 years before the "other" 9/11. Since the grandfather, prescott bush, h.w. and now this one were all in Skull and Bones, the number "11" must symbolize something. They didn't pick 9/11/01 out of a hat. It has some significance to them. What? I don't know. Iran will most likely be bombed soon. I also predict he'll stage another attack right before the 2008 election, declare martial law, cancel the election and keep himself in power. He's signed all the necessary "laws" to do that. He recently took control of all the States' National Guard troops away from the Governor's and gave it to himself. Here's the bush-bones doctrine: "There's three things to remember: claim everything, explain nothing, deny everything." - Senator Prescott Bush (Skull & Bones 1917) I'm not insane. Do the research yourself. Please.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Robert Easland, Gatesville, Tx — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:21:07 GMT

A civil war is like a marriage. If a married couple is sqaubling, don't take sides. You'll be blamed, used, and abused by both parties.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Rob, Greensboro, NC — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:21:16 GMT

Nick from Phoenix, you are a moron!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

John F. Neal retired Navy captain, Norfolk, Va. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:22:06 GMT

My personal belief is that you can't be a middle man in the middle of a civil war. That is what the American soldiers are playing, and they are risking their lives for something that cannot be resolved only by the ones involved in the civil war. If you remembered when America had it's civil war, alot of Americans played the middle man during that war and; they lost their lives, their families lives, and their property. The best thing for Americans to do is to call back thier troops, and let them fight their civil war. Yes I know it will cost alot of lives, but in the end someone will have to win. Then we can try to build some kind of relationship with the prevailing new government.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Michael, Washington, D.C. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:26:19 GMT

Much thanks to Richard for being honest and brave. When would some warmonglers not be afraid of appearing as losers? It takes really strong people to sometimes admit a lost cause - America please be strong! Our presidents and his remaining supporters are deeeeeeeeeeeep in denial.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Ben, Washington D.C. — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:26:58 GMT

Anyone else want to turn the middle east into a parking lot?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

John Harris, Boston, MA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:28:11 GMT

The occupation is fueling the conflict and intensifying the sectarian strife in Iraq. There is a deliberate strategy of divide and rule. A strategy to weaken the country through conflict and eventually to privatize the oil resources and maintain a permanent military presense there.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Tina, Kent City, MI — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:29:02 GMT

Hi Richard!! Stay safe! I've been a fan of yours since your days with ABC News! Great book too! Keep up the great reporting!

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Elizabeth, Abington, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:37:41 GMT

I agree with Leo Q. Len-grow up; we're in a serious mess.

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Gary, Traverse City, Michigan — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:38:44 GMT

For another, and more encouraging, view from an in Iraq writer, read Michelle Malkin's just posted report.

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Elizabeth, Abington, PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:39:43 GMT

I'm with Dr. X.

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dr. lydia, st. paul, mn — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:40:15 GMT

i am an old person and i am fading away because my heart cannot stand any more for our human race to be at such odds. my heart bleeds for my human kind and i ask the Creator to take me away from this world. but that is selfish for me to ask so i cry to the Creator "please help human kind"

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

David Thelen, Des Moines, Iowa — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:44:08 GMT

Solution to the Iraq war. There are a lot of opposites in science if one is to reach the desire results as compared to the way one is to think should happen. In avalanches, smaller particles have a tendency to reach the bottom and larger particles have a tendency to stay on top. In electrical engineering, whenever you have a capacitor, if you want to make electricity to start flowing, you slow down the electrical current. In aeronautical engineering, whenever you want an airplane to climb in altitude, you increase power: if you want to increase speed, you level off the angle of the wings. Two of Newton’s Laws of Physics are the following. For every action there is like reaction. Something that has momentum will stay in momentum without change in energy. Human emotions are tied to Newton’s Laws of Physics, whether it is hate energy or good will energy. Emotions can be between individuals, nations, or groups of people. In the science of business, the desired results of maximizing profits, is not directly related to price. Instead, it is related to the derivative of a formula of prices time sales. The maximized profits will be somewhere between zero and infinity. The curve will begin to increase then level to zero then start to decrease. The derivative of the slope of zero is where the maximized profits will be obtained. The hard part is to find the algebraic equation that matches the behavior of the consumer when it comes to prices and amount of purchases. How many troops we should have in Iraq is related to the initial judgment of science, business and Newton’s Laws of physics of human emotions. The initial judgment to bring in more troops the better will only result in the opposite affect we want. The more troops you have, the more insurgency you will have according to Newton’s Laws of physics of human emotions. However, a full pull out of troops will only leave a power vacuum in Iraq. The best number of troops will be the derivative of an algebraic formula that is equal to zero. Somewhere less than what we have now but not equal to a full pull out of troops. Then after the human emotions start to catch up to the number of troops, just like trying to land a plane, the next number will become a series of ongoing troop withdrawal at a pace equal to the integral of an algebraic equation derived from Newton’s Laws of Physics related to human emotions. This is my opinion to solving the Iraq war as it relates to the number of troops we should have and maintain throughout time. Sincerely Dave in Des Moines

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Peter J. Martinez, Beaumont, Calif — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:46:06 GMT

What a debacle, but Israel couldn't be anymore happier about GWB's experimentation with human beings (as long as it didn't involve his 2 daughters)...it all buys time to establish more settlements. But Muslim radicals rolling each others heads in Iraq will soon someday find much of those talents introduced to Isaeli's.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Is it 1939 all over again? — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:47:11 GMT

Nick - you and the "Nutty Professor" at the UW Madison should get together for lunch and determine just how Bush got 9/11 to happen with no leaks in a political climate in which people can't wait to snitch to the media. Even the architect of the towers explained how they could fail, as well as the WTC 7 collapse...which they DID discuss publicly shortly after the actual event! The buildings were "set up to fail" because of the inadequacy of the fire/heat protective coating on the steel...the steel sagged and the floors pancaked. You are no doubt one of those fools that thinks Bush also caused Katrina. The truth is 9/11 may not have occurred if America would have approached things differently after the first attack in '93....by the way was that a practice run for Bush? As for all you Lefties - put your money where your mouth is...do you have an open mind? Read "The Enemy At Home: The Cultural Left and Its Responsibility for 9/11". I admit the title is a bit much, but it is an interesting concept.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

D Newell Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:50:03 GMT

People keep using the term 'neo-con' as being associated with some negative view point. So I looked it up. According to the dictionary 'Neo' comes from the Greek word 'neos' meaning 'new'. The term 'con' means to study; to give orders for the steering of, as with a ship. Neo-con looks like a term associated with deep, insightful thinking, not the opposite. Anyway, there is a new ground plan. Whether or not it can work at this stage of the conflict, has yet to be seen. Most people agree that it is a supremely complicated situation that is unfolding. There are conflicts going on within conflicts. The reasons are varied and many. And it is not as strait forward as most would hope. We just want to see everyone back home and safe, sooner than later, preferably. Good diplomacy is probably the most critical aspect to achieving success. Effective communication with people in the Middle East, and a non-threatening, posture is essential. And everybody knows it. You gotta love those live feeds. I can see why these blogs are so lengthy. There's alot to be said. I am sure someone could write another book, maybe two, about the situation, just to cover it all. You all have a Good Day.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Dina (aramic for judged one) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:53:13 GMT

What is happeing to Iraq? Iraqis living both inside and outside of Iraq will ask this question but are all confused about the way to approach and generate an answer. Iraqis themselves are in shock!! I write this with a very heavy heart and tearful eyes. I'm simply worried about a relative and his family. Not a day that passes by without having him in of our thoughts. He is such a nice and kind hearted man while his wife just comlpetes his goodness and children that are as cute as angeles. They have seen enough violence. We ask the Lord Jesus Christ to stop this chaos and feel sorry for all those tears being shed in Iraq and all the spilled blood. This has been Iraq's story throughout the ages. On one front, Iran breathing down its neck, dreaming of a chance to rule the greater Persian empire from Babylon. That IS the history of IraN throughout their 3000 years worth of history. Iraq has been faced with many enemies over different periods in its long history. Geographically it's an invitation to invaders. How much blood shed, how much Mesopotamian blood was shed over the years? Why? Is it a Biblical issue and God's will!? People say that the Assyrians, for example, were violent, well please what happened to the Egyptions, the Romans, the Sassanians, Mongols, etc... This is not even a valid excuse for the violence in Iraq. Look into history and see how much Mesopotamian Christian blood was spilled on the hands of the Sassanians over hundreds of years, that is again hundreds of years and just one episode in history! What's going on in Iraq is probably human nature (combined with the interests of many hungry for pwoer) when faced with lawlessness and lack of fear of the law. Oh, Hamourabi where are you to witness this disorder? Is it normal for young kids to witness chared bodies and adults taking out their drapes to fold these same bodies in them? Is is normal to see body parts where ever you go? This has been going on for too long. How cheap is your blood oh creature of divine creation? I believe this is a matter of Biblical proportions - situation in Iraq. The Bible is another source of history witnessing Mesopotamia's. The Flood, Noah, Job, story of creation, story of the birth of Sargon 1st, etc... I'm running out of words but at least I'm venting out my frusterations and deep sorrows. Lord I pray that you may enlighten the long blackened road that Iraq is going through.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

T. Mitchell — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:11:42 GMT

Nick, please also watch fareinhype 9/11. Also, here is a good point made by someone I read. "The very fact that those people who make these conspiracy movies are alive proves that they are false" If the government was behind and/or complicit with 9/11, do you not think that they could easily kill 1 American citizen to keep quiet the fact that they killed 3,000? And to Jennifer, please read history, the West's image has been destroyed in the eyes of the Middle East since the break up of the Ottoman Empire at the end of WWI. Even before that if you want to go back to the "Holy Crusades". While we may have not done much to restore it in the past 6 years, we are by no means the ones responsible solely for the loss of that image. And what would hurt our image more, to say, "We're with you as long as you want a Democracy....wait...just kidding!" or "We gave you our word that as long as you tried to be free, we would help you, and we did." http://tlocfym.blogspot.com

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

J. K. Lytle, Vermillion, SD — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:13:31 GMT

No surprises here. Bush, Chaney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Wolfowitz, Gonzales and all the rest of this right wing radical administration come from a long line of hypocrits and liars. But, it is to be expected and you can't blame them for being what they are. After all, you can't blame rattlesnakes for biting you if you knowingly get into bed with them. And to you arrogant right wingers; don't tell me to go back to where I came from if I don't like it here because unlike 99% of you, My ancestors are actually indigenous to this country. My people were the first to experience these type of evil people. (Look where trusting them got us.) Nope, not much has changed in the moral leadership of this country. (At least not in the last 500 years).

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Chris Chris — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:18:26 GMT

1st) Keep up the reporting Richard Engel. 2nd) What a joke the posters in this blog are. This fake machismo is the only reason the solution has not been reached for so long: withdraw to the pre-1967 war borders. How hard is it to understand that? Brian Harmon Brian when you start a war and loose 5 times in 40 years you may not have your land back just because you cry for it. The 'Fake Machismo' is to continue to insist that there will not be peace until the 'land is returned.' If Arabs want peace, try taking care of the refugees and not attacking Israel anymore. Dennis, Amery, WI interesting blogs. However many of the arguments that are presented here are emotionally motivated Dennis you make that statement and then follow it up with "Think about whats happened. We went into a war with out just cause" now I am not sure if you are familiar with Just War Theory, check it out everyone should, so many things do in fact justify war but, anyway my point is with all the armchair Foreign affairs specialists in America it is a wonder there are only two 'sides' to the war issue.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Manny , Houston , TX — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:28:29 GMT

Victory ,in Iraq, according to Bush, is to help M. Sadr and his thugs. Sadr and Malaki are with Iran , the same people we have sworn to hate. Can anybody tell me why we are letting young Americans die for Iranand others who hate us.sadr and his group are laughing all the way to the Power Bank.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

TJ, Pittsburgh — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:20:31 GMT

To Dave in TN: Grow up and stop blaming everything on the French!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jeffrey Allen Kaufman, Murphy, North Carolina, 28906 — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:44:45 GMT

When 9-11 happened, I was ready to go where ever the attackers came from, and stick my boot up someones arss. I even went to the recruiters office, and signed up. Then one day I was watching the tube, and there was this group of politicians lined up in Washington, they all took turns at the microphone, saying today they were no longer politicians, but Americans.(remember?) That made me sick. It took the countless lives of Americans on 9-11 to make these people say this. Why? Then Bush, and his "word" from god speech, sealed the deal.....I was not going to Iraq. I decided right then, I will not fight for Bush, or these people who just recently decided they were Americans. I will always be a Patriot of this country, and god help anyone who crosses our boarders, and attacks us without cowardly tactics. I would fight for this country, if I could see who, what and where the enemy is. Now, though, I feel as if that is where our men and women belong, here, at home. I can understand our young men and women, who want to pull their duty, and fight there now, but at the same time, I hope they are aware that we the people only want them safe, and out of harms way. Fight for us, our country, and our freedom, but please, do it for the right reasons. Richard Engle. You make us all proud, and I hope your safe, and wish you luck.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

TJ, Pittsburgh — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:50:51 GMT

To Melissa Martin and all those like her out there who prefer to twist reality to justify their positions, a reality check. Iraqi women HAD rights, education, jobs and careers BEFORE we invaded! Iraq was a secular country, not one governed by Islamic religious law – the only one in that part of the world that was not. Of course, we’ve managed to nicely change all that. There were schools, universities (the one that got blown up the other day in a bombing attack was founded in 1211!), hospitals, doctors and medical facitlites BEOFRE we got there! Get your facts straight – while there have been and always will be, just as there are right here in America, areas of extreme poverty, limited eduucational opportunities and access to health care, Iraq was not entirely some backwater country that we’ve graciously pulled out of the Middle Ages! The fact that Iraq had a stable economy and a flourishing, educated, professional middle class was one of the thigns that erroneously led neo-con ideologues to believe that this would be a cakewalk where Jeffersonian Democracy would just fall into place. How nice that the children have schools – with the level of unpredictable violence everywhere, their parents cannot send them there! Even University students and professors are not safe. Yes, yes, as a nacent nation, we did fight for our freedoms and democracy. WE fought for them, we didn’t have another country come in, throw the British out and TELL us that we were going to have a democracy. Enough with the comparisons between Iraq now and the colonies then. WE initiated our own democracy for our own reasons; they’ve had theirs foisted on them – for our own reasons. And finally, quit demonizing other people. The Iraqis do not love their children. Please. That sounds like the cold war rhetoric that was utilized against the Russians. People – and parents – are the same everywhere. We all want the same things. To paraphrase your own comments, if you continue to demonize those who you perceive as being different from you or who you fear and perceive as a threat, in short, if you continue to drive hatred in the world, then you are not only no better, you are part of the problem. Please stop justifying your position -- and seeking solace and security in your situation -- by twisting the truths and reality. While it may make you feel better, safer, more "right," "justified," or "morally superior," it serves no beneficial purpose in the world and serves only to spread divisiveness and hate.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Ed Ebbecke — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 02:12:14 GMT

Bush & Co forgot one of the fundamental principles of life, Said best by David Byrne... things fall apart, its scientific.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Wake up people! — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 02:35:40 GMT

If people actually believe that garbage that Malkin spews, we are in even sorrier shape than I thought. And if you think it's all lollipops and rainbows over there, perhaps you should sign up for the surge.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Tom, NY, NY — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 04:16:47 GMT

We have the most complex foreign policy crisis in our history--and the most un-qualified and inept administration we have ever seen.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Daniel Poulsbo, Washington — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 04:34:12 GMT

Keep up the good work Richard, it's all because of your reports that makes me gain a larger insight into the troubles of Iraq. I'm quite shocked as well that he/she couldn't wait to get to Baghdad. Will sending some 20,000 soldiers change the tide? I don't know, but at least it will alter something, for the better or for the worse. I just hope we don't gain the same results as Vietnam.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Eric Oregon — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 11:00:16 GMT

I like what Hillary Clinton had to say today and she finely hit the Iraqi issues right on the money. Hillary Clinton came out and said to stop all funding to the Shiite Government if they didn’t show willingness to improve the sectarian violence. Al-Maliki Spoke today and stated that US needed to finish arming their government so we can withdraw from Iraq. I tell you do not continue to arm this Shiites Islamic extremist it would be a big mistake if we do. The Iraqi army has enough equipment to do the job they need to do and all we be doing by arming them to the teeth is for them to carry a long campaign against the Sunni citizens of Iraq.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Josef Balzer Askeaton Ireland — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:04:23 GMT

To Manny, Houston, TX: Yes. Iran is the next target...

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Josef Balzer Askeaton Ireland — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:05:54 GMT

To T.Mitchell: You are right- it would be easy for a government like that to do that. But in doing that, they would give the conspiracy-theories the very fuel that kind of government would like to starve them off. One of those conspiracy-theorists is Andreas von Bülow- a former German junior minister for defense, and later minister for technology and developement. Another is general Leonid Ivashov, former chief-of-staff of the army of the russian federation- i believe he held that post in 2001. I'm sure that the governement described would love to be rid of people like that, should it turn out that they are right. But doing so would have the opposite kind of effect to the one that kind of government would desire- it's easier to ridicule them instead.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

honesty, ethics, morals — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:08:00 GMT

send in the entire white house as front line comBAT boots......all others leave! You can add laura whats her name and barney to the comBAT boots. I support barbara boxer!

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Douglas Sivigny Sr. — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:14:56 GMT

Yes it's true that Iraq has turned into a civil war situation but that is not or problem it's the IRAQI'S! I am a retired Marine who now works as a Goverment contractor who travels to Iraq, the biggest problem is that our young troops don't get the right equipment they need to get the job done and with all the liberals talking to get our troops out now is crazy! If we would pull out now all it would show is how weak the American Goverment has become and how being so politically correct is killing us. If you think these troops want out ask them that question. Sure you will have some that want to come home but the large amount want to stay till the job is done. From first hand experince I have seen the good that is going on but then again that doesn't sell in the media frenzy that we have here in America. The best thing we can do is support our troops let them finish what they have to do and bring them home! Lets not let this become another Viet Nam where political feelings get in the way and our troops come home to a desfunctional society where they are considered as warmongers. As for our political leaders all I have to say is got out on a road clearing mission and see what happens, or go on a sweep of a city then you will see the danger but also the compasion our troops are showing to these people in their strive for democrecy.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

vincent — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:19:56 GMT

I don't understand why the argument seems to be more military involvement in the civil war, or completely pulling out and failing. Why is security the only leverage we have. What happended to the oil? the assets? Why can't we hold money over their heads pull out our troops (except holding the oil fields) and tell them when they want to lay down their arms and come to the table and create a government they can have their assets back. It's like we try sanctions before war but then drop all financial leverage aside. It's not that we have to maintain security to have leverage. We have other leverage don't we?

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Rick, Olympia, WA — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:22:50 GMT

I have just gone through some of these blogs and one that gets me is Tony from Chicago. Never let me have to depend on you are people like you to watch my back - I would not have one left. For those of you who are crying for war crime trials and impeachment hearings. Remember that your hero Clinton had his chances to stop Osama and thought that spending time with celebrities was more important than being a leader. As far as impeachment your leaders would not impeach Clinton why would they even think about doing it to a leader who is actually trying to be a leader. Remember the way not to make mistakes is to never have the conviction to make a decision. History teaches us well but hey in this country if it has not happenend in the last ten minutes most of you can not be bothered to remember it and our schools can not be bothered teaching it to our children with a reason why it is as important today as it was when it happened.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Nena, Butler, Pa — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:31:15 GMT

Love your column Richard, I hope this finds you and yours safe. I have such mixed feelings about this whole situation. I have to wonder though, this is among the oldest civilizations in history, they have over-come many things thoughout history. What gives us, the U.S, the right to march in there and tell them how their country should be run? I think that is very egotistical. I can understand the need to eliminate certain risks, and yes, the country was definately in turmoil, but once again, did we really have the right to declare war? How many innocent lives have been lost. Maybe we just should have put the gloves on Bush and Sadaam, and let them duke it out. I certainly believe we should always help others, but at what cost? We are spending billions on this war, but we have over 750,000 homeless. We have starving families, and families in need of health benefits. Shouldn't it be more of a priority to take care of our own people. Hopefully, we are wising up a bit regarding who we elect into office, and will put more thought into the matter before we vote. I would like to know for the record, how many members of the Bush family are fighting for our country in Baghdad, or other war-torn areas of that country? I think we need to remember our place in this great world. I would like to think we are humanitarians, and not war-mongers. I would like our legacy to our children to be one of peace. And by the way, I cannot imagine our God telling anyone that war is the answer. I can only imagine how dissappointed he is by our behavior. After all, only God has the right to take a human life, period.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Russ Gillam, Northport, NY — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:32:21 GMT

The real question that must be answered is, shockingly, the same question that needed answering from the beginning, since long before "shock and awe". What is the REAL reason we're in Iraq? Not the illusory, and often adjusted public rationale. Not even the - consistent with the american people's ability to comprehend - explanations we get from the analytical elite. When I ask for the REAL reasons, I mean, what was really going through the minds of the deciders (Chenney, Rummy and crew)? Thus far no plausible explanantion has been given. Hopefully, so that these mistakes won't be allowed to happen again, the corruption that I suspect infects the soles of these men will be exposed for all to see and the real rationale for the war will be known.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

PAM CORAL SPRINGS FLA. — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:38:45 GMT

THIS WHOLE THING WAS BOTCHED, RIGHT FROM THE BEGINING, IT ALL STARTED WITH LIES AND THAT IS THE WAY IT WILL END. WE NEED TO GET OUT OF IRAQ AND LET THEM DEAL WITH THEIR OWN PROBLEMS AND STOP TRYING TO FORCE OUR FORM OF GOVERMENT ON OTHER COUNTRIES. THIS THING STILL HAS A LOT TO DO WITH PRES. BUSH, HIS DADDY, AND SINCE 65% OF THE OIL COMES FROM THIS REGION OUR MEN AND WOMEN ARE DYING, FOR WHAT?????

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

JOE — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:47:51 GMT

WE NEED TO GET OUT NOW. THIS SITUATION WILL ONLY GET WORSE.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

sf — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:48:12 GMT

"the Iraqi people need us now as much as ever" it's morons like you that got us here in the first place.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Nancy, Seattle WA — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:09:01 GMT

It is laughable that people are concerned that we would be "deserting" the Iraqi people by pulling our troops out. Thanks to us, in the course of this war a million Iraqi citizens have been either killed or wounded. We have also destroyed their country and their economy. For safety reason children are unable to attend school and women are losing their rights. Instead of securing our own country after 911, we have made Iraq, a country that had no connection to 911 and that proved to be no threat to us, our "fighting ground". To justify it we got rid of a dictator. Why would they want us there with all of the death and destruction we have created? Plus, they are now just fighting each other. They choose that, so let them work out their own issues. What we should really worry about is the dictator idiot that is ruling over America. He has costs us billions, ruined our reputation around the world, and made the world a more dangerous place. Now with no concern what the majority of citizens want, he has kicked all reason aside and escalated this war and has also threatened Iran and Syria. We are the ones, here in America, with the real problem.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Ruben, Seattle, Wash — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:09:34 GMT

For those of you who have never served your your nation, freedom is not free nor does it mean others can inflict harm on our own troops by continuously sending negative messages that reduce troop moral. If you think that our President is truely responsible for this situation in Iraq, you need to look back at who provided him the information. Most of our leaders in Congress and the Senate encouraged in the beginning are retracting and running scared. Who's fault is it really? Look in the mirror and say it is my fault. We vote in all of our representatives which many have not taken a stand or hinder in protecting our nation. I have been in the Middle East for five tours and witnessed our troops doing great things for the Iraqi people and other nations. After serving my nation for 23 years in uniform, I am disgusted with so many people that think we are waisting our time helping these people. We should be supporting any decisions our Commader-In-Chief makes. I risked my life for your freedoms, do the right thing and support the troops that are there. Everytime you make negative statements about there Commander-In-Chief, you make your sons and daughters serving feel as if they mean nothing. War is hell but the end result is many benefit from being able to think for themselves and to be free. We Americans have it good, why can't others around the world have the same.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

KENT OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:11:23 GMT

THE WHOLE WORLD WILL BE SAFER ONLY WITH OUR VICTORY IN IRAQ. KNOWING WHAT WE KNOW NOW ABOUT WMD'S NOT BEING FOUND, IT WAS A POLITICAL NIGHTMARISH MISTAKE FOR PRESIDENT BUSH;HOWEVER,WE MUST WIN. TERRORISTS THE WORLD OVER WANT THE MIGHTY U.S. TO LOSE AND THE POLITICAL BADGERING THE DEMOCRATS UNLEASHED ON OUR POLICY HAS EMBOLDENED OUR ENEMY AND CERTAINLY COST AMERICAN LIVES. TERRORISM MUST BE DEALT A DEADLY BLOW OR THE ANIMAL WILL BE STRENGTHENED AND POSSIBLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DEAL WITH LATER. THANK GOD THE MEDIA WASN'T SO SCREWED UP ON THE ISSUES DURING WWII OR WE WOULD BE SPEAKING GERMAN.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

D.K. Barnwell, Hickory, NC — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:19:59 GMT

Those who critize Bush have know idea of what Saddam put the people of Iraq thru. Until you yourself, not your son or daughter or any other friend or relative, go and see how these people live then you should not be so critical of our being there. Yes, I've been there(1 year on the streets of Baghdad and 1/2 year in southern Iraq). Yes, there is a lot of problems there. But those who say Bush and his cabinet should be impeached should be very thankful that they did not live in Iraq under Saddam. After they made the first critizism of the leader they would have been sorry, IF they lived thru it. During Desert Storm, Saddam would put soldiers at the border with a minefield between them and the Joint Forces and the another one behind them so the could not leave and left them with harldly any food or ammo. As of 2003 the sectic system in Baghdad hadn't had any upkeep in YEARS and it wasn't unusual to have to walk in it, but Saddam had his palaces. Uday use to put live people in his lion cages and watch for entertainment. The Iraqi people have had it BAD and if I have to go again I will. Please keep the soldiers of all the countries that are serving in Iraq and Afganistan in your thoughts and prayers. Richard, your reporting sounds inpartial, thank you. I met a lot of reporters that I had NO use for. I wish you safety.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Moshulu — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:23:25 GMT

"American and Iraqi officials have now launched a major "Baghdad security plan." But as our stringer reminded me today, Baghdad is only part of much wider problem." Thanks Richard Engel, but that is one of the largest problems back here in "the states" America keeps looking at Baghdad, but overall, Iraq as a country is almost categorically DESTROYED! It is my opinion, but I believe Iraq is 100% worst off under U.S. occupation. Thanks...

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Eddie C. — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:29:21 GMT

To Mark and Todd, Yes, Saddam was a dictator and killed his own people, Shia and Sunni, and he got what was coming to him. I never believed that he was danger to us as Bush and his cronies stated to world before he made us invade Iraq. I never did believe the case they made against him as being allied with Osama. Most of Bush's evidence against Saddam was proven false. The only legitimate war against terrorism is the war in Afganistan and we are losing that one too since most of our troops are in Iraq. We do not have enough troops to fight the war in Iraq, much less to fight in two fronts. This is how the Germans lost in WWII.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Jonny Doe — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:51:15 GMT

Lisa Moody - Ryan was nicer when he pretended to be from Michigan - I think the move must have upset him, but his style hasn't changed - spewing hate on anyone bright enough to see that George Bush is an unmitigated disaster by accusing them of spewing hate. I think Karl sent out blogging instructions to the uber faithful. God save anyone who finds Baghdad safer than home.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Billy Bob, Red State — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:57:41 GMT

"Nick from Phoenix, you are a moron!" Finally! The right wing produced serious argument and from such a deep thinker.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

liberal michael, newton, mass. — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:10:08 GMT

To TJ in Pittsburgh : I totally appreciate your perspective and analysis. My opinion : I think in a very sick way we have forgotten that we are only in this for the money I think this is the twilight of our brand of capitalism and lack of leadership

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

Manny , Houston , Texas — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:14:48 GMT

Kent , if you think one can fight terrorism with conventional troops , then you are living in LaLa Land or you own work for a company that is benefiting from war. People can be so silly when they chose not to think for themselves.

Dangers of the Baghdad plan

David G., Baqubah Iraq — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:10:32 GMT

Well I am probably the only one who will post who is actually in Baqubah. It would be nice if Mr. Engel would actually visit here before publishing a story on an area. It is important to remember he recieved a report on the status of the situation here from a sunni reporter.... in a sectarian sunni/shia conflict. Probably not your best source Mr. Engel. How about get out of Baghdad's green zone and visit us up here. It ain't pretty but it ain't what is described above.