Focusing on 'Success" in Iraq

There are at least two elements essential to "success" in Iraq. The first is a central government that meets the needs of the people well enough to secure their sustained support, shows sufficient consideration for minority rights to win the loyalty of those minorities and demonstrates a credible determination to live in peace with its neighbors.

The second is an effective, highly disciplined military and security establishment that gives its allegiance not to various elements within Iraqi society but solely to the central government.

The fundamental question for the United States is what kind of policy is most likely to produce such an outcome and do so at a cost the American public is prepared to sustain. At the risk of oversimplification, it can be said that the "answers" proposed in the debate thus far fall into two broad categories. "Withdrawal" proposals range from immediate pullout to "setting a date certain." "Success" proposals range from "staying the course"(not clearly defined, but presumably meaning maintaining substantial forces in Iraq until the goals there have been achieved) to increasing the number of troops there.

"The fundamental question for the United States is what kind of policy is most likely to produce such an outcome and do so at a cost the American public is prepared to sustain. At the risk of oversimplification, it can be said that the "answers" proposed in the debate thus far fall into two broad categories. "Withdrawal" proposals range from immediate pullout to "setting a date certain." "Success" proposals range from "staying the course"(not clearly defined, but presumably meaning maintaining substantial forces in Iraq until the goals there have been achieved) to increasing the number of troops there." (emp. mine)

President Bush has clearly defined, many times, success in Iraq will be when they can defend themselves - "as they stand up, we will stand down" - I don't know how much clearer you can get than that. The remaining Baathists working hand in hand with the al-Qaeda and insurgents are fighting against freedom from tyranny in Iraq and will continue to do so until other countries stop funding them with arms and money and America comes together for Victory in Iraq. In fact, if America would stand as one, Iran might concede to giving up her quest for the N-Bomb.

The MSM is no longer viable in truth in reporting, you can't even count on pictures to be honest so use the New Media, the Internet for veracity in reporting and listen to our Military who are fighting and winning this war on terror. Disregard the Murtha’s, Pelosi’s, Kennedy’s, Reid’s, Boxer’s, and whoever else is trashing America. This will be a long effort but win we will…if Americans stand shoulder to shoulder as we should.

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