[Prodigal Son]

Okay. Get tough and do what?

Yes, I would like to know as well. Has anyone specifics or was this just idle chatter?

[moodyskeptic]

Okay, I'll bite. Specifics.

Run a few hasty trials (Nuremburg) with known terrorists and Saddam's torturing henchmen, ones that Iraqis recognize from before. Execute them publicly ( yes, the UN, democrats,and the Euros will screech to high heaven) so that we make clear to Iraq that we will 1: protect our troopers violently, and 2. Punish Saddam's torturers.

I suspect only six executions would do the trick. The people need proof of US commitment and resolve. Supply it.

Six lives measured against thousands and the recovery of a nation seems a bargain.

[familyofman]

"Okay. Get tough and do what?
Yes, I would like to know as well. Has anyone specifics or was this just idle chatter?"

Idle chatter with no specifics. A bit like "bring em on" or "we want to concentrate the evil-doers & terrorists in one place". Seems like the 2 requests of bringing them on & concentration are working - now what, employ a little rope'a'dope?

[SJackson]

Seal the borders with Syria and Iran, probably Saudi Arabia too, with US troops (I'm told we have adequate forces there) until Iraqi's can take over the task.

Back up either you are with us or the terrorists canard, which could be done dipolmatically or worst case with air power.

If we don't, we're going to end up with another Islamic state, though their potential as a threat would be delayed by decades.

The most beneficial action would be shutting up the whiners who give encouragement to our enemies, tough to do, but there's no reason you can't call a spade a spade.