[ohioWfan]

The primary objective is to win the trust and good faith of the nation of Islam, not to defeat it in battle.

Once again, we see the same facts and draw entirely different conclusions.

As I see it (from what the President has already stated clearly) the premise (primary objective), is that a free, self-governing Iraq will bring stability to the region and to the world, and make us safer from the terrorists who no longer can train and breed there.

Let's say THAT is what the President has in mind......that he is an honest man who has clearly stated, morally sound goals......... at least for the sake of the discussion.

Both the (temporary?) stand down in Fallujah to allow the Iraqis say in the process, and the pronouncement the President made to the Arab world, that we are a nation of justice and not brutality, are steps in the ladder with the same goal in mind. Neither are to appease. Both are to reach the ultimate goal.

I repeat. IMO, this is NOT a sign of weakness, nor to win 'the trust' of the Arab world, but is a sign of strength and resolve to continue the War on Terror, and rise above the enemy.

[McGavin999]

I particularly loved the small smile that played across his face when the interviewer from Al Arabiya said there were some in Fallujah who were claiming victory. I can't wait for the transcripts to come out, but the look on his face said more than the words ever could.

[jpsb]

This President, and it is beginning to worry me, seems to live in a world where just talking makes it so, and then he drops the ball. It's like he thinks "talking the talk" is all that is required, actions do not appear to matter as long as he can "talk the talk". Very dangerous, I am begin to seriously worry about his mental health.