Posted on 01/19/2005 4:04:47 PM PST by quidnunc
There is growing dissension and dismay in the US armed forces about their prospects of victory in Iraq. The yellow ribbons, lapel pins and yard signs expressing solidarity with the nation's soldiers are still conspicuous around army bases across America. But commanders and soldiers alike are conducting an increasingly anguished debate.
There are four reasons for this. First, many service people are shocked by the incontrovertible evidence that the justifications offered by the Bush administration for invading Iraq — WMD and a link with international terrorism — were false. Second, bitter and painful fighting, notably in the showpiece assault on Falluja, has failed to suppress insurgency. Third, there is deep scepticism about progress in recruiting Iraqis to assume the security burden. Even General David Petraeus, the US airborne general charged with organising Iraq's new forces, is said to be increasingly despondent. And finally, the army and marine corps are acutely aware that they have to sustain the occupation without sufficient troops to control the country effectively.
Having begun the campaign convinced of the justice of their cause and their ability to secure victory, many members of the US military and their families now suspect that the cause may be invalid and the battle unwinnable.
Last autumn in Iraq, a senior British officer told me how impressed he was by the Americans' commitment. "Before I came here," he said, "I doubted whether the US army possessed the moral toughness to see this thing through. I no longer feel that uncertainty. I have not met one American at any level who questions the need to be here, and to finish the job."
That assertion is no longer true. In the minds of many US soldiers looms the spectre of Vietnam. …
-snip-
And thank you for your service, and your candid report. My kid is leaving within the next two weeks to Iraq. This is their battalion's second tour.
Biy, this is horrid journalism. Hastings just makes some broad assumptions and goes with it :
"But commanders and soldiers alike are conducting an increasingly anguished debate."
A recent military poll (maybe someone can dig it up) showed that approval for Bush's handling of the war has actually increased slightly amongst troops. That hardly sounds like "growing dissension", unless Hastings meant growing in the other direction.
The only "anguished debate" is amongst the idiotarion left.
What an asshole.
The last poll I saw was about 70% approval for Bush among the military. My kid told me about the pandemonium that broke out at NTC when they found out Bush won, it was like a New Year party. That's why the left tries to stiffle the military votes.
this is horrid journalism....
Let's consider the source. The "guardian" has always been the mouthpiece of the communist/socialist party of England. They have NEVER, I mean NEVER written anything that was in any way supportive of the US.
Wankers!!!
Max Hastings also appears to be viciously antisemitic. A quick Google search turned up another article, which is truly disgusting.
Who is at fault for Islamic terrorism throughout the world? Why, the Jews, of course.
Unsurprisingly, the Guardian was eager to publish both these pieces of trash:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1166637,00.html
Dear Max:
Thank you for your opinion. It's only your opinion. We shall see what happens.
Hastings is a major league ***hole.
At one time he was editor of the Telegraph and as right wing as they come, a hang 'em and flog 'em type, that was when Maggie was PM.
He later became editor of the London Evening Standard, while Blair was PM. Before he arrived it was centre right, Hastings turned it into a turd way Blair supporting trash pit.
He has only ever been after a Peerage, or more and was duly given one by Blair, for his craven support.
He has no principles, no spine and little else to commend him.
Sir Max has a history of spitting on American Soldiers. He suffers from a serious case of envy, I do believe
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.