?
Posted on 11/30/2005 7:28:00 AM PST by Valin
The United States needs a new strategy in Iraq and the Persian Gulf. The war is at best a stalemate; the large American presence now causes more trouble than it prevents. We must disengage from Iraq—and we must do it by removing most American and allied military units within 18 months. Though disengagement has risks and costs, they can be managed. The consequences would not be worse for the United States than the present situation, and capabilities for dealing with them are impressive, if properly employed.
Some people argue that the United States should disengage because the war was a mistake in the first place, or because it is morally wrong. I do not propose to pass judgment on these questions one way or the other. My case for disengagement is different: it is forward-looking and based on American national interests. The war as it has evolved (and is likely to evolve) badly serves those interests. A well-planned disengagement will serve them much better by reducing military, economic, and political costs.
Let us consider the facts of the case: The United States and its Iraqi partners are fighting a tough counterinsurgency campaign against determined, deadly, well-funded, and well-equipped foes. There are essentially two groups organizing the violent opposition: remnants of the Baath regime and Iraqi fundamentalist Islamists in league with foreign terrorists—al Qaeda affiliates or imitators. They both find their support in the larger Sunni Arab community of roughly five million people, who live mainly in central and western Iraq.
(Excerpt) Read more at bostonreview.net ...
What a load of crap.
What planet is Barry from?
And now for somwe really REALLY GOOD NEWS
Coming in the January/February 2006 issue of Boston Review:
A NEW DEMOCRACY FORUM
on Barry R. Posen's "Exit Strategy"
With Sen. Joseph Biden, Barbara Bodine, Vivek Chibber, Helena Cobban, Juan Cole, Sen. Russell Feingold, Randall Forsberg, Chris Preble, Nir Rosen, and Eliot Weinberger
At last we'll find out how we can get out of Iraq, and just what the Iraqis should do. Thanks goodness that we have people like this.
Though letting terrorists kill our citizens on our soil, and not do anything about it has its risks and costs, it can be managed.
The guy is a twit...
Uranus
?
As another Freeper wrote "3,000 killed in less than an hour & we were ready to fight, 2,000 killed in the course of several years & these same folks are ready to cut & run." What a stupid move this would be & the consequences of such a move would be chilling.
he has some understanding of Iraq but he is wrong on many counts and wrong in general
"If we could just make sure that all they killed were republicans....hmmm."
(Imagining what goes on in Barry Posen's mind)
When the President gives his speech today, remember that withdrawal is victory.
Let the libs know that.
Why? So that when we DO pull out, the Iraq War cannot be called a failure.
"What do mean it was a failure? We won! We pulled out! We brought our troops home! Isn' that victory?"
(sorry i couldn't find the off-button for sarcasm)
And they wonder why circulation is declining and they're laying off people. Sheesh!
More trail droppings from Boston. Read my tagline.
Nuke Iran?
The war is at best a stalemate; Wrong
the large American presence now causes more trouble than it prevents. Wrong
Since his premises are wrong, there's no need to finish the essay.
The Ten Costliest Battles of the Civil War
Based on total casualties (killed, wounded, missing, and captured)
http://www.civilwarhome.com/Battles.htm
#1
Battle of Gettysburg
Date: July 1-3, 1863
Location: Pennsylvania
Confederate Commander: Robert E. Lee
Union Commander: George G. Meade
Confederate Forces Engaged: 75,000
Union Forces Engaged: 82,289
Winner: Union
Casualties: 51,112 (23,049 Union and 28,063 Confederate)
Tell that to the million dead on Cambodia's killing fields and to those Vietnamese who lost their lives trying to flee another "disengagement," one called for by the left who always claim to be able to manage risks and costs.
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