Posted on 01/19/2006 2:43:45 PM PST by churchillbuff
This week, a full and unconditional endorsement of Murtha’s notion has come from a completely unexpected source: the notably conservative Tribune-Review, which is based in Greensburg, Pa., but considers itself a full-fledged Pittsburgh newspaper. It’s controlled by Richard Mellon Scaife, one of the chief funders of conservative think-thanks and activist causes around the country.
Less than two months ago, the newspaper (daily circulation about 102,000), attacked Murtha’s plan. Printed below is the text of the latest editorial, which was published on Tuesday. Perhaps a few other papers would now like to re-visit this subject, with the third anniversary of the start of the war approaching.
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We didn't agree with Jack Murtha in November when he called for an immediate withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq. The timing was not right. But the times have changed.
When the Pennsylvania congressman made his call, critical December parliamentary elections were ahead; cut-and-run talk was inappropriate.
But successful elections have passed. And contrary to what some may say, Iraqis are stepping up to the plate, as evidenced by the number dying in defense of their fledgling republic. Native Iraqi terrorists and those of the al-Qaida brand also are starting to battle each other.
There's a growing sense of self-determination, which is a critical trait on the road to democracy.
That said, the world situation has changed dramatically since November. The nuclear saber-rattling of neighboring Iran is heading for a showdown. To meet that threat should diplomacy fail, the United States must begin the six- to nine-month logistical process of drawing down its Iraqi force and repositioning it to respond, if need be, to the Iranian threat.
This is not retreat. This is not cut-and-run. This is a recognition of the reality in Iraq -- one that has evolved into an Iraqi problem that only the Iraqis now can solve -- and that the paramount world security threat now is Iran.
On CBS's "60 Minutes" Sunday night, Jack Murtha predicted the "vast majority" of U.S. troops will be out of Iraq by year's end if not sooner. We hope he's right. The time has come.
Nah, she didn't. Chamberlainbuff is one of our resident defeatists.
Oh, I'm well aware. I figured that mentioning the barf alert was the most appropriate response.
What these toy soldiers do not understand is that Bush repositioned our forces in 2002. Iraq is our forward deployment for Iran and Syria.
Oh, and let us not forget. We may have hidden air force shelters for F15-16-22 aircraft in the area of Herat, Afganistan. Another area of forward deployment and repositioned military.
Time out. This paper is calling for exactly what Bush has said we are going to do. The President has said that once a government was in place we look to begining a gradual, phased, withdrawal as the Iraqi police, army and govermnent showed they were able to take up the slack. Our timetable is more in the hands of the natives than ours - The quicker they work to take things over the quicker we can leave. President Bush has stated he anticipates being able to begin some withdrawal in 2006, the exact amount and timing depends on Iraq.
Time out. This paper is calling for exactly what Bush has said we are going to do. The President has said that once a government was in place we look to begining a gradual, phased, withdrawal as the Iraqi police, army and govermnent showed they were able to take up the slack. Our timetable is more in the hands of the natives than ours - The quicker they work to take things over the quicker we can leave. President Bush has stated he anticipates being able to begin some withdrawal in 2006, the exact amount and timing depends on Iraq.
The surrender monkeys can shove it as far as I’m concerned. I don’t care WHAT side of the aisle they’ve been on in the past.
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