[nathanbedford]

The real truth is we don't know whether Iraq was a good or a bad decision. We do know, however, that it is a public-relations disaster. In the end of the day "public-relations" is what will ultimately win or lose this war. We either gain allies across the world who will root out these crazed islamists because they know them and live with them, or these potential allies will turn their faces from us and we will sustain nuclear disaster at home.

Talking about "geographical wedges" in an asymmetrical war waged by terrorists is akin to talking about the next "big push" on the Western front in World War I.

Rather than worrying about an enervated Saddam on our flanks, we might consider that we have few allies today, that our policy in Iraq is regarded by virtually the whole world abroad at home by at least half the country as a disaster, that we may have taken a Sunni buffer to a Shi'ite hegemony and converted it into a mid East power that runs from the mountains on the border with Pakistan to the shores of the Mediterranean.

Iraq may not have been a, "brilliant victory" if one truly understands the nature of the asymmetrical world war in which we are now enmeshed. In fact, Iraq may have been just exactly the sort of trap which the Shi'ites were hoping to spring. American soldiers die to effect a democracy that can never be but we indeed have positioned the Shi'ites in a place from which they can launch asymmetrical warfare at will. And by "a place" I do not mean a geographical venue, for that is irrelevant in an asymmetrical world war. I was deceived about this before we invaded Iraq and even posted that we will have acquired a geographical base akin to an aircraft carrier from which to exert power and influence in furtherance of the "Bush doctrine." How wrong I was. Geography has nothing to do with it. It is all psychology, momentum, intelligence, and allies. We cannot sweep an area clean of terrorists. The Israelis are learning this hard lesson right now in Lebanon.

In the war against terrorism, nothing could be more intellectually "limited" -to use your word- than fighting World War I.

[MNJohnnie]

spring. American soldiers die to effect a democracy that can never be

Well nice you have feelings, too bad for you you are all ready prove wrong. Iraq has all ready been effected a Democracy so give your primary assumption is false, the rest of your proposition is prove equally false.

I guess I am a lot more concerned with wining the real war then the PR war. If you are hoping that some how the Leftist Junk Media will suddenly come to love the Conservatives make peace right NOW with being unhappy the rest of your life. Iraq has neither been a military nor a PR disaster. It is time the Neo isolationists get a grip on reality. This hide out in Fortress Amerkia and wish the baddies away died on 09-11-01 as a viable policy. History has passed you by. As 09-11-01 showed us, try to hide from evil and it merely follows you home. Iraq is about killing the Jihadies THERE so we do not have to kill them here. Your name sake would of understood the military logic of it. Such a pity his descendent's refuse to learn from his example.

Never stand and take a charge...charge them too."

--- General Nathan Bedford Forrest, CSA

[JCEccles]

We do know, however, that it is a public-relations disaster.

It was never destined to be a public relations success. Not with the liberal MSM using every manipulative and deceptive workd and image in its armament to wage all-out war against a Republican administration. Not with the Democrats determined to play Quisling to the scourge of Islamofascism and gain a perch of temporary and hopeless power.

The same vile forces worked night and day to undermine Reagan in his efforts to topple the Soviet Empire, too. Critics like you were ten dozen for a dime, eager to see him fail by declaring the game over or moving the goal posts daily if necessary.

But Reagan won by sticking to it and doing the right thing despite the cacaphony of the magpie critics accusing him of undermining world security and declaring the war won by the communists.

Bush is following Reagan's lead and ignoring crooked and cooked world opinion. God bless him for doing that.

[JCEccles]

We do know, however, that it is a public-relations disaster.

It was never destined to be a public relations success. Not with the liberal MSM using every manipulative and deceptive word and image in its armament to wage all-out war against a Republican administration. Not with the Democrats determined to play Quisling to the scourge of Islamofascism and gain a perch of temporary and hopeless power.

The same vile forces worked night and day to undermine Reagan in his efforts to topple the Soviet Empire, too. Critics like you were ten dozen for a dime, eager to see him fail by declaring the game over or moving the goal posts daily if necessary.

But Reagan won by sticking to it and doing the right thing despite the cacaphony of the magpie critics accusing him of undermining world security and declaring the war won by the communists.

Bush is following Reagan's lead and ignoring crooked and cooked world opinion. God bless him for doing that.