I see the above statement by you as a concession to the Generals who say we have enough troops in Iraq.
It seems to me they are looking at the big picture, factoring in the resources (number of troops available) taking into account the scenarios you've listed, and more.
The resulting number is equal to the number of troops we now have in Iraq.
While you are wailing about 'not enough troops' they are facing up to the facts as they exist.
[I see the above statement by you as a concession to the Generals who say we have enough troops in Iraq.]
Well, those statements were specifically about the larger problem, as I see it. I had given examples about bad things that could happen throughout the world and how we don't have a large enough military.
The intent of your statement is mostly correct. I believe the generals in Iraq are doing the best they can with what they have. I also believe the generals would be doing a lot better if the force in theater were double the current level. Or even triple.
[It seems to me they are looking at the big picture, factoring in the resources (number of troops available) taking into account the scenarios you've listed, and more.]
A small correction: The generals in Iraq aren't really worried about king chavez and little evil morales invading northern Chile. Or of an increased FARC insurrection in Colombia.
[The resulting number is equal to the number of troops we now have in Iraq.
While you are wailing about 'not enough troops' they are facing up to the facts as they exist.]
Balding Eagle, thank you for the civilized debate. The "One Line Wonder Trolls" are active on this thread and I most certainly don't count you as one of them.
Again, the generals in Iraq are doing as best they can with current troop levels and current ROE. I'm not blaming them for anything, unlike what Ms. Pink is imagining.
So let me ask you this question: If we had the level of troops that we had back during DS/DS, how many troops do you think we'd have in Iraq today? I'm guessing we'd have at least 250,000 and peace would be closer at hand. If we had an occupying force similar to what we had in Europe at the end of WW2, where we crushed quite handily the residual German resistance, Iraq today would be a peaceful country with a thriving economy.