[johnny7]

The PROBLEM is we're NOT attacking... we're HOLDING. Holding onto something that hasn't been defeated. IMO, the Iraqi's had to chose too soon... and unfortunately, they chose a weak leader. As soon as Maliki took office... he should have ordered a clean-sweep of all dissident factions. When they needed an Alawi... they voted for a Maliki.

[EnochPowellWasRight]

"The PROBLEM is we're NOT attacking... we're HOLDING. Holding onto something that hasn't been defeated."

Yes, we are. Remember what Patton said about holding territory.

[ichabod1]

Remember how long it took them to form a government? They were trying to reconcile the unreconcilable. What is it they say about an animal created by a committee?

Our problem is more about a lack of resolve in facing and standing up to our anything than it is with the character of the Iraqi people. I rather imagine plenty of them like us and would have liked to see us succeed, but at this point they'd be foolish to bet their lives on us.

We don't have any clear alternatives now. As we are attacked again and again and again options which are off the table now will recover their viability. Let's just hope the number of casualties doesn't climb into the seven figures.