Democrats Undecided How to End War

AP via SFGate ^ | 4/1/8 | ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer

[SmithL]

Democratic leaders returned from their spring break this week to declare that Iraq is in turmoil and that they will continue to try to force President Bush to end the war. But facing another uphill battle, party members are undecided on whether to try to cut off money or take a softer approach that is more likely to succeed.

They will have to decide soon. Congress has approved only $86.7 billion of the Bush administration's $196.4 billion request for war spending this budget year, which began Oct. 1. Most of the money is required by the military, which says it is about $102.5 billion short and will run out this spring.

By early May, the House is expected to consider spending legislation addressing the military's needs, with the Senate following suit. And by the end of May a separate policy bill should arrive that authorizes billions in defense programs.

The legislative push will come after Gen. David Petraeus, the top military commander in Iraq, and Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador there, report to Congress on the status of the war on April 8-9. The two officials are expected to tell lawmakers that impressive security gains and modest political progress have been made since last year's buildup of U.S. troops, and that troop withdrawals can continue this fall only after officials ascertain that the drawdown wouldn't hurt security.

Already, Democrats are challenging their recommendation that troops should stay, contending that the Iraqis are not doing enough to hasten progress and remain divided politically. As an example, they point to the recent upheaval in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, where Iraqi leaders have launched a bloody offensive against Shiite militias.

[SmithL]

Surrender immediately?

Or on the installment plan?

All these hard questions!

[samtheman]

Surrender?

Retreat?

Run?

Run and surrender?

Retreat and surrender?

Run, retreat, surrender all at once?

Whew! Good thing we have committees to figure this all out!

[the_Watchman]

Typically, the press adopts the semantics of the left:

Democrats Undecided How to End War

As usual, nonparticipation by U.S. troops does not "end the war".

[Thebaddog]

Force Bush to end the war? Is there a light switch to turn it off? What would they have us do any differently? And how about forcing Bush to get out of Kosovo? How is that different?

[Moby Grape]

The ONLY way to REALLY end a war is to WIN it you dumb ass democrats.

[tobyhill]

***Pressed on the issue at a press conference, Obama, who advocates having troops looking after the American embassy and civilian populations in Iraq, as well as maintaining “a strike force in the region,” either in or out of Iraq, after the war, said his position was “very different from saying we're going to have a permanent occupation in Iraq.”***

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/04/01/politics/horserace/entry3985914.shtml

[Howie66]

I would suggest that those in congress look to the east for their “end the war, now” solution: take the path of the honorable Samuri.....hari kari.

Problem solved for all concerned.

This nation would be stronger and safer were this advice be heeded.

[Parley Baer]

“As usual, nonparticipation by U.S. troops does not “end the war”.”

Exactly. It is radical Islam that has declared war on the US and Western society. Until they are defeated there will be no end to the war.

[SouthTexas]

Democratic leaders returned from their spring break this week to declare that Iraq is in turmoil

Not near as bad as the DNC.

[Chode]

i'm sure running away with their tail between their legs was near the top of the list...

[perez24]

If the war is as unpopular as they try to portray it...why not just end it? Sure the Republicans can “demagogue” the whole cutting off the troops at the knees, but if the Democrats were as committed to this as they want their liberal contributors to think they are, then they would end it.

Of course, they’re only committed to ending the war to the extent that it scores them points and donations, and know that the GOP would be right in saying they were cutting off the troops at the knees, but what does truth really matter when “THE AMERICAN PEOPLE” want something?

[Cymbaline]

Here’s an idea: How about VICTORY?

Radical concept, I know...

[fedupjohn]

Yes they have, lose?

They just can't figure out how to pin it on GW.

[hinckley buzzard]

Obama, who advocates having troops looking after the American embassy and civilian populations in Iraq, as well as maintaining “a strike force in the region,” either in or out of Iraq, after the war,

Totally incoherent andf incompetent garbage. And this a-hole wants to be Commander-in-Chief.

[deuteronlmy232]

I can end it!

First: Arrest every member of congress and the press who have come close to giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

Second: Tactical nukes!

Fight to WIN!

[DJ Frisat]

Of course they want Bush to end it. If they should happen to win the White House in November, then it will be up to them, and they will be exposed for the clueless, cut & run dimbulbs that they are.

[AHerald]

RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!

[Maceman]

Considering they can’t even decide how to run a primary contest, I’m not surprised they can’t figure out how to end a war.

Actually, they don’t seem to have figured out how to do much of anything, public policywise.