IRAQ: Speaker Pelosi encounters reality and notices it

Powerline ^ | May 17, 2008 | Paul

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Buried deep in this AP report, between news of a crackdown on al Qaeda in Mosul and a suicide bombing in Baqouba, is Nancy Pelosi's concession that the surge is succeeding. According to AP, the Speaker, who made a surprise visit to Iraq, "expressed confidence that expected provincial elections will promote national reconciliation." She also "welcomed Iraq's progress in passing a budget as well as oil legislation, and a bill paving the way for the provincial elections in the fall that are expected to more equitably redistribute power among local officials."

As Abe Greenwald points out, in February Pelosi said that “the purpose of the surge was to create a secure time for the government of Iraq to make the political change to bring reconciliation to Iraq; they have not done that." Since she now finds the government is making the changes that will promote reconciliation, it should follow that, in her estimation, the surge is well on its way to accomplishing its purpose.

Perhaps this is the prelude to Pelosi adopting Senator George Aiken's prescription for Vietnam, "declare victory and leave." But acknowledging this much progress is dangerous for those who advocate our withdrawal since (a) the public may be less enthusiastic about pulling out entirely if it thinks we're succeding and (b) in the event of serious deterioration post-withdrawal, it will be clear that we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

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[Enchante]

Thank you for your service, and for the update.

Love your homepage!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

NITE!

[Just A Nobody]

OH.....that's right! It's late here and I'm tired.

First she annoints herself S-o-S and now C-i-C. I despise these "people"

[Recovering_Democrat]

Nancy Pelosi: worthless and weak.

[bushfamfan]

That sounds good. All the news not fit for the media to print. Thanks for the report and most especially to you and the rest of our nation’s best for what you are doing to the terrorists. God bless you!

[tobyhill]

If a Democrat wins the White House they won't need congressional approval to remove the troops and if they do win, anything short of removal of ALL troops proves they are liars. I'm sure they'll get a free pass from the MSM and anti-war activist if the Rats win the White House and there will still be 100,000 troops there.

[Future Snake Eater]

they are probably stockpiling for a major offensive.

I heard similar reports both in Baghdad and Mosul. It never happened, but I suppose there's always a first time for anything.

[Marine_Uncle]

I am sure by the end of the week we shall hear her make some stupid comment to the press that the democrats must get us out of this big mess in Iraq Bush was responsible.
She is a clever snake with a forked tongue.
For her to really acknowledge success in Iraq at this point would be to lessen either of the socialist's chances of winning over McCain. And surely the L/MSM shall keep what she said low key. Then again it may not matter for surely McCain will use her comments in the near future to his advantage.
Meanwhile on the eastern front, ahem. AQIR sure looks like it proves nothing at this point by staying in Iraq. As they fall apart, the Iraqi forces increase in power to further confront them.

[astounded]

My wife’s cousin has been about 140 miles east of Baghdad, within sight of Iran, for the past 6 months or so. Last weekend (on R&R stateside) he told me it is very quiet, they find caches of weapons and ordnance - including Iranian EFPs - but very little in terms of firefights or IEDs. Usually very boring. But, the surge is not working...

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Ernest.

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