[Alberta's Child]

"We need not send substantial ground forces into Iraq when patriotic Iraqis are willing to fight to liberate their country, although measured numbers of Special Forces should not be ruled out."

Richard Perle, Defense Policy Board . . . from his 2000 testimony before Congress.

[CSM]

Same thing with this quote. In context, it was made at a time that our culture was not in a "war mind" mode of operation. After 9/11 the culture changed. At the time of this quote, a pre-emptive operation to liberate Iraq was impossible, after 9/11 it became necessary.

It is a true statement that when/if Iraqis are willing to fight to liberate their own country, the sheer numbers of troops that we sent would not have been necessary. Hence, the current plan that as the Iraqi's gain the ability to keep themselves secure, the rampdown of troop strength will coinside......