Posted on 01/10/2007 2:30:20 PM PST by STARWISE
Unswayed by anti-war passions, President Bush will send 21,500 additional U.S. troops to Iraq and build the American presence there toward its highest level to quell worsening bloodshed. The move puts Bush on a collision course with the new Democratic Congress and runs counter to advice from some senior generals.
Set to announce his decisions in a prime-time speech Wednesday night, Bush was to acknowledge making major mistakes in Iraq, primarily failing to deploy enough U.S. soldiers and demand more Iraqi troops and cooperation to confront the country's near-anarchy.
In advance of Bush's address, White House counselor Dan Bartlett said U.S. military operations have been "handcuffed by political interference by Iraqi leadership" — but now will proceed under rules allowing troops to confront Shiite militias as well as Sunni insurgents.
(snip)
The new Democratic leaders of Congress met with Bush and complained afterward that their opposition to a buildup had been ignored. "This is the third time we are going down this path. Two times this has not worked," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "Why are they doing this now? That question remains."
Senate and House Democrats are arranging votes urging the president not to send more troops. While lacking the force of law, the measures would compel Republicans to go on record as either bucking the president or supporting an escalation.
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Carried live online by: C-span
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Your husband is a wise man.
I think his tie has a hint of the purple finger color . If so, nice message!
Sounds to me like we are going after Al Satr
On MSNBC last night he said he supported Bush's surge. Honestly, I think he's being wise considering how other GOP leaders are opposing him. I think in honesty someone like Hunter would want many more troops in there and new ROE. He will publically support a minor surge for now.
I see he's hinting at a change in the Rules of Engagement.
"Our forces' hands were too often tied...", as I paraphrase.
Evening.
Sadr is digging in as we speak. This wont be easy in a slum of 4 million
Thanks, great shot!
Getting warmed up for Nascar I see .. Daytona. ;-)
That office sure does age folks, huh?
In the little bit that I've watched Fox News since the election, their technical errors have been increasing at an amazing rate. Tonight both Broadcast Fox and FNC channel, missed the beginning of the speech.
YAY! Allegra .... counting down the Mookies
"De-Baathification laws"
Who wouldn't give us the "green light" before?
Hey there CC27.
I agree.
Sound has stabilized now.
A positive list of goals for this year.
I am glad that Pres. Bush warned the American people that violence, sectarian violence and suicide bombers would NOT stop right away...because the enemies will want to act like we are failing!!
I do believe he said that the rules of engagement have changed...IOW, SADR isn't safe anymore!!!!
CSPAN did too. There must have been a screw-up somewhere.
My father noticed the MSM went around the bend decades ago. IIRC it was a five minute Nixon speech. The MSM analysts spent well over 20 minutes telling us what the President just said.
I feel proud of Bush tonight.
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