IRAQ: WHAT WENT RIGHT -- COURAGE, SKILL, LUCK AND EXHAUSTION

New York Post ^ | November 21, 2007 | Ralph Peters

[Aristotelian]

THE situation in Iraq has im proved so rapidly that Democrats now shun the topic as thoroughly as they shun our troops when the cameras aren't around. . . .

What happened? How did this startling turnabout come to pass? Why does the good news continue to compound? . . .

We didn't quit: Even as some of us began to suspect that Iraqi society was hopelessly sick, our troops stood to and did their duty bravely. The tenacity of our soldiers and Marines in the face of mortal enemies in Iraq and blithe traitors at home is the No. 1 reason why Iraq has turned around. . . .

Gen. David Petraeus took command: Petraeus brought three vital qualities to our effort: He wants to win, not just keep the lid on the pot; he never stops learning and adapting, and he provides top-cover for innovative subordinates. . . .

The surge: While the increase in troop numbers was important, allowing us to consolidate gains in neighborhoods we'd rid of terrorists and insurgents, the psychological effect of the surge was crucial.

[Aristotelian]

Public opinion lags behind the news -- most especially, when the news isn't to the liking of the liberal media establishment, the MSM. But the more articles like this that appear, the sooner public opinion will shift on Iraq. And it could shiftly dramatically.

Americans like to think of themselves as winners. They like to back winners. They like to associate with winners. Thus, as Iraq comes to be viewed as a winning cause, the tide of public sentiment will get on the winning bandwagon. This will leave Dem candidates in a very awkward position next November.

[Jazzman1]

the nitwit Dimms have shifted on this. NOW they’re whining and complaining that the ‘political’ situation in Iraq is a mess. The Dims just hate to see America win.

[LZ_Bayonet]

"As for the grunts of 2-12 Infantry who made it all possible, their motto is "Ducti Amore Patria," or "Having been led by love of country."

On Thanksgiving Day, be thankful for such men."

Amen!

[Hatband]

Winning is good. So, is there any plan to bring the troops home after victory or will we have permanent military bases there?

[joseph20]

"Americans like to think of themselves as winners. They like to back winners. They like to associate with winners."

Americans especially love underdog winners.

If we come from behind to win this thing, it will be that much more glorious!

[billhilly]

“Winning is good. So, is there any plan to bring the troops home after victory or will we have permanent military bases there?”

With the circumstances in Iran it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to give up our presence in Iraq. More than 60 years after WWII, we are still in Europe. The key is to end conflict, not necessarily to abandon the country.

[GourmetDan]

"Winning is good. So, is there any plan to bring the troops home after victory or will we have permanent military bases there?"

Oh I'm sure we'll maintain permanent bases there. It would be foolish not to. Probably way out in the desert where nobody gets too excited about them but still allow us to project power in the region.

They're breeding new bad guys that need killin all the time. We just got a little bit ahead of them for a while.

[uncbob]

If this country was united the terrorists would have given up long ago

What keeps them going is the left wing idiots in this country

[Aristotelian]

For all Bush’s faults, you have to hand it to him for his perseverance.

[bray]

The War is Ending and Victory is Here, thanks to President Bush.

Pray for W and Our Victorious Troops

[Hatband]

So, we’re into the war about 470 billion dollars so far. That’s roughly 95 billion per year. After victory the costs of occupation should go down. How much do you expect to pay for the continued occupation of Iraq? Annually and for the projected 60 years?

[steel_resolve]

AMERICANS! TONIGHT DEMOCRATS DINE IN HEEELLLLLL!!!

[GourmetDan]

"How much do you expect to pay for the continued occupation of Iraq? Annually and for the projected 60 years?"

Not as much as we pay for the continued occupation of Europe, Japan and Korea.

[Hatband]

Well, how much does it cost to occupy Europe, Japan and Korea?

[Ann Archy]

You seem like a shallow thinker.....of course we will have a military presence there forever, to keep peace and order in the VOLATILE middle east....is that you, Dennis??

[ZULU]

What went “right” with Iraq is the Bush Administration did what it should have done years ago - more boots on the ground.

Unfornate he had to blow mid-term elections and not a few American lives not doing what he should have done in the first place.

But retrospect is always simple.

[Ann Archy]

Go away and PRAY that your kids and grandkids aren’t BOMBED at the Mall since you want the white flag raised.

[johnny7]

Last night on ‘The Panel’... Krauthammer likened The Surge and the turning of the Sunni’s against al Qaeda to the landing at Inchon. While I wouldn’t use that analogy... a sea-change HAS occured throughout Iraq from the bottom up. And that’s the BEST way for it to happen.

[Hatband]

Shallow thinking beats not thinking at all.

[elhombrelibre]

“Sorry, Muqtada - that’s what you get for believing The New York Times.” ping