http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspxBy Lt. Col. Rick Francona   President Bush is expected to announce tonight that he will order an increase in the level of U.S. forces in Iraq by as many as 20,000 troops.  Most analysts believe that the bulk of these forces will likely been-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29463Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:55:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29463Dick Diamond, Bay City, OregonThe real question for the U.S. policy makers is whether or not, we, the U.S. has the will to make the hard decisions about pulling back if the al Maliki government does not have the will to neutralize the Shia militias.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29483Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:08:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29483Doug SomersI agree. The Iraqi Army has been in training for almost 3 years. The US Military can train a raw recruit to be Combat Effective in 16 weeks. Stand aside and let the Iraqis fight their own War. Also, since the Shia are the Vast Majority of Iraqis, why shouldn't Maliki be supportive of them. After all, Iraq is now a Democracy after the Elections! They will surely be the Ruling Party after the USA leaves, whenever that will be.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29487Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:14:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29487Marilyn MennettiI am totally against the current war in Iraq. We were lied to to get us there and too many of our troups have died. Bush does not listen to the American people. Why can't we have a democracy here? We certainly don't now. Bush needs to leave the White house in handcuffs if necessary. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29526Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:53:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29526Roger Barton, Oklahoma City, OKIf the USA moves against Al-Sadr and his militia, at what point would we be able to consider it neutralized? Would that be when Al-Maliki says to call it off? Would it take the death of Al-Sadr and his "lieutenants"? Total extermination of all male Shi'ites in Iraq? Or what? This is similar to the questions about deciding when we have "won" and can bring our troops home. Defining victory in such loose and subjective terms as "establishment of a self-governing state" or "elimination of terrorists and the insurgency" gives our CinC a blank check to run this war to the end of his second term and leave the mess for his successors to clean up over the following 2 or 3 generations!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29542Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:06:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29542steveThe united states has a tiger by the tail when it lets go the tiger will attack.how can you disrespect a country and not expect the whole middle east not to reply with violence.Our so call friends in the middle east you know the ones which have NO elections.Now see that the USA former friend was HUNG when the USA had no more use of him.These dictators will turn their back on the USA soonhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29551Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:13:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29551steve ny nyyou want to know whats going to happen ask the man in the street in Iraq.what the hell does francona know hiding behind the green wall.do you see how the Iraqi army and police are equipped old guns and jeeps that are old and the only protection they have is a metal shield instead of a drivers window.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29562Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:26:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29562Ryan, Vancouver CanadaIt's great the Americans went in to Iraq, Saddam should have been assassinated years ago. The top generals and the president need to apply more Sun-Tzu Art of War though, there still isn't a clear definition of winning and that is problem #1. 21k troops without a clear and achievable mandate will do nothing productive.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29591Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:58:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29591Ed Gibbons Milwaukee, WI If President Bush don't have the support of the American people he will go to Iraq and get there support. Because he and his administration started something they can't finish. He is putting your son's and daughter's life in jeopardy so he can have a legacy, and the sixty million people that re-elected him should realize that they were fooled by Bush and Cheney, and they are getting the last laugh. Those 3000 something soldier's and marines died in vain, and guest what Bush thinks my daughters are secure and I will have grandkids soon. Every parent should realize it is Bush that started this war because he wanted it. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29595Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:05:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29595Richard Brandt, Wake Forest,N.C. Wars have never ended until the leaders of all sides sat down to achieve a solution. If we as a country advanced alternative powered transportation, we would have no interest in the middle east politics. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29601Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:12:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29601alex, seattle, wasending more troops to iraq seems to contradict the current trend of 'letting them kill each other' (read arming fatah, recent conflict in somalia, stirring saudi arabia against iran, etc.). maybe we should just send more arms to iraqis and start getting the troops out... i mean, we don't have to give them ballistic war heads able to reach the us, you know. i have been an ardent supporter of my president, but i am starting to have very strong doubts iraqis want to live - and die - any other way than they do now, even if they say they do... they just want to blame everyone else for it. so, why not help out our 'friends'?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29605Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:16:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29605George Remsberg, Half Moon Bay, CAThe pundits are saying that Bush's speech tonight is the most important of his presidency. It may be, but that is beside the point. The point is not his speech and its importance to his presidency. The point is that thousands of people have died and more will die because of his failed policies. The concept of going into Iraq in the first place was wrong headed and there is no way to make it right. His speech will not make it right and more troops will not make it right. We have to leave.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29606Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:19:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29606sue frazierPlease ask the question-Who controls the 5 or so billion Bush is wanting to hand over to Iraq. If its the Iraqi government, that will be like the fox guarding the hen househttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29608Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:21:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29608Robert BillettIf we are going to commit more troops, then we must allow them to fight a war using all weapons necessary to defeat the militias. We must take out Al-Sadr and his militia. We could do the most damage by destroying Sadr City completely. If we are not going to use our full power then we must get out now.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29612Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:24:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29612Hank Venture, Venture Island New YorkAl-Maliki is in bed with the shiite militias he doesn't have the cojones politically. So if Shiites don't stop killing there will be no peace. How can you have stability when the killing is state-sponsored in a backhanded way?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29613Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:25:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29613Ed Beroset, Chapel Hill, NCThe Bush administration has no specific aims, no measurable goals and no concrete plans for the armed forces already deployed in Iraq. Lacking a strategy, tactical adjustments like adding more troops (even substantial numbers) is only going to result in bringing more of our soldiers home in caskets. What we need instead is to bring them home alive.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29625Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:39:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29625Minnesota ChrisI was a former military instructor and a darn good one. My audience spoke english, were on my side, believed in what they were being trained to do, expected compensation for the training and went forth and performed the skills they were taught. Sending more instructors to Iraq to train more security isn't the answer. George its the students stupid! They have no incentive to win. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29626Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:40:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29626James SteppWe have to either force the Mahdi army to work within the laws or crush them. I say we crush them because until they get a severe ass kicking they will not listen. Too many words and they no longer respect or believe in talk. Only once we've kicked their asses for real will we be able to negociate in good faith with them. When you have them by their ball, their hearts and minds will follow.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29627Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:44:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29627John A. Lutz, Maysville, WVBush should be either charged witb treason for lying to the American Public on the weapons of mass destruction idea or face impeachment for inducing the threat of more violence against America. We have become the most hated country in the world and Bush is solely responsible.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29631Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:51:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29631T. Elizabeth Frederick, MDIt's time that we, as Americans, start to support Mr. Bush and show pride in our own country to give a positive attitude to the Iraqis that have lost their hope and faith in their newfound Democratic Government. Also, some of their money should go to fund their own military equipment while boosting the moral of Iraqi troops that still have much-needed training before they can actually defend their Country. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29632Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:51:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29632j myers centralia il.we gave tem there country helped them form a govmt.let them run it they can do no worse than bush has here.you cant say your the boss except when i dont like what your doing.turn al-malaki loose and set back and watch.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29635Wed, 10 Jan 2007 20:54:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29635L MuriasSend Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and all his other cronies that never served in a war.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29640Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:00:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29640pat - Silver City, New MexicoCan't congress do something to force Bush not to go forward with this surge? It will only spill more American blood in Iraq and further weaken our military. Our elected officials obviously aren't listening to their constituents. Bush is willing to sacrifice more lives and more damage in a feeble attempt to regain some credibility, and it seems he is the only person in America, who is unaware of the fact he will never get the job done. He is a desperate man.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29641Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:04:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29641MikeIf you can believe what you read, the Kurd section of Iraq is thriving and appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Is it time to negotiate a military base in the Kurd area, give them their independance, along with aid and jobs? Then we can tell the Shia and Sunni to get after it, may the best man win, and we will be waiting in the safety and security of our new base for the smoke to clear. The Turks won't like this, the Iranians won't like this, but who cares! Maybe a peaceful prosperous Kurdistan can be our victory!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29643Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:10:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29643James Cole Washington, D.C.As a soldier who spent time in Iraq I agree with Francona, Al-sadr is a thug nothing more and when and if the current Iraq government acknowledges this the whole situation will eventually get better. It will be worse at first for the simple reason that Al-sadr has so much control over the uneducated that follow him, they call him a holy man but no holy man should ever condone violence to get his twisted views of the Koran to the forefront. Simple solution will be a covert sniper team to take out this man but that will not happen as everyone is to scared of the consequences of the violence that will follow. Wake up the violence is already there so why not take him out and see what happenshttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29646Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:12:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29646Doug Collier, Norfolk NEWhen the old Soiet Union went to war with Afghanistan, they--the soviets, had the biggest most powerful military in the world & even they couldn't successfully get a foothold in the region. Why do our current leaders (political & military) think we can do any better? Because it's Iraq and not Afghanistan? Get real...get out...the sooner the better.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29648Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:16:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29648Eric OregonAl-Maliki and Al-Sadr act like they are best of friends, because they are friends, they are both Shiites with similar agendas. Maliki is part of Sadr militia in a suit. If Bush still can't understand how politics play in Iraq how can he understand the Shiites agendas and goals. More troops and more American lives is not the answer. The answer is to get rid of the militia thugs this includes Maliki. Bush can depose Saddam but he proves he can't depose a Shiite militia. Iraqi government spokesman Al-Dabagh said today at a Rich Angel interview “Iraqi government didn’t ask but we think that increasing the troops will help to improve the security situation in Baghdad,”. Of course Iraqis didn’t ask for more troops because they don’t need Americans to bid on their agendas. But the Iraqi government will play along with the Americans they can’t stand as long as they stay in power and hopefully Americans leave their soil as soon as possible. What is the top Iraqi Shiite Agenda? To clean up with the Sunnis this is their very top priority. Sunnis are their thorn and soar for their Islamic religious goals. Shiites don’t need the Americans they have their very best friends the Iranians.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29657Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:27:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29657Brad, Dallas, TexasWhat did an extra 100,000 troops do to secure Saigon? Answer: nothing. The hawks then argued that China and Russia would take over S.E. Asia in a dominos effect. Didn't happen. Now, the worry is that Islamic extremists will take over the mideast before crawling up on our shores. It's the same scam Eisenhower warned us about. The military industrial complex runs this government and its all about manufacturing arms (and war) for profit. Why else would our army reject proven Israeli defense systems and spend billions on Raytheon (and others) to develop similar weapons that won't be fielded for another 5 to 10 years?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29664Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:34:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29664John R Callaway, Watkinsville, GADear Sir: I am a Veteran who served my country for 22 years. I am retired and supported Mr. Bush to go after Sadam. Now that he has been hung, we should get out of Iraq. No amount of help can be used when they don't even help themselves.How can we justify more troops when one life given to this horror is one too many. Where is all that cheap oil I heard about, or was I just dreaming. Let's stop this night-mare and bring our boys home. Thank you,http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29670Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:37:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29670Don, Buckhorn, New MexicoI think those who want to fight a war should lead from the front. Give Bush and Cheney guns and let them lead. Sadam is dead. The religious wars going on in Iraq are not our business and we can't solve them anyway. It's time to come home and put Bush and Cheney in jail for getting us there in the first place.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29672Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:40:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29672Nicole, Atlanta, GeorgiaI'm amazed at the stupidity of people who can sit here and say.. Bush needs to be tried for treason for lying to us about the reasons we went to war. I wish these people would remember that both houses of Congress voted to go to war. Yes, that means Murtha, Hillary, Kerry, Pelosi, Reid... ALL OF THEM! Just because the outcome hasnt been as positive as we all would like it to have been, doesnt mean they can go back and say they didnt want to go to war. The people of the United States need to wake up and realize that we are at war here. We are fighting for our very existence. Radical Islam is the worst enemy we have ever faced. And they are patient and willing to fight the long fight, which we seem to be unwilling to fight. I am afraid that once the too concerned with television masses realize what's happening, it will be far too late. I fear for the future of my children if we do not prevail in the Middle East. Oh, and Marilyn Mennetti... get out your history book. This isnt a democracy. It's a republic!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29688Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:57:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29688Richard, Long Island, New YorkAt this point it must be clear to even the most loyal W supporters that the war was a political maneuver to attain re-election. The Dems would have had a field day with a "do nothing" response. My vote is that we leave. There are no well defined military goals, and public sentiment at home and abroad are running more negative with each passing week. The cost is and will become even more staggering in terms of human lives, human disability, mental disability (recall Agent Orange and the Gulf War syndrome). Going forward, as much as it pains this "child of the sixties", I believe that the solution to this situation lies in a complete withdrawl of all "coalition" forces and the total outright selling (cash only) of all the small arms weapons that either or both sides wish to purchase. Our continued presence in the Middle East serves only as a focal point for blame for all social and economic ills present in these countries. The heads of the respective states must sleep sounder knowing that the anger that roils inside their borders is pointed at a foreign power rather than in their direction.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29696Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:08:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29696formerly Sgt. Mike Lambert USMC, Dryden, MichiganAttack Iran, that is the root of the problem. It is time for us as a nation to stop the hand wringing and solve the problem like men.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29699Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:12:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29699Colleen Jones Nashville TnYou know.I hate war.And yes it was under false pretents that we are there.I just wish there was a way our men could just come home.Without any reprecushions.But if we leave now.They will fight over here,now.Cause they hate us.And they want to kill ushttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29700Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:13:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29700Joe NY, NYGeorge, I don't know what you were thinking when you went to Iraq. You should have listened to Powell and other voices of reason before you opened this can of worms called Iraq. This young men and women you are sending in harms way should not be your sacrificial lambs. Please acknowledge your failure and bring our troops back home. You broke it and now you own it.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29702Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:14:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29702Burt, Tyngsboro,MAPutting more troops into Iraq will be a disaster. Bush refuses to admit that civil war is happening there. How many more of our brave men and women need to die or come home with limps missing. Bush should be impeachedhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29705Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:15:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29705Lee, Hackettstown, NJImpeachment must be restored as an option - Nancy are you listening?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29713Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:21:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29713Ed, Prattville, ALOnly about a third of the American people are with George on this. The fighting has been going on for years, the Americans aren't winning, and no victory in sight. About a third of the American people are ambivalent about the whole thing. Some americans even take the enemy's side and the American army is not properly equipped to fight the war. The troops are tired and most see no way to win this thing. Valley Forge 1778 http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29723Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:32:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29723Charlie, Bronx York New YorkBush this and Bush that..everything is Bush fault and no fault of the senators and other elected officials. Well here is one scenario. Go ahead bring all the troops back. Retreat I say...and let the killers come here and bomb us. If our senators don't have the guts to let us fight and win abroad we need then to die in our own beds or at work like those poor people did on 9-11. Last time I looked we never asked congress to bring us home. Served 2 tours in Iraq and 2 in Africa.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29724Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:33:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29724Lucas, Valparaiso, IndianaNicole, its a Federal Democratic Republic, as every American History or Political Science major knows. And so what, if it were a strict republic, the voting population, which would be more affluent, would actually be MORE against the war. Yes, getting out right now would cause problems, but so would a surge. THIS IS WHAT ALL THE JOINT CHIEFS ARE SAYING. THE MILITARY IS AGAINST THIS PLAN! Many members of the House and some members of the Senate voted against the war. We can't leave right away, but staying for a long period of time is just going to worsen the situation. Pretty much all the experts, on both sides of the aisle, outside neo-conservative circles, agree on this. Radical Islam is not nearly the most dangerous enemy we faced. During the Cold War, the possibility of a Nuclear Armageddon was a very real threat. We faced the real possibility of the end of the United States and even civilization as we knew it. During World War 2, Germany threatened to conquer all of Europe. Radical Islam does not even begin to have the capability to do this. It can disrupt society, but it can not destroy it. Also, "Democracies" and "Republics" are both, by nature, incapable of fighting the long war. History has shown that time and time again. War is almost never popular a few years in unless it it propagandized with out end, and that is impossible in todays world, nor would we really want it.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29728Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:35:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29728Kevinn Quail, Schaumburg, ILTwo excellent books about this situation are "A Pretext For War" by James Bamford and "Imperial Life In The Emerald City:Inside Iraq's Green Zone" by Rajiv Chandrasekaran. The first goes into great detail about how the Bush administration cherry-picked intelligence from Chalabi and others with their own agendas to justify the war in the first place. The second book tells of the horrendous mistakes made by the Bush administration in the war's aftermath and how Republican party loyalists were picked for posts in Iraq over people with previous experience in anything to do with the Middle East. For example, a 24-year-old with no previous financial experience was put in charge of re-opening Baghdad's stock exchange, people applying for positions in Iraq were asked who they had voted for in the last US presidential election or what their views were on Roe v. Wade. The entire war is about oil and money for defense contractors. Plans were being drawn up to invade Iraq by Bush 41's idiot son two weeks after he was elected the first time.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29729Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:35:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29729Gaurav Goel, Austin, TXThe reason Maliki does not neutralize the Mahdi Army is that they will kill him if he tries, and no one can/will protect him-neither Sunni nor Kurds nor the USA. He is powerless against them, hence the intractable situation. Also, all the reasons now cited for not pulling out of Iraq are actually the reasons we never should have invaded in the first place. In that sense, not only do we find ourselves in a highly cynical and self-deceptive situation, we are also trapped by this rhetoric in an endless committment. Blood will flow copiously any way you look at it...http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29735Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:44:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29735Greg Oasheim, Minnetonka, MNI think fear played a huge and unfortunate role in the debacle called Iraq and a ridiculous war on a tactic called terrorism. We are fighting a 21st century non military phenomenon with a 20th century military mentality. When fear is both a reason for and tool of policy the results are irrational and devastating. Does anyone know if the new Iraqi constitution outlaws militias? It seems to me that should be a basic piece of the agreement that al-Maliki should be held to in our next “surge” or new way forward or whatever. How do you get security if you allow armed militias to wander around your country? If the government of Iraq doesn’t agree to totally eliminate militias we should pack up and leave.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#29739Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:54:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:29739Ernie Garcia Riverside, California 91752The Republican's claim that the Demorats were "cutting and running," is ironic. It took Bush 4+ years to "cut and slowly run," from the debacle in Iraq. In retrospect, what was the real reason for going into Iraq? I'm sorry I quite can't remember all of the reasons. Ernie Riverside, Californiahttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30030Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:24:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30030John, Boston, MassMission accomplished!!! There were no WMD and Saddam is gone. Bring the troops home as there is clearly no other achievable and meaningful objectives. Let them all kill each other after we leave and focus the Billions of $ on our own people, education and country. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30031Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:31:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30031GU, Bethesda MDNeedless to say Bush jr will get his way again and in about 2 yrs when his disastrous presidency finally winds down our total body count in the Iraq debacle may be close to if not exceed 5000. Let us not mention the maimed and handicapped or the unspoken casualties on the Iraqi side. The naivety of both this presidency and many of its diehard supporters does not cease to amaze me. To seriously think that another 21k of our troops can suddenly achieve what troop levels in the 140-160K level have not achieved in 4 yrs is simply ludricous. We went in there based on lies and a warped moral compass and opened a pandoras box..We have a Shia majority that has a generational blood fued with a Sunni minority that has lorded it over them for decades and we think we can play refree in this scenario? LOL. The one thing the Sunni and Shia insurgencies as well as the Al-Qeda operatives there can agree on is to kill as many of our troops as they can while they kill each other. This is a lost cause and the person to be pitied is the next president who will be handed a greater mess than we have now to try and sort out in that region. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30033Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:34:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30033Mike Graybeal Kansas City, Mo.Here we go again, another war lost by the press, elected officials, and politicly correct cowards nationwide. How can you win a PC war? Can a war be won by not killing the enemy? Soldiers can't shoot the enemy, chase the enemy, can't talk to the enemy, or shout harsh language at the enemy without fear of some LIBERAL journalist taking his picture and telling the world how horrible our military is. These poor guys are walking on eggshells. OK lets get out the Dems are in charge now. The killings will start on our soil, it's duck and cover time. I really feel safe with Nancy, Teddy, and the usual suspects in charge. Lets get out with no plan for the future. The Dems will hire more help for their 9/11 commission implementation, create more Departments and raise more taxes by punishing those of us who have worked hard and got a little ahead. Liberals like Matthews, Oberman and most of the Left Wing Cowards at NBC, MSNBC, and all the other media outlets should be arrested for treason. But what do I know I am just a hick from a red state in the Midwest. I am not one of the east coast or west coast enlightened thinkers.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30036Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:47:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30036Rick Fleming Detroit, MIA. Send troops, clean up Baghdad and secure it. B. Have the cleric disband his militia,or arrest him and destroy it. C. Give them until November and then move the troops to the Pakistan border & mountains and hunt down Osama (if he's still alive).http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30037Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:51:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30037Tony TaylorIts really sad that some americans have forgotten that part of being an american is you have freewill and freethought, and to still support this president after the lies and total incompetence this president has shown, is embarrissing as an american.It is not only costly in the form of billions of dollars, it has cost the lives of thousands of our men and women. Any supporter of this president is just as responsible for those deaths as he is. your support has empowered him. As someone who has lost family in desert storm, I am disgusted. Actually it scares me that people are so blind or ignorant of the truth and support this guy have the ability operate a motor vehicle without running off the road. Its obvious our foriegn policy has.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30038Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:04:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30038SuzannahSupport our troops - BRING THEM HOME! If Maliki is serious about democracy he HAS TO take out Sadr and any other Militia groups. He has to start providing services to the sunnis and kurds and any other group, without bias. The shia revenge party needs to be over. They're thirst for revenge should have been sated by the hanging of Saddam. It's time to stop punnishing the Sunnis and come together as a country. Anyone who stands in the way of unity should be dealt with!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30042Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:07:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30042Mark Hatfield,Melrose,MA.Bush,Cheney and Rumsfeld(Asses of evil)have completed destroyed America's reputation around the world by invading Iraq.They were warned by the EU and others that this was a huge error,still they continued.How many generations of Americans are going to suffer because of their arrogance?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30044Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:08:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30044Jay West, Stratford, NJWMD,Al Quaeda,Sadaam's A criminal to his own people, can't leave because it will be a haven for terrorist training camps. What's next ? Bring our men and women home, ADMIT this was ill-conceived and pray that what you've done Mr. Bush has not endangered Americans for many generations to come.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30045Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:09:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30045Barb, STL, MoI think pulling out now would be disastrous, so if Bush sends the 21,000+ troops, they should be deployed to the borders of the country. There they should set up camps (stock piled with food and supplies) to house all American troops, and the women and children of Iraq. As they are doing this (over next few months), our troops already inside country should give the Iraqi's a "final" three months of training. They should get them to understand that American troops are backing off, then our troops should ALL move out to the borders -- and let the fighting begin. Also, the Iraqi (leader?) should issue a "No Fly Zone" into / out of Iraq for an indefinite time. If Iran (or others that have been fueling this war) attempt to fly in, they will be escorted out -- or shot down (wounded) -- their choice. Our troops would also be guarding all ground borders to the country, keeping all outside invaders away the battles being fought within. This may be a better way -- to let them "sink or swim" and, our casualties would be minimal.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30050Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:12:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30050myles smith scott depot wvNo one studies history anymore. That's the reason we keep making the same mistakes over and over. Until you take religion out of the equaision you will not have peace in that region. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30062Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:32:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30062Marcus AureliusSome of the opinions from people from the South are so funny. One of the compared Valley Forge with Iraq. First of all, The Americans than were supported by the French military, and the Spanish navy that defeated the British in the Gulf of Mexico. Second, if anybody would take the Valley Forge example that would be the insurgents, since George Washington was an insurgent and was the underdog fighting the empire.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30068Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:38:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30068J. Turner, Colorado Springs, CODrop the MOAB a 25-ton conventional bomb. It will demoralize and get everyone’s attention that we are serious in restoring order and reducing ground forces. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30105Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:18:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30105Tom Moleterno Prescott Valley AZBush went to war with Iraq because saddam tried to have his father Bush sr. killed.Bush thought it would be short and sweet and make him look good but it turned into a killing field where Americans die each day.Bush needs to pull all of our troops and let the middle east settle their own problems. Use our American troops to protect America and let the other nations protect themselves. Vietnam same war just in Iraq.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30123Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:39:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30123Francis D.Reply to Kevin Quail, Shamburg, IL. Do yu have any proof that Bush wanted to invade Iraq before 911? Is this really about OIL and Govt contracts? No, well then pls be quiet and bring evidence to the debate. I do beleive that Reps & Dems rcvd poor intel about Iraq, but @ that time everyone voted to go to IRAQ including yur Democratic elected officials. 70-80 % of the public 3-4 yrs ago also wanted to got to Iraq. So now that we are there, lets get some real rules of engagement, kill anyone with a weapon, secure the Iraqi border, kill the insurgents form of communication, ban militias and help the Iraqis END the Civil WAR. Francis D.; Dallas, TXhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30128Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:46:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30128Francis D., Dallas, TXEd in Prattville, AL. Your qoute on George Washington in Valley Forge, if we stopped the American Revolution where would we be. We'd be an English colony on the East Coast and a Spanish Colony on the West Coast. Most non military, ie civilians are weak. Ask the troops, ask most of the generals in Iraq if weshould pull out, they'll say not all at once, and they need clear rulse of engagement, and some social-public works engineering projects in iraq to win the support of the Iraqi people. We also need to stop the propaganda machine to all the uneducated muslims that the WEST is the NEW evil empire. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30143Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:58:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30143Sal Akbani, O'Fallon, IllinoisIt is not a question of how many troops we send there. The question is how long will this President continue to lie to us. We are paying the price of our own ignorance. We elected a President who was a "D" grade, made for TV politician. A pretty face neo-cons needed to push heir agenda. Our congress is full of cowards including the Dems who instead of asking tough questions, played along in this lie in the post 9/11, political expediency. Inferior leaders produce poor results. In the future we will not be debating as to how much damage GWB inflicted on Iraq and the ME. The subject will be more like how much he destroyed a century that could truly have been American. Will he be held responsible for destroying this country's postion, economic, political and military, in the world? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30144Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:58:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30144James Alexander, Winston-Salem, NCIt is ironic how W spent YEARS denying that more troops would be beneficial (and yes, I will acknowledge that some Dems called for more troops and now they're against it b/c W's for it) but now W is simply stalling. I don't know if I can be any clearer: WE'VE ALREADY LOST THIS WAR!!!! It was over before it started. We don't have a clue what we're doing, now or then. While this situation is OUR fault, we can't do everything for the Iraqis. W simply wants to drop back for the next two years so he can punt this giant pile of feces to the next guy. He has the blood of thousands of Americans and Iraqis all over him. If he has any integrity, he will resign. And ultra-passive statements like- "where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me." Does that make anyone feel better? Does anybody believe that, when forced to make a choice, George W. Bush will do what is right or what Karl Rove thinks will result in less political damage to his already non-existent reputation? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30151Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:05:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30151JessicaI am baffled as to how many could still stand behind a president who only cares about himself, lies, and getting richer from oil and big corporation. Firstly, why are we at “War” has the president really given an answer? Are we at war because of Saddam or Osama? Why are we still at War, it can not be because of Saddam, he’s dead, so what about Osama? Secondly, why are Katrina Evacuees still living in rat infested trailers? There were no bid contracts, Halburton, and mottos for Bush and Cheney, more money, no problem, how much do you want? We’ll clean up New Orleans when we are up to it, say contractors? Ok, says President Bush and Dick Cheney. New Orleans still looks as if it had a bomb hit its town Thirdly, why was he in photo with someone he said he did not know, *hints* (Jack Abramoff)? Bush says, I take pictures with a lot folks I do not know. When he leaves office, he will have this country in an uproar leaving the next president to clean up his mess while he is getting richer with (Shell, Chevron, and BP) and many of his tycoon friends. President Bush is a dictator in his own right. He listen’s to no one, but his Ace of Spade (Dick Cheney), Ace of Club, (Condi Rice). Moreover, he does not listen to his the highest of all cards “(THE PEOPLE) “. He invaded their country with War and now he wants democracy for the Iraqi people while our brave troops fight for his lies. In closing, the rich get richer and poor get poorer. There is no balance, fairness or truthfulness or integrity in the present administration. We need answers, I pray the new congress will get him to finally tell the truth. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30152Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:06:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30152Bruce Fulda, Manahawkin, NJTwo more years? Twenty one thousand more troops? Billions of billions of dollars more? When is enough enough? We have a president who will NOT follow the mandate of the majority of his country men and women. He will continue to waste both American lives and funds needed to supply Americans with health care, and other domestic needs. When this president leaves office he won't worry about the bill that comes due later for all the foolish spending in Iraq. In his statement to the American public he said "we will send talented civilians to Iraq to assist in the rebuilding of the infastructure". I guess that means more "no bid" contracts to companies that are on the "in" list. When we leave Iraq, we will have done more damage than good, and the cost will have been too great to measure.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30155Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:09:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30155Chitta N.How come the people who love "dumbush" aren't speaking out as eagerly as those who have doubts about his honesty and/or intelligence? Is the public debate truly over? Have his supporters quietly accepted that "dumbush" played them for fools? How come he is so stupid compared to his Dad? Is it becase he has only half his genes from his Dad?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30193Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:55:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30193Joan Lombard, ILThis country was founded on rebelion, let the Iraqis do the same. GET OUT !!!!!!!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30195Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:57:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30195Allan Hallock, Lexington NCLets pull out of Iraq now and give the terrorist a safe place to plan the destruction of the free world. If you are not Muslim then you must die. That is what the terrorist want. Why not give it to them! WAKE UP people!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30202Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:05:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30202Eric, Columbus, OHWe must give the Iraqi forces a time table when they must manage the whole country. Forget all this impeach Bush nonsense, all intelligence is a guessing game, regardless of time period or what party controls the gov't. Give our military the tools to win. Stop Iran from inflaming the situation. The Dems need to come with with real solutions, not just pat themselves on the back when the US suffers a setback.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30209Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:09:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30209susan ferro eau claire wi.I'm still trying to figure out what the "mission" is that Bush keeps talking about...and if we "win" this war, what exactly is it that we win? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30222Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:27:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30222Tom ClarkeAl-Maliki Government has said it will act against Al-Sadr. He should be told to proceed. If he does, send additional troops, if he doesn't start bringing others home. No additional troops should be sent until we see significant action by him. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30225Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:32:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30225Norm ConantThe only way to win a war, whether it is against a nation or terrorists, is to be more brutal and deadly in battle than they are. You must expect casualties among your forces, and collateral damage among the population in which the terrorists reside. If this is not acceptable to you, stay at home and hope you can defeat them when they arrive on your shores. The American people had better realize this struggle against the terrorists is going to last for at least three generations and if we don't win it, our descendants will be adhering to Sharia law. Had the current Mainstream American attitude been prevalent at the outset of WWII, German would now be our native language. Wake up America, you are about to loose more than the war in Iraq. You are going to loose you entire way of life. . http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30232Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:42:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30232DV Sikka, Bellevue WaWill al-Maliki ( a leader of Iraqi shias ) leave Iran behind and become a poodle of USA. He has very clerly trapped US in sending more troops to destroy sunnies. All that we will see now is an exodus of sunnies from shia dominated areas. We will also see an increase in sectarian violence. Our troops will also be the target of the cross fire. How many more troops must die before we wake up.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30233Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:44:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30233Frank, Maryville, TennesseeFirst of all, I have been opposed to this INSANE war from the beginning. I believe that Bush has been a puppet of the neocons all along, and that includes not only Ken Adelman and Richard Perle (look him up on Wikipedia), and all the other "sickos" on the "Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee", but also Cheney and Rumsfeld. By the way, why the hell does the United States government even need a "defense policy board advisory committee, especially one that once claimed, and maybe still has, Dan Quale (of all people) as a member? But it has been well documented that Bush was obsessed with Iraq from the day he entered office, if not before, because (look up the quote for yourself), Bush stated on camera (after going to war), "And after all, he (Saddam) tried to kill my daddy" (referring to the failed plot against Bush #1.) And I unfortunately disagree with the person who said that we should work to become oil independent and leave the whole Middle East alone. That would be great except for a few important things: (1) We are committed to supporting Israel against the Arab nations, (2) at this point, we still need the oil, and most importantly, (3) we cannot let this area of the world continue to expand the training ground for the millions of people who want to destroy the United States. So, as much as I hate this war for more reasons than I can list here, but primarily due to: spending the lives of at least 3,000 soldiers and billions of dollars, as well as physically and mentally (or both), causing over 20,000 soldiers to be wounded (along with, if you trust studies by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health), causing the "excess" deaths of over 650,000 Iraqis, we are going to have to do whatever is necessary to get Iraq to the point where it is, at least, stable over the long haul. I grew up with Vietnam (mostly via TV). That war ended just a few months after I got my Vietnam draft card. This is NOT Vietnam; that is, we can't just leave and let the North Vietnamese Communist government take over. If we leave Iraq before it is stable and somewhat of an U.S ally, it will be taken over by Iran, the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and God knows who else. A previous poster got it right-we have a tiger by the tail and can't let go, as painful as it all is, and will probably continue to be for the foreseeable future.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30234Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:49:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30234P Schager, Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe American people have submitted and surrendered to the petroleum-industrial complex. We're all vested with a year or so's income in a vehicle that is a boat anchor without petroleum. The elites are vested even more. Alternatives development has gotten lip service but little more. It's like taking a contract out on our soldiers and everyone who wants to live free in the Middle East. To dodge the guilt, everyone wants to heap all blame on the President, who is basically trying to triage the situation while sharing our axiom that The Addiction is not really touchable. The result is that the region's autocrats see salvation for their anti-democratic way of life in fanning mayhem in Iraq. Especially the Iranian mullahcrats, especially through Al-Sadr. Both by bringing fat oil profits to the regime and by chastening Americans. If we changed our attitude, we could save Iraq and a lot more. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30236Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:49:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30236Alice Loeffler, Hurricane, UTWell, our fearless leader is at it again. He keeps coming up with schemes that he assures us will lead to victory in Iraq. If he is serious about winning, then he should take a page from his hero's book and just bomb the heck out of Iraq. It will show we mean business. Yes, innocent people will die, but aren't they now? If that is to severe, here's another suggestion. Why doesn't he put his job on the line. If the surge doesn't work within four months, then he and his followers should all step down. That's the least he could do after asking our military men and women to put their lives on the line for him time and time again. It was pretty sneaky of him to start sending troops to Iraq before his speech, tying the hands of Congress who vowed not to monetarily support an increase. Now Congress will look like they don't support the troops. This man is on an ego trip, and taking the U.S. down with him. He couldn't even rebuild New Orleans, how can we believe him to rebuild Iraq????? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30238Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:51:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30238Dean Pyper, Murray, UtahI can not understand or even comprehend, how this president has hoodwinked the American Public and the Senate and the Congress, in allowing the misuse of the office of the President for so long. Are we all just a bunch of Conics or/and Robots that follow along without using are God given brains to distinguish what is right and what is wrong. To allow this President to destroy our international image, to destruct another county and to almost, if not already, place our county in Bankruptcy. How long will it now take, to recover from this Fiasco. It appears we did nothing more than trade SADDAM and his REPUBLICAN GUARD, for PRESIDENT BUSH and his REPUBLICAN GUARD. God Save America!!! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30245Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:02:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30245William Clinton, Minneapolis MNYou Bush haters should go to your rooms for always sounding like the kid who's toy was taken away. Bush is doing the best job he knows how to do in a not so fun situation. Like you could do better! He did not start this war the Muslums did when they attacked us on 9/11. Do you want to fight them in LA or Iraq? The war in Iraq does make sence if you look at the bigger picture and put aside your hippie liberial whines. Terrorrist do not want peace, they only want Death to America and they have wanted this long before Bush was President so stop blaming the man that is protecting your right to whine! PS having spent a year in the Army does not make you a leader so sending the Bush team over to fight is about as smart as giving Al Gore a movie camera and a case of donuts.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30249Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:04:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30249jeanne johnson, tucson, azIts still all about oil and revenge...bushys lust for oil and revenge for his dayaddy...how stupid can the american public be for raising this jerk into a position where he could play soldier and shout out the commands to kill whoever he wants to...the word hate is not harsh enough...now are we going to let him wreak havoc again before he is gone for good..on to paraquayhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30250Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:04:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30250Nancy Gallagher, Novato, CAJoin the BUSH PUSH, and push him out of office! Bush is not going to do anything that the neo-cons do not support. His plan is right out of the American Enterprise Institute playbook. He does not give a hoot about the opinion or support of the American people, he only cares that the AEI plans for dominance in the mid east and control of the almighty oil interests prevail. He has no plan, he has no clue. His is an embarrassment and a danger to this country and should be impeached. Any responsible republican should wake up and realize that this man must be escorted out of office now. There should be a concerted bipartisan effort to force both he and Cheney to resign and rescue this country from certain further disaster.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30254Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:06:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30254Richard Carey, Mattapoisett,MAWhen I served in Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Tank Bn., the enemy (Insergents) would redeploy to another area to continue their resistance. Their goal was not to win an outright victory but to cause us mounting casualties and create the sense of fustraition and failure. As with any urban or jungle guerilla warfare the only chancce for a negoiated preace is to have open negiations. This was done in Korea and in Vietnam. The only other options for victory are to become a Saddam Huessin or level the country as we did with Germany at the end of World War II. Our Joint Chiefs must surely know this. We know the President doesn't. We can not win the Iraqi War with 'Surges'of additional troops. We will only lose the lives of brave men and women for the sole purpose of Bush 43's legecy,http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30258Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:09:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30258N.S. BoydstonWhen American big oil companies have locked up the rights to Iraqi oil then and only then will our troops be allowed to come home. This administration is big oil! Bush, big oil. Cheney, big oil. Condolezza Rice has an oil tanker named after her for crying out loud. Wake up America.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30260Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:10:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30260Richard Carey, Mattapoisett,MAWhen I served in Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Tank Bn., the enemy (Insergents) would redeploy to another area to continue their resistance. Their goal was not to win an outright victory but to cause us mounting casualties and create the sense of fustraition and failure. As with any urban or jungle guerilla warfare the only chancce for a negoiated preace is to have open negiations. This was done in Korea and in Vietnam. The only other options for victory are to become a Saddam Huessin or level the country as we did with Germany at the end of World War II. Our Joint Chiefs must surely know this. We know the President doesn't. We can not win the Iraqi War with 'Surges'of additional troops. We will only lose the lives of brave men and women for the sole purpose of Bush 43's legecy,http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30261Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:12:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30261Susan Brown, Alexandria, VADemocrats and Republicans have plenty to fight about; taxes, social security, etc. In this time of war we should stand together as a country and put our differences aside. We need to support our President and most importantly, our troops.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30277Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:23:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30277Kathy Reaves, Carrollton,TexasWe won't be leaving until Bush leaves office. Get real people. He'll never back down. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30278Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:23:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30278DodsonI think some are missing an important point. If we don't keep the war over there, they (Al Quaida)will bring the war over here. Keep Al Quaida busy in the middle east. They've been fighting for thousands of years over there. I don't believe we'll be able to stop it, and I don't want us involved in their squabbles. However, they've involved us whether we like it or not. It's time to decide--do we want their religion, government and culture to become ours? If the answer is no, we have no choice. We must continue our fight until they no longer can or want to destroy us and our culture.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30281Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:27:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30281Robert Harvey, East Berlin, PAThe clueless fool that declared several months ago "mission accomplished" from the deck of an American aircraft carrier is the same fool in charge of this ill concieved war today. Need I say more?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30283Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:31:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30283m. roberts campton, ky BAD INTEL/ BUSH LIED/CHEAP OIL OR WHAT OTHER REASON'S THE POINT IS WE'ER THERE I do think this war can be won but there need's to be alot more pressure on the rest of the mid east goverments to control the fighters from coming in to iraq and some help with rebuiling iraq and it's military . these other goverments (iran) for one are playing the usa just as we played russia when they invaded afganistan with ossama. Iran need's to realize they really don't want a war with the usa and if they want the wmd's so bad maybe we should help them figure what's in there best interest. there also need's to be more pressure on al-maliki to stop the sunni/shia conflict. the american military are doing the best they can to hold ground and they can fight and train every one over there/ but if the politican's and al-maliki don't do there part THEN THEY MYSWELL BRING THEM TROOPS HOME http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30291Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:41:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30291Tim,Dayton,Ohio I am amazed at the things I'm hearing about whining to get out of Iraq. After 9-11-2001 the overwhelmingly vast majority of Americans(none were hyphenated at the time) were all for going after the perpetrators and backed our president almost unanimously, as well they should have. At that time, as we were gearing up to strike back at those who struck at us Mr. Bush and others told the American people this would be a long and bloody fight, that lives would be lost and that it would take years, not months to fight this to the end. All of America said basically "Go get 'em, we'll back you all the way!". So with the overwhelming support of the American people President Bush took action after fully warning the people of the costs and sacrifices involved in proceeding. Now the American people with what I call the "Microwave Mentality" (Meaning we don't have the patience to wait for anything.)because it isn't happening soon enough, want to just give up and come home. Not our troops mind you, the people, or at least some of them. To those who whine it's taking too long I'd like to say this. We as Americans made a commitment to get this job done and see it through til it is done right. So keep your whining to yourself and stick to the commitment we all as Americans made. What if the WWII generation had done what you people are doing? We'd all be speaking Japanese and driving VW's saluting either the swastika or rising sun flag. That generation had it a whole lot tougher then than we do now. They had shortages and rationing to deal with and they rolled up their sleeves and produced more, worked longer, bought bonds, and supported our president, our troops, and our country. I don't like war either, but sometimes it's the thing that needs to be done. I want our troops home too, but to pull out now would just mean we'd have to go back again and start from scratch. I feel I have a right to voice this opinion because my son enlisted in the Army, specifically requested to be in the infantry hoping to go to Iraq and help make a difference. He will get his wish in August(Maybe sooner now). Am I scared for him ? Yes I am. Will I be a wreck until he gets back home safely? You know I will. Am I proud of him? You're damn right I am ! He's a fine young man and a true American.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30293Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:42:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30293Jeanne Schneider, PasadenaWhat all this has been about, from the beginning, is war profiteering. Sacrifice? Now tell me what Bush and his cronies have sacrificed? Why they don't even want to help pay for this mass murder, much less expose their own children to danger. Tax cuts and egomania, far more important than human lives to these Satanic Christianists. And the endless lying - can someone remind fundamentalists that the father of lies is Satan? These supposed God-fearing people must bear much of the responsibility for putting these people in power. When are they going to step up and do something about it? I'm praying for the day when Cheney, Bush, Rove, Kindasleazy etc. are dragged in chains before a real court of justice to anwer for their crimes. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30294Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:43:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30294eyeofwarrior, lenawee county MiIt seems our country is in that fracas in iraq for the long haul. Pelosi and her gang want to cut all the funds, that includes payroll for the troops(didn't know about that one did ya!). No equipment, no pay, the troops will want to rebel that is what that ***** pelosi and her gang wants. How can one fight a war with no equipment? Of course her little dream probably won't happen because her neck would be on the chopping block and most all the troops will be in line 'cause the ***** endangered them by cutting off supplies. I think it best that we load her and her gang up and send them over and let them use their pansy ways to fight the war(oh yea, don,t forget carter). They won't last a couple hours. Of course, with carter whining & trying to be a dumblomat, they might all get tired of the whining and forget why they were fighting....http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30308Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:53:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30308Steven Daniels, New York, NYUp until now, I was generally in favor of the increased troop idea. But now that you explain it this way, I agree with you that we should NOT step in unless we have Al-Maliki's support to take on Muqtada, which is unlikely. Wow, I can't believe I just did a 180 (degree) flip, but you make a very convincing argument.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30327Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:09:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30327Jack l HenningThe incompetence of Bush invading Iraq and his Middle East policies will bring about a sectarian war between the Shia and the Sunni's throughout the Middle East. The shia out number the Sunni's in Iraq and have significant Shia populations in Iran and Syria. The Shia factions in the Middle East will consolidate and destroy all Sunni power in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia and thereafter control all the oil resources in the Reigon. Iraq is forever broken by strong sectarain hatred between the Shia and the Sunni's. The Shia will never negotiate away their new found power. The Sunni's of Saudi Arabia need to move their stockpile of U.S. Greenback's to Swiss Banks soon and get their U.S. Passports to Vagas current. Lets not mess with the Shia Militia's in Iraq, pay back is hell, we will need their oil resources for a long time to come. I vote to put our troops on the boarders of Iran,Syra,Saudi Arabia and to protect the oil fields and let the Shia and Sunni's have their full blown Civil War. May the best man win. Best of luck to all for the New Year.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30334Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:16:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30334L.D. McMastersI believe if you take a look back in our History. America and Americans have always been hated or at least disliked. We can't place all the blame on President Bush. I can't remember a time that other countries wrote or spoke favorably about the United States unless we were doing something specifically for them. Even then, it was only a short time until we became the "Ugly Americans" to them again. Let us all face facts as long as we're the most powerful kid on the block, we're going to sometimes make mistakes and sometimes do it right. But we'll never make everybody happy. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30344Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:25:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30344Ivan IvanovichApparently people here believe anything they read in the paper (even when it turns out the NYT was taking their comments for months from a "policeman" that wasn't really a policeman and based their claims of "civil war" on that). I'm still waiting for a sizable uprising and not a few dozen idiots who set off some bombs in a market. Doves think the choice is between fighting or not fighting. Hawks think the choice is between fighting now or fighting later. I'd bet most of the people who post here have never been the victim of an unprovoked random act of violence. They think everyone is just like them and can't understand the nature of aggression. If everyone was soooo against the war as everyone here thinks Bush would have lost the election, Lieberman would have lost in CT and we would see a REAL civil war. The Iraqi people have shown their support by their nonviolent direct action. There is no civil war despite how much people here want there to be (Americans who refer to America as "they")http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30356Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:33:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30356Luis Mendoza Houston, Texas The loudest lesson learned from Vietnam were when politicians interfere in the war, we can't possibly win. It’s sad that these same politicians hide behind our fighting men and women who keep us safe...all Americans. Americans got a taste of Iraq here September 11, 2001. Let the Generals lead and our troops fight to win like other “non-political” wars and then our troops can come home safely and with the honor and respect they deserve. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30359Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:38:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30359York Van Nixon III Washington, D.C..Help may come from learning how to think inside of the box! The President’s mother admitted George W. Bush was a slow learner; therefore, she was forced to use Help With Phonics to try to get her son be on par with his fellow pre-schoolers. I guess we should thank the former First Lady for our current situation, i.e. if she had not intervened, we could be worse off than we really are. It has taken more than three years for our President to learn war is much more than ‘Shock and Awe.” The only one shocked was our Commander in Chief when he realized his strategy to democratize to Middle East was not awed by those in Iraq, who were more than willing to fight to the death—if it were a choice between marginalization by a Shia controlled government and unlimited arms from the overlooked arms depots and help from Iran and Al-Queeda, whose own existence had been encouraged by a president lacking diplomatic acumen and full of Texas-Sized-Hubris. The only wars that always go as planned have John Wayne and Clint Eastwood leading the charge; maybe, if our President had gone to Vietnam, instead of a safe National Guard unit stateside and seen first-hand the horrors of war, he would have known some people are not afraid to die for what they believe in. Tonight, George W. Bush sang for the nation his Swan-Song, which will probably be his last opportunity to waged war unfettered by Congress. Short of a Constitutional Amendment, Democrats are powerless to stop ‘The Surge,’ but they have to look like they are doing what they promised during the campaign. Furthermore, even if we wanted to leave today, we would probably need the additional troops to make a safe exit from an enemy who is more than willing to shoot our soldiers in-the-back as they retreat. Anyone who thinks otherwise may not have considered the logistics of removing an army. If you still have the box of Help With Phonics sitting in your attic—send them to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It may help to bring our troops sooner. York Van Nixon III 1/11/07 York@YorkVanNixonIII.Com http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30371Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:49:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30371Larry Hansen, Charlotte, NCEverything that was said about this war by the administration is now inoperative. We were told it was not about oil, now we're told we can't allow the extremists get their hands on the oil. We were told "Mission Accomplished" that "major combat operations" were complete, now look at the situation. This "surge" is "stay the course" in spades. A regular army has never been able to beat an irregular army throughout history, http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#30377Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:58:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30377Bob Goss, North Palm Beach,FLThe question of "security" was addressed by President Ford in his interview with Bob Woodward. By unilaterally invading a sovereign country, something we have never done, we have marginalized the security of Americans both here and abroad for many generations. The security of Americans should be the the first priority, and somewhere down the list is the priority for the security of Iraq. It was a mistake to go into Iraq (70% of Americans have spoken), and throwing gasoline on the fire will not put it out. We need Congress to say "NO MORE MONEY" or those people who are now in Congress will also lose their seats next time around.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#31166Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:55:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31166Jason, Fort Collins, COI don't hate America, I just hate Americans. While this extreme statement is false, it might not be for many other parts of the world, nor an uncommon conclusion from any practical person who might risk reading the plethora of ingenious american opinions. Some Ideas I read and thoughts: 1)Pull out,it's not our war, let them fight their own war,et al. = So we don't have any fault in the condition of Iraq today? What do you mean to say? If we make big decisions (I do consider attacking another country a large dicision) we have to accept the responsiblity and duty to leave a country no worse than we found out, at the very least! 2)Bush is at fault, the world hates us, bush is soley to blame, et al. It would be nice to blame one person for all the worlds problems wouldn't it? I'm sure various south american countries blame bush too right? (it's funny b/c they do) Since WWII we have frequently gone above and beyond to wreak havoc in other countries. There should be a class on this in high schools seriously. Alas I have to go..but keep blogging...intelligently! I good friend once told me, 'I want to be a Cosmopolitan, but I am hopelessly American.' So sad because it's true. Are not we all citizens of the world?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#31376Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:54:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31376Jeff, Evansville, IN. The only way to get Iraq in check is to: 1) Convince the majority of the Iraqi Parliment that it is in their best interests to quell the sectarian violence, because if they don't we are leaving. Then the government and the country would surely collapse and they won't be in power any way, because there will be some sort of bloody takeover. Anyone not on board with this after a few days can be asked to leave government and if found to be doing anything against the interests of the government, they will be quickly eliminated. 2) Then have the remaining Iraqi Parliment members convince their respective religous leaders that unless they get on board with "the program" the Iraqi government (ala the U.S. military) is going to wipe out all Religious leaders who fail to get their followers in line. 3) Then the Iraqi government and military will only be left fighting the insurgents (i.e. the radical muslims who don't want Iraq to succeed, i.e. Al-Queda, Iran, etc...). Something which I think they can handle because it is somewhat more straightforward and requires far fewer troops than fighting a civil war. I know this sounds somewhat radical to our American way of thinking, but I can assure you it is the only way that this will get resolved in the timetable that the American people will stand for. If we aren't making progress (significant progress) in 3 - 6 months(i.e. U.S. military clears an area of insurgents and the Iraqi Army takes control and keeps it safe), I believe you will see a call for the impeachment of Bush. A country who has lived under a dictator, never has had the opportunity to live in and execercise a democracy, cannot learn to immediately live in a full democracy. They need baby steps and that is a government that helps them to succeed, by applying pressure where it is needed. Bush has indicated that he has impressed upon Maliki the importance of disarming the militias, but they will not be able to do it one militia at a time. Using the "one at a time" method, Religous leaders and militias will only behave while they are the focus of attention. Then they will return to their sectarian ways. A more permanent solution is a "one strike and you are out" rule that means they will be held accountable for their actions and words by being eliminated. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#33679Thu, 18 Jan 2007 11:39:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:33679Eric OregonI like what Hillary Clinton had to say today and she finely hit the Iraqi issues right on the money. Hillary Clinton came out and said to stop all funding to the Shiite Government if they didn’t show willingness to improve the sectarian violence. Al-Maliki Spoke today and stated that US needed to finish arming their government so we can withdraw from Iraq. I tell you do not continue to arm this Shiites Islamic extremist it would be a big mistake if we do. The Iraqi army has enough equipment to do the job they need to do and all we be doing by arming them to the teeth is for them to carry a long campaign against the Sunni citizens of Iraq. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#44117Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:40:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:44117RHKokoodanWhat is wrong with the Democrats? They won and gained the majority in Congress because people voted based on their platform to withdraw our troops and support in Iraq. I have yet to hear from any Democrat with strong advocacy or a resolution that "is binding" to withdraw both troops and support, and be responsible for its consquences!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#44318Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:07:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:44318John D., Maryland911 would never have happened if the Clintons hadn't built a wall between the CIA and the FBI. Our intelligence would have shut down the plot long before it occured. Mr. Burglar (Berger) assured that the 911 Commission could not uncover the true culprit in this entire debacle by stealing key documents from the archives. Bill Clinton belongs in Jail along with Mr. Burglar. His presidency did more harm to this country and world peace than all of the Tyrants of the past. Remember to, that he had as many as 13 documented opportunities to take out Bin Laden but didn't have the Kahoonas to act. This is why Berger became the Burglar. To cover Bill's hind quarters. Putting Bill back in the White House, even as the First Gentleman, albeit, would be a disaster for the future of this Planet.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/10/29301.aspx#44325Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:10:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:44325John D., Maryland911 would never have happened if the Clintons hadn't built a wall between the CIA and the FBI. Our intelligence would have shut down the plot long before it occured. Mr. Burglar (Berger) assured that the 911 Commission could not uncover the true culprit in this entire debacle by stealing key documents from the archives. Bill Clinton belongs in Jail along with Mr. Burglar. His presidency did more harm to this country and world peace than all of the Tyrants of the past. Remember to, that he had as many as 13 documented opportunities to take out Bin Laden but didn't have the Kahoonas to act. This is why Berger became the Burglar. To cover Bill's hind quarters. Putting Bill back in the White House, even as the First Gentleman, albeit, would be a disaster for the future of this Planet.