PETRAEUS TO RECOMMEND TROOP REDUCTION

[DOGS THAT BARK]

"If" ABC headline is correct--will be interesting if GW follows his advice as he said he would. I believe he will--if not he should.

PETRAEUS TO RECOMMEND TROOP REDUCTION
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Story?id=3556742&page=1

 

[Jabberwocky]

Why does Petraeus hate freedom? He should support our troops. I do. I have the bumper sticker to prove it.

 

[Chadman]

If this is correct, I would personally stand corrected in my prediction that there would be an escalation of troops during the recess of legislatures. I did however notice Dubbya grabbing for quite a few more billions that won't be counted towards a deficit, etc., which is no surprise.

 

[Chadman]

Wondering what the rest of you folks think here. I get the feeling that the republicans may be setting things up to kind of diffuse the Iraq war as a political albatross with this action and maybe a couple more before the elections. Pretty smart politics, I think. They can walk that fine line between being tough on terra (which has nothing to do with Iraq, of course, but that's not the thing in this thought) and finishing the job (which is complete BS, too, but...) and also "listening" to constituents and the American people and starting the withdrawel process...having the Iraqi government take more of a role, etc.

I think the democrats have almost lost this as a political strength moving forward. I really wish the stronger elements would have won out over the politically motivated "leaders" of the party who were so worried about perception. I think they badly misunderstood the support they would have had from a large part of the American people.

Thoughts? Kind of looking for less posturing and more give and take here from the locals on both sides of the MadJacks aisle...

 

[Chadman]

No opinions on this?

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

I believe the intent of purge was to do just that--thin things out so Iraqi's could handle more and reduce troups--however not disregarding your view either Chad-

I believe that to be so myself--but not naive enough to not consider altenative--if they were not working-what better time to act like they were and remove small token of troops as gesture of success.

Remember--we are dealing with politicians--as Fox Moulder use to say--Trust No One

 

[djv]

I can't believe he will. After all it's not that much better when it comes to or guys dieing. We never had enough there we still don't. But on other hand they should not have been sent in first place with out a plan to win and get out. As for August if things are so good we lost 84 men. Above average for last 5 years for August.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

DJV If the generals on ground recommend it and he doesn't do it--I would say he not only flipped flopped--but but went back on his word--can't see him doing either--was my intent when starting this thread to see opinions before event and not post event.