Live Joint news conference in Baghdad October 24 2006 U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad said today that "success in Iraq is possible and can be achieved on a realistic timetable." General George Casey the US ground commander in Iraq said "We will succeed in Iraq but it will take courage, resistance and resolve" " Baghdad security needs political resolution" What does it all mean 1. The military presence will continue for at least another 12 months in Iraq? 2. It will take another 12 to 18 months before we can hand over to the Iraqi Security Forces? 3. It will take longer than 18 months continuous military presence before we can expect to be able to pull out? Seems no major change in strategy, only timelines and benchmarks Any comments:-
Is it relevant what these guys say are they 'official voices' or are they just ramping up the rhetoric?
I think the US is putting pressure on Iraq to step up and do more. Until the 18 months passes, or at least you see progress during the 18 months, its hard to know if its rhetoric or reality.
John McCain wants the troops increased by 1000's I am not going to get into the politics surrounding that objective, but the position is clear as I see it We either:- 1. Increase the troops and get the job done or 2. We maintain the present level of troops and continue to get high casualties If nothing is adjusted we will continue to get shafted in Iraq We have to do something NEW and implement it quickly
I think we need to increase troop levels personally. I think casualty aversion made us not put enough in there to begin with. I dunno if its too little too late. But we have 130,000 or something there now. I'd like to see 200,000. Seal up the borders and finish this quicker.
How many times have we been told the the Iraq army and police would take over in 12 to 18 months? Anyone got a count on this? Sounds like the same old empty promises with new buzz words.