The National Intelligence Council filed a bleak report reaffirming that the penchant to reverse President Bush’s Iraq policy is developing into a political sine qua non.
The assessment provoked Republican recognition that “we cannot continue the same stubborn strategy that has brought us to this point in Iraq.”[i]
It also unleashed ambivalence –more of the same–surrounding recognition of civil war in the country, estimating conclusively that “if there is a quick withdrawal, Iraqi security forces will not be able to survive,” ensuing significant and spiraling violence[ii].
Meanwhile, Democratic candidates in the presidential nomination contest are face to face with the issue. The increasing public disapproval of Bush’s foray into Iraq means its resolution has keynote value.
The urgency of the matter calls for a strong and realistic plan of action more desperately than a hasty decision.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton recently stated “If we in Congress don’t end this war before January 2009, as president I will,” disappointing anti-war hecklers who want out –now[iii].
Fellow hopefuls say Democratic supporters expect more, and Sen. Barack Obama advocates a phased withdrawal as of May. Lately he likened the presidential race to Reality TV.
“You wonder,” he said, “are you going to be the first person to be voted off the island?”[iv]
That said, in the aftermath of last week’s anti-war protests, it makes sense that Obama is responding –prematurely or not– to the needs of his ratings.
Leila Lemghalef
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WatchMojo NewsletterSmedley Butler was right: War is a Racket. George Bush, Dick Cheney and the treasonous neo-conservative cabals of Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, Doug Feith and company have proven this already. But by asking for an additional $245 billion for “more wars,” it’s time to impeach Cheney and Bush just for the lack of accountability alone.
Democrat and Republicans need to send a clear message that this cannot go unpunished.
