On Troop Levels in Iraq
Another MSM headline (Financial Times headline) is very misleading once again: "US General Sees Significant Withdrawal in Iraq."
When you take the time to read General Lute's comments, however, you will reach a very different conclusion from the headline. What Lute says is that, based on factors on the ground and the continuing buildup of Iraqi forces, the U.S. would like to adjust its own troop levels at some point in the future. This is common sense and is no different than what our leaders (including President Bush) have said all along.
But, alas the media spin is that we're going to run from Iraq with our tails between our legs because the situation is an unmitigated disaster. Even if it belies the facts, the media has to spin this as a U.S. failure.
President Bush should tell every military leader to answer any question about troop withdrawals with a simple: "When we feel we can withdraw troops, we'll withdraw troops." Period.
The US is expected to pull significant numbers of troops out of Iraq in the next 12 months in spite of the continuing violence, according to the general responsible for near-term planning in the country.
When you take the time to read General Lute's comments, however, you will reach a very different conclusion from the headline. What Lute says is that, based on factors on the ground and the continuing buildup of Iraqi forces, the U.S. would like to adjust its own troop levels at some point in the future. This is common sense and is no different than what our leaders (including President Bush) have said all along.
But, alas the media spin is that we're going to run from Iraq with our tails between our legs because the situation is an unmitigated disaster. Even if it belies the facts, the media has to spin this as a U.S. failure.
President Bush should tell every military leader to answer any question about troop withdrawals with a simple: "When we feel we can withdraw troops, we'll withdraw troops." Period.
posted by Richie Rich | 8:22 PM
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