I have read several reports of troop levels below 100,000 and at the same time above 100,000: The number of American soldiers in Iraq has dropped below 100,000 for the first time since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion in a clear signal the U.S. is wrapping up its nearly seven-year war to meet a deadline for leaving the country, the U.S. military said Tuesday.(Seattle Times, emphasis added). Yet the British newspapers are saying the numbers are still above 100,000:
The row has been a major concern for the US, which is preparing to withdraw large numbers of forces by the middle of this year.(BBC News, emphasis added). Wow, I was so close to becoming joyful, close to waking up one morning knowing that another stupid war was fading into the dust, close to waking up feeling like sanity was making a 9th inning comeback.
There are still more than 100,000 American troops in Iraq.
The US fears that if the election lacks credibility among Sunni voters, Iraq could slide back into sectarian violence.
The election has been pushed back by nearly two months because of the row.
Maybe tomorrow ...
Ahh, another withdrawal target revealed as a mirage. Them deserts are full of mirages. Get used to them, they'll be more. And when they finally DO come out of Iraq, they'll doublessly be headed for Afghanistan shortly thereafter. Hey, it's steady work at least if you're cut out for that kind of thing.
ReplyDeletedisaffected,
ReplyDeleteYep, funny how when a "target" is a human being they nail it, but when the target is peace they can't seem to get their bible verse imprinted gun sights to work or their minds around it.
Strange beings.
Oh, and wars don't ever "just fade into the dust." They almost always turn into occupations, although, in VERY rare cases (only once in recent history - Vietnam), we get our asses kicked properly and leave. Which, if McCain were somehow to yet get elected, I would imagine we'd correct post-haste. I can just see the old dumb-ass demanding their surrender from the podium on election day. I'm sure the rest of the world has its fair share of political vaudeville, but I think they'd be hard pressed to match us, even on our worst day.
ReplyDeletedisaffected,
ReplyDeleteode to the things dreams are made of ...