Where's Gen. Petraeus backdrop? "Security While Transitioning" Did he really say that?

[flpoljunkie]

Sounds just like Bush. This is truly a PR campaign and the White House has a willing participant in General Petraeus.

Don't forget Lt. Gen. Petraeus wrote this op-ed in the Washington Post at a very critical time before the election in November, 2004. The General lacks credibility because he evidently bought into the neocon dream long ago.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49283-2004Sep25.html

Battling for Iraq
By David H. Petraeus

Sunday, September 26, 2004

BAGHDAD -- Helping organize, train and equip nearly a quarter-million of Iraq's security forces is a daunting task. Doing so in the middle of a tough insurgency increases the challenge enormously, making the mission akin to repairing an aircraft while in flight -- and while being shot at. Now, however, 18 months after entering Iraq, I see tangible progress. Iraqi security elements are being rebuilt from the ground up.

The institutions that oversee them are being reestablished from the top down. And Iraqi leaders are stepping forward, leading their country and their security forces courageously in the face of an enemy that has shown a willingness to do anything to disrupt the establishment of the new Iraq.

In recent months, I have observed thousands of Iraqis in training and then watched as they have conducted numerous operations. Although there have been reverses -- not to mention horrific terrorist attacks -- there has been progress in the effort to enable Iraqis to shoulder more of the load for their own security, something they are keen to do. The future undoubtedly will be full of difficulties, especially in places such as Fallujah. We must expect setbacks and recognize that not every soldier or policeman we help train will be equal to the challenges ahead.

Nonetheless, there are reasons for optimism. Today approximately 164,000 Iraqi police and soldiers (of which about 100,000 are trained and equipped) and an additional 74,000 facility protection forces are performing a wide variety of security missions. Equipment is being delivered. Training is on track and increasing in capacity. Infrastructure is being repaired. Command and control structures and institutions are being reestablished.

more...

[ShortnFiery]

1. And why should ANYONE who knows of the filthy war profiteering billions from our TAX dollars

surprised that General "Peaches" Petraeus chooses to serve his civilian masters within the Pentagon and the White House? :shrug: :nuke: :(

They're making a KILLING in profits - GUNS, BOMBS and PLANES. That's where our tax dollars are going. We're (Our Children are risking their lives within the Military) making it safe for the large oil companies and defense industry contractors to RAPE America's TAX DOLLARS from THE PEOPLE. And we're still falling for this shit?!?

All in the name of KEEPING US SAFE. :puke:

As always: If you *follow the money* the answers will follow.

[Buzz Clik]

2. Petraeus become a political figure when he accepted Bush's appointment.

As a soldier, he always answered to the CINC. Now, Bush's control is more direct -- Bush says frog and Petraeus jumps.

[global1]

3. "Security While Transitioning" - This Will Be *Co's New Talking Point.....

from now until the Nov '08 election. It will be their rallying point to squeeze Congress for more and increased monies to fund this debacle. They will say - "we've always known that a drawing down of troops will be a dangerous proposition - so we need to make sure that we have the proper funding so that we can do this most effectively and safely.

Watch for more cash payoffs to factions in Iraq during this 'transition'. Watch for more reports of missing funds and losing money.

[ShortnFiery]

4. "Watch for more reports of missing funds and losing money."

Hey folks, that's OUR AMERICAN TAX DOLLARS!!!

I'm sick of supporting death and destruction - the beastie that is The Military Industrial Complex MUST be confronted and reigned in. :thumbsdown: