US commanders admit: we face a Vietnam-style collapse

[133724]

An elite team of officers advising the US commander, General David Petraeus, in Baghdad has concluded that they have six months to win the war in Iraq - or face a Vietnam-style collapse in political and public support that could force the military into a hasty retreat.

The officers - combat veterans who are experts in counter-insurgency - are charged with implementing the "new way forward" strategy announced by George Bush on January 10. The plan includes a controversial "surge" of 21,500 additional American troops to establish security in the Iraqi capital and Anbar province.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2023865,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=12

[Bucky]

1. "Vietnam style," huh? Well, then there's an upside to this war after all.

Within a generation, they'll be doing child slave labor for American shoe companies and we'll all be enjoying their quality product lines.

[TheBaldyMan]

2. I'd disagree - Vietnam era army wasn't stop-lossed to death

The Bush administration is squarely to blame for disillusionment and plummeting troop levels, even the poor kids who signed up after 2001 are coming to the end of their four year term + two year stop loss military slavery piss take.

A lot of long termers were leaving because of lousy conditions, family stresses and mega paychecks as 'security consultants' with private contractors.

Vietnam was a conflict that was also indefensible but the reasons for meltdown in the present day are arguably different.

[BlueManDude]

3. the only thing that's for certain is that in 6 months they'll say they need another 6 months

[bluerum]

4. I think the reference was to a loss of poltical and public support from

Americans. But yes, probably also from within the ranks of the military as well.

An elite team of officers advising the US commander, General David Petraeus, in Baghdad has concluded that they have six months to win the war in Iraq - or face a Vietnam-style collapse in political and public support that could force the military into a hasty retreat.

IMO the have already lost it, but king george marches triumphantly forward and his generals sheepishly follow.

[Jacobin]

5. six months!! six months!!

Its always Six Months!!

these guys lack imagination

[NoPasaran]

6. Six months = One Friedman Unit

Abbreviated FU

[Jacobin]

7. LOL

"One Friedman Unit"

Classic.

:rofl:

Reminds me of the movie "Money Pit" in which a couple is rebuilding an old house. The contractors, when asked how long it will take to finish always say "two weeks" and keep saying it throughout the movie.