Al Qaeda in Iraq
Here is the excerpt from an article at CNN.com:
Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama engaged in a pointed exchange over al Qaeda in Iraq today. Obama had said in a debate Tuesday that he’d strike al Qaeda if it established a base in Iraq. McCain responded that al Qaeda already is in Iraq, and Obama countered that al Qaeda came to Iraq only after the U.S. invaded.
So Obama admits Al Qaeda is in Iraq…but what do we do now Barack?
Iraq is Confusing
Why does it seem like there is more outrage and media attention from Iraqis regarding this Blackwater incident than the fact that terrorists kill dozens of Iraqis every day? The sole power keeping Iraq from destroying itself is utilizing a private company to provide military style services. Why attack their legitimacy and ability to facilitate the safety and longevity of your nation because of an incident dwarfed by civil strife and killings of a massive scale?
Why the quick reaction? If what many of them claim is true, and Blackwater mercilessly gunned down civilians unnecessarily, that is bad, yes. But it just doesn’t seem likely. Interesting to note that none of the articles I’ve read have any information on forensics or anything that would prove wrongdoing…by either side really. But I’m no expert. However, I do recognize the ability of terrorists to use the guise of civilians and policemen to get close to convoys or soldiers and then open fire. If there are people found to be responsible, try them in court. But why the heightened attention to this incident? Is it just because this is someone new doing”the killing”? And why no outrage towards the terrorists who actually started it dressed as civilians according to Blackwater? This seems way more plausible.
Instead of trying to force the US to take the license to operate in Iraq from Blackwater, why don’t the Iraqis create a national mandate to take the license of life away from terrorists and then actually do it?
Interesting Article about the Middle East & Islam
Check it out over at Real Clear Politics.
Outlines the many and varied conflicts and turmoil that exist and have existed in the Middle East. Sort of opens the eyes in a sense.
Tenet’s Book Put in its Place
Charles Krauthammer writes an article at Townhall.com about George Tenet’s new book.
One of the more compelling I’ve read in a while. In a few short paragraphs he puts Iraq in context and hammers the arguments of those that are now vehemently questioning the reasons for going to war.
Humorous Comment by Harry Reid
In an article at CNN.com, Reid defended himself against comments made by Vice President Cheney regarding his position on the Iraq war by saying the following:
“I’m not going to get into a name calling match with the administration’s chief attack dog.”
I’m not sure if he meant to call Cheney a dog right at that moment.
Iran: A Growing Problem
Not only did the Holocaust not happen in Ahmadinejad’s mind, but America is only full of lies!
The US should come down hard on Iran. If they are messing with our troops, we should mess them up. Way to go Bush.
This kind of Iran has little to offer the world. They simply threaten to heighten their terror if provoked.
The best way to fight Terror?
Leave! (or so say the Democrats)
One would expect a decent plan or something when so heavily criticizing the President’s plan. However, it appears the only plan is to leave because…it is hard.
Hook, Line and Sinker
Prominently featured as the main article on yahoo!, this article consists of an interview with Ehren Watada.
First Lieutenant Ehren Watada still refuses Iraq deployment orders, calling the war illegal. A six-year prison term could result. Preliminary hearings are set for Thursday.
Some of his unimpressive answers were silimar to the following:
SITES (journalist): Tell me how those views evolved. How did you come to that conclusion?
WATADA: I think the facts are out there, they’re not difficult to find, they just take a little bit of willingness and interest on behalf of anyone who is willing to seek out the truth and find the facts. All of it is in the mainstream media. But it is quickly buried and it is quickly hidden by other events that come and go. And all it takes is a little bit of logical reasoning.
Indeed, it is so available to the seekers of truth that even you, Watada, cannot give a tangible description of the “facts.”
All I can say is, “Great job Democrats! You got this guy hook, line and sinker!”
Putting Iraq in Context
I found this article enlightening.
http://www.defenddemocracy.org/in_the_media/in_the_media_show.htm?doc_id=416744
Lopsided Iraq Coverage
In a brief visit to CNN this morning, I find a video prominently featured on the homepage labeled, “Active duty troops speak out against Iraq war.”
A glimpse at the World section has an article titled, “Iraqi leader disputes U.S. account of raid on militia.”
And a quick visit to the Politics page features, “Bush acknowledges setbacks in Iraq.”
Nowhere on these main pages of CNN.com did I see anything indicating that the United States Military is accomplishing military objectives.
Most hurtful and lopsided in my mind is the coverage of a minority of servicemen who don’t have the sense to leave the military when they disagree with a conflict. Rather, they use their service in the conflict to lend credibility to their opinions of National Security policy and propel them into the national spotlight. At least CNN obliges in doing this for them. Perhaps I should tell them I am going to write Congress and explain I support the war. Maybe I’ll be featured on a video on CNN.com’s home page! Then again, they probably wouldn’t be caught dead with pro-war coverage, not even from US Soldiers who have served there.