Here is what General Petraeus had to say...
"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."
in 2004, yes 2004.
Despite the optimism and progress cited 3 years ago, he still wants over 160,000 U.S. troops to remain in Iraq until March 2008, followed by a withdrawal of 30,000 troops (the number of surge troops) by next summer. When will it end?
8,000,000,000 tax dollars and 64 U.S. soldiers killed every month.
No thanks. I don't want my tax dollars spent this way.
It's clear that terrorism (like crime) will be with us for a while. The best way to contain terrorism is through pro-active intelligence gathering, diligent police work, and strengthening alliances, NOT through wars of attrition. Wars of attrition on distant shores will only serve to destroy our great civilization. Is this what we want for our children?
