I am glad of one thing, that Jean Chretien did. There are others I like, but perhaps one of the biggest was his decision to stand up to George W. Bush and the USA and Keep Canada out of Iraq. If only Stephen Harper had such guts, such courage. It is a quagmire of blood and death, and with the report by General Petraeous (see comment ‘Petraeous & the US Congress‘) finally out and under debate, the discussion now focuses on Troop Reductions and Withdrawal.

Which frankly seems wrong.

I know, it isn’t Canadian Soldiers dying out there, (though they are in Afghanistan) but then it wasn’t Canada who eagerly invaded Iraq as the United States did. It wasn’t objected to by hardly anyone, not Senator Clinton, who now does oppose the war. The issue though, is that the war has not been won, so it seems hopeless or too costly, and American’s want the troops home.

In the meantime, To Hell With Iraq.

That is the result, but unfortunately it is also to Hell with all other supporters of the United States in the Middle East and perhaps around the world. Instead of talking about withdrawals, about how many troops will come home and when, perhaps the discussion should center on what ‘new‘ tactics can be employed to win the blasted war.

Asked at a news conference whether he was referring to going from today’s level of about 169,000 to about 100,000 U.S. troops by the end of next year, Gates replied, “That would be the math.” (source)

I certainly don’t profess to be a Military Genius, but I do know that in order to win, you need the support of the people. Yet while General Petraeous talks about how the Surge has worked, in some parts, and how it hasn’t in others, the fact is that the Terror Groups are holding the high cards. The people are not safer, and if the US leaves prematurely, Iran will step in a lot more than it is now. To have Iraq subservient to Iran would be like having George Bush still making all the decisions no matter who wins in 2008.

Yes, the Iraq Government has failed to meet its obligation, so maybe instead of talking about drawing down troops levels, the answer should be in installing a new government? If we don’t like out Government, we can Vote for someone else. So let’s find someone else in Iraq, and let’s get on with this nonsense already. Too many lives are lost as it stands now, but no one is looking for solution to Win. And win you have to do, if you don’t want the entire region exploding. Hell even Syria is now looking for its own Nuclear Bomb, and there is shit the USA can do, given its inability to solve the Iraq situation. It is also a direct result of USA meddling, so that makes it even doubly important to at least solve the problem.

To the US Congress, instead of pointing blame or playing stupid word games, maybe it is time the United States Congress, Senate & Representatvies, got off their lazy bought and paid for asses, and acted like leaders. I know its a novel concept for them, but instead of trying to see how much they can stuff in their pockets, they should be looking for honest solutions. To talk about withdrawal, about drawdowns, is just bullshit. The talk should be on how to force the Iraqi Government to not model itself after its US counterparts, but on how to solve its growing civil war.

The US can exert sufficient pressure on Maliki, if it wants to. It needs to stop playing the politically correct game, call it as it is, and go after the insurgents hammer and tong. Never mind knocking, kick the fucking doors in, find the son of bitches and bring them to heel. Yes, use the local people, the local groups who can help by getting off the high moral horse and deal. Not like that’s unheard of, because look at the success in Anbar Province.

If Maliki can’t do it, find those who can. It really is that simple but then again, George Bush has confidence in Maliki, but then he is the one who picked the cutthroat out from the pack. Congress wants to stop its politicing, and do its job. You get to bring the troops home, when you win the friggin war. When you secure Iraq and keep Iran bottled up.

Lincoln had no problem firing Generals during the Civil War, nor should Congress have any problem in setting the course, or forcing Bush to. Instead of talking about how to retreat with honor, how about taking a novel approach, and seek ways to Win?