By Mike DeVine, Legal Editor for The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report
Victory in Iraq is ours (see July 13 below), and, as predicted by Cockstradamus weeks ago, the victory will be declared before the November election.
Rooster crowing from from June 22
Accelerated troop level reductions will be announced based on success. For many moons now, this announcer of dawns has been nagged by an idea that dawned on me after Iraq's security forces started winning battles on their own against Sunni-backed al Qaeda, Shia militias and even Iranian backed militias.
We may be able to declare victory in Iraq very soon and announce accelerated withdrawals of victorious troops whose services are no longer required due to their success.
I have always maintained that, while I want to maintain a major presence in Iraq, much like we did in Europe and the Pacific after WWII and Korea, it is vitally important that at some point there be an acknowledgement that we have won the Battle of Iraq and that any withdrawals be due to and seen as a result of our victory over the al Qaeda, radical terrorists, and Iran.
In discussions with people that didn’t favor the war but who now want the USA to win, I found myself thinking to myself that my mantra of opposing troop reductions could and should soon yield to the most important mantra: victory.
The Bush administration is considering the withdrawal of additional combat forces from Iraq beginning in September, according to administration and military officials, raising the prospect of a far more ambitious plan than expected only months ago.Such a withdrawal would be a striking reversal from the nadir of the war in 2006 and 2007...
Even as the two candidates argue over the wisdom of the war and keeping American troops there, security in Iraq has improved vastly, as has the confidence of Iraq's government and military and police, raising the prospect of additional reductions that were barely conceivable a year ago. While officials caution that the relative calm is fragile, violence and attacks on American-led forces have dropped to the lowest levels since early 2004.
"As the Iraqi security forces get stronger and get better, then we will be able to continue drawing down our troops in the future," Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said in Fort Lewis, Washington State, on Tuesday. "And I think that this transition of control and of responsibility, primary responsibility for security is a process that's already well under way and based on everything that I'm hearing will be able to continue."
General David Petraeus, the American commander in Iraq, has already begun the review of security and troop levels. He and Bush promised in April that such a review would take place. Petraeus is expected to be more cautious than some policy makers in the administration and at the Pentagon might like. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were discussing military planning, said he was more likely to recommend a smaller reduction, but still a withdrawal.
One senior administration official cautioned that the president, who will have the final say, would be reluctant to endorse deep or rapid reductions if they jeopardized his goal of establishing a stable and democratic government in Baghdad.
When I wrote my June 22 forecast, questions were raised as to who, in the Presidential and congressional campaigns, would be helped. On June 22, I wrote:
the long list of accomplishments that lead inevitably to my pre-Election Day 2008 expectations:
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki sent the Iraqi army into Basra. It achieved in a few weeks what the British had failed to do in four years: take the city, drive out the Mahdi Army and seize the ports from Iranian-backed militias.
When Mahdi fighters rose up in support of their Basra brethren, the Iraqi army at Maliki’s direction confronted them and prevailed in every town — Najaf, Karbala, Hilla, Kut, Nasiriyah and Diwaniyah — from Basra to Baghdad.
Without any American ground forces, the Iraqi army entered and occupied Sadr City, the Mahdi Army stronghold.
Maliki flew to Mosul, directing a joint Iraqi-U.S. offensive against the last redoubt of al-Qaeda, which had already been driven out of Anbar, Baghdad and Diyala provinces.
The Iraqi parliament enacted a de-Baathification law, a major Democratic benchmark for political reconciliation.
Parliament also passed the other reconciliation benchmarks — a pension law, an amnesty law, and a provincial elections and powers law. Oil revenue is being distributed to the provinces through the annual budget.
With Maliki having demonstrated that he would fight not just Sunni insurgents (e.g., in Mosul) but Shiite militias (e.g., the Mahdi Army), the Sunni parliamentary bloc began negotiations to join the Shiite-led government. (The final sticking point is a squabble over a sixth cabinet position.)
My June 22 article also cites a Frank Rich column that evidences fears on the left that America will be seen as having won the Iraq War before November, yet many conservative nervous nellies still ponder that victory could hurt John McCain.
Poppycock.
When I say that "we" have won the war, I mean the United States of America, but it is the left and most of the Democratic Party that has called this Bushlied's War. They opposed funding when they were in the minority during the stay the course years that won the trust of the Iraqis as well as the surge McCain had long called for that tipped the balance.
Obama brags that he opposed the war while in Kindergarten, I mean the Iliinois State Legislature and has opposed troop funding. The words "win" or "success" in Iraq never cross his lips.
Take heart my friends, not only will America benefit from victory, but so will those that worked to acheive it, and that is Joe Lieberman, President Bush, John McCain and most all Republicans sans Chuck Hagel.
Cockstradamus has not yet determined whn Iran will be bombed or McCain's margin of victory. Stay tuned.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns
Legal Editor for The Minority and HinzSight Reports
"The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice
"One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
pilgrim recommends
pilgrim July 13th, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. CDT (link)
I think that success in Iraq is THE major pitfall for Obama. The only reason that he became the D nominee is because unlike Hilary he had opposed the Iraq War from day 1. When that is off the table, and what he stands for on other issues move up, then the enthusiasm for Obama moves down.
Extreme taxation, excessive controls, oppressive government competition with business … frustrated minorities and forgotten Americans are not the products of free enterprise.Ronald Reagan
great point - those that think an Iraq
gamecock July 13th, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. CDT (link)
victory hurts McCain and the GOP are really out of touch.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Exactly!
Daniel Glenn July 13th, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. CDT (link)
A victory in Iraq shows that the MSM has been wrong and it makes BO look very bad for having opposed an eventual success very early on, and that unlike McCain, Bush, and all of the other supporters of the surge, he has bad judgement. It also makes people like Reid and Pelosi look silly for wanting to withdraw from Iraq and seek defeat instead of victory.
"In an insane society, reality is outside of the mainstream."
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victory in Iraq
KBDay July 14th, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. CDT (link)
I'm among the few who still believe we did the right thing on Iraq. Now with concern about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz I think it's a good thing we have a presence in the "neighborhood." Not to mention the hatred of Iran for Israel.
I do think a significant announcement and the victory would help the GOP. Good post. best, Kay
Don't mean to quibble
Justin_Case July 14th, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. CDT (link)
but, there are more than just a few of us who believe that the Iraq War was the right thing to do.
When the decision was made to invade and topple Saddam, it weighed very heavy on my mind. I knew that many of our countrymen would start jumping ship as soon as things became difficult.
It happened with regard to Vietnam when many Americans, who first supported the war, turned against it. Eventually, the responsibility for the war was laid at the feet of those who served in Vietnam.
Nowadays, people will use the"chickenhawk" tactic. Twice, I have been given a big, fat straw man argument that I would not be in favor of the war in Iraq if I had sons who were serving in the military.
The bad news for them is we are going to win. And that's just what I tell them.
amen - no quibble with
gamecock July 15th, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. CDT (link)
moi!
courage
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
GC
Justin_Case July 16th, 2008 at 6:21 a.m. CDT (link)
You have been steadfast in support of this war. So have I. This has been made possible by real leadership at the top.
There have been setbacks, but the only way we can lose is by lacking resolve to finish the job. Our enemy knows this and for a long time has banked on the Democratic Party procuring defeat for us at home. Car bombers and murderers can not defeat our military without their assistance.
President Bush someday will have his likeness on Iraqi postage stamps. That's my prediction and I see know reason to think it will change.
Recommended
Flagstaff July 13th, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. CDT (link)
GC.
But never underestimate the ability of the Republican Party to play good news for a loss, and of the MSM to help them do it.
No way it should hurt us, but no guarantees, either.
Visit rightchange.com and contribute to put out the messages we want to see.
Pluto, the Ninth Planet - Forever!
Re: Who won the war
Neil Stevens July 13th, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. CDT (link)
Not in their name, as Moe always points out.
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good one NS. In fact I meant to
gamecock July 14th, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. CDT (link)
put that
Not in their name
in the blog.
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Recommend NT
AceInTX July 13th, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. CDT (link)
Better?
http://meandmyilk.blogtownhall.com
Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.--Ronald Wilson Reagan
email me @ Aces_ILK@yahoo.com
55555
gamecock July 14th, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. CDT (link)
nt
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Excellent Post GC
Whitehorse July 14th, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. CDT (link)
The principle of building upon success is a time-tested principle that works. The success in Iraq will be a sticking point for many Democrats; I hope & pray that McCain & all those who stood firm on this will not allow this to be swept under the rug.
BBK Recommended -nt
BooBooKitty July 14th, 2008 at 5:30 a.m. CDT (link)
Thou art the Great Cat, the avenger of the Gods, and the judge of words...-Inscription on the Royal Tombs at Thebes
BBK Recommended -nt
BooBooKitty July 14th, 2008 at 5:30 a.m. CDT (link)
Thou art the Great Cat, the avenger of the Gods, and the judge of words...-Inscription on the Royal Tombs at Thebes
Erick recommended
Erick Erickson July 14th, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. CDT (link)
Well said.
Who will stand on either hand and keep this bridge with me?
ABG Recommend...n/t
Aaron Gardner July 14th, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. CDT (link)
n/t
"Land of the Free and Home of da Whopper" Peter Griffin...Family Guy
conform and celebrate diversity....or else!!!
Steel-Belted Radial Right Winger
"I'll create 5 million jobs from out of unicorn farts and pixie dust" Justatron paraphrasing Obamessiah...yes I love it that much.
McCain can't relax, though
TheSophist July 14th, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. CDT (link)
Although I think you're 100% right, I don't think McCain can relax. If anything, he's got to get in front of this thing and start hammering Obama now to expose his weakness on the war.
Because just as you can guarantee that Victory in Iraq is good for us, I can guarantee that Obama will throw the anti-war crowd under the bus and somehow finesse his way to having supported the Iraq War since kindergarten. And the MSM will go along with the charade.
McCain has to do more to define Obama clearly as the McGovern of this election.
-TS
PS: Recommended!
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan
A victory in Iraq make Obama look like...
Jaded July 14th, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. CDT (link)
the genocidal candidate he is....to have left those Iraqi's to genocide as Democrats did in Vietnam is the most digusting of his and his parties hateful rhetoric on this War!.....NEVER AGAIN Democrats NEVER AGAIN!!!
Whoever has his enemy at his mercy & does not destroy him is his own enemy
A victory in Iraq make Obama look like...
Jaded July 14th, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. CDT (link)
the genocidal candidate he is....to have left those Iraqi's to genocide as Democrats did in Vietnam is the most digusting of his and his parties hateful rhetoric on this War!.....NEVER AGAIN Democrats NEVER AGAIN!!!
Whoever has his enemy at his mercy & does not destroy him is his own enemy
Barak has already ...
skorrent July 15th, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. CDT (link)
Begun to pull a "1984" by purging his website. But Big Brother didn't imagine that the past would continue to exist on the Web. BO won't get away with it!
I still propose a monster parade. Maybe when the first of the "non-surge" units returns, late Sept - early Oct, we can have the "Victory in Iraq" parade down Constitution or Fifth Ave, or both. Wouldn't you like to see the Dems and MSM either try to denegrate the good old American Welcome-Home Parade, or else fall in line with "We supported you all the time"?
For those who don't remember, NYC had the biggest parade to that time to honor the Services and Units that served in Vietnam. They put Unit reps in the reviewing stands and roughly 100,000 civilians marched by to salute them. They marched right through Times Square, and the NYT basicly ignored them. I can't see Fox, or even C-Span, ignoring a VIA Parade.
wow - I'm thinking he gets
gamecock July 15th, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. CDT (link)
10-11 states tops?
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
You're forgetting that he has the
dbecraft July 15th, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. CDT (link)
backing of almost all of the major media outlets. They will insure that most of this information is unknown to the masses. If you don't read blogs, you would never know...
Formally known as Deagle... "Golf is a way of life..."
Yes, just like Carter80, Mondale
gamecock July 15th, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. CDT (link)
Dukakis.
The guy is toast man. I said any dem was toast for 08 in 06 before the second coming because the party has culled the DLC Clinton dem that can win and then when I got a whiff of the messiah I reiterated.
I was a dem for 18 years and knew that our 80-88 candidates that led by from 8-15 points from June thru October were going to lose. I've seen all this before. We don't elect leftists. We don't even elect libs unless a Perot assists.
And before you moan about Barr...Barr ain't no Perot, esp with this Obama nation scaring the crap out of many libs, even.
It's all documented. I will be right. Just like I always am every four years since 80.
But I'll have to endure doubts every day 365 24/7 except for that one day and two days after as I say I told you so.
Then all the spineless repubs get all scared of the msm all over again.
Such is life for the non-courageous.
see sig line re Jackson
live it
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Actually, I tend to agree but
dbecraft July 15th, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. CDT (link)
worry that the media is still in control (lame as they are these days). If I had to bet, I would think that Obama would lose big time - landslide even! I still have hope in the people of the US and that they actually see goofballs when they appear in politics.
Formally known as Deagle... "Golf is a way of life..."
Patriotism First Before Politics!
Americanpatriotdahlgren July 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. CDT (link)
John McCain supports my beliefs in my country! I must follow my ancestors' hearts and wishes for our country's future..... they signed the Declaration of Independence and my Great Grandfather, Rear Admiral Dahlgren who started the US Naval Ordinance at Annapolis. He was influenced by his deep friendship with President Lincoln and worked hard to demonstrate that our country came first before politics! Rev Wright said "of course Obama turns his back on his church - he is a politician" so what can our country and its people expect? I doubt Patrotism!!!
The ornithological augurer speaks truly (R)
streetwise July 15th, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. CDT (link)
Recommended!
waysmart
gamecock July 16th, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. CDT (link)
thanks man
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson
Quit whining about Iraq!
captdeep6 July 15th, 2008 at noon CDT (link)
In every conlict, someone must die. The American public called for this war! We wanted retribution for that building that came crashing down with thousands of people in it. You whining cowards that haven't supported our troops or our President, You make a mockery of those that died that day. Sheep like you should have been on those planes. Using our troops as a political tool shouldn't be tolerated. It's disrespectful to both the living and the dead. For those of you who back barack, I pity you.
agreed
Pentagon16 July 15th, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. CDT (link)
There were some of the paleocons over at Prospect Blog claiming that the success in Iraq helps OBAMA. (??) WTF? As if McCain would be better off with a civil war, spiraling US casualties, burning US tanks and a nice VBEID going off every night on the CBS News?!! Not sure what parallel universe it helps the architect of the surge to have the surge FAIL!
Of course victory in Iraq helps the GOP- if we could just make up some of the greatest Reid/Pelosi/Obama clips of "defeat and all is lost" and then play them next to McCain stating what needed to be done to win..
"Small town folks get bitter after which they cling to guns or religion, or antipathy to people who aren't like them, or anti-immigrant sentiment"- Barack Carter Obama
unless you read
Pentagon16 July 15th, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. CDT (link)
my weekly report, very few Americans would know that Sheikh Al Rishawi of the Anbar Awakening has actually proposed while on a visit to Washington the establishment of Sunni Expeditionary Brigades to FIGHT AL QAEDA IN AFGHANISTAN.
But remember, victory in Iraq is meaningless because all of Al Qaeda is IN Afghanistan (of course they aren't in Pakistan either).
So, Obama refuses to acknowledge more Embassies being established in Baghdad, more economic conferences for Iraqi leaders, a strong Iraqi dinar, more businesses being opened, more officers graduating military academies, more civilians moving back to their neighborhoods.
Hopefully Maliki launches hell on Baquba and Diyala Province and we clear out the remnant of Al Qaeda Incorporated..
"Small town folks get bitter after which they cling to guns or religion, or antipathy to people who aren't like them, or anti-immigrant sentiment"- Barack Carter Obama
unless you read
Pentagon16 July 15th, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. CDT (link)
my weekly report, very few Americans would know that Sheikh Al Rishawi of the Anbar Awakening has actually proposed while on a visit to Washington the establishment of Sunni Expeditionary Brigades to FIGHT AL QAEDA IN AFGHANISTAN.
But remember, victory in Iraq is meaningless because all of Al Qaeda is IN Afghanistan (of course they aren't in Pakistan either).
So, Obama refuses to acknowledge more Embassies being established in Baghdad, more economic conferences for Iraqi leaders, a strong Iraqi dinar, more businesses being opened, more officers graduating military academies, more civilians moving back to their neighborhoods.
Hopefully Maliki launches hell on Baquba and Diyala Province and we clear out the remnant of Al Qaeda Incorporated..
"Small town folks get bitter after which they cling to guns or religion, or antipathy to people who aren't like them, or anti-immigrant sentiment"- Barack Carter Obama
Juan McCain Mexicos Greatest Senator
tobt2002 July 15th, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. CDT (link)
How can any true American vote for this AXX Xole. If he loved this country he would be securing the borders but no he has to pander the the racist Laraza. I will as a Veteran never ever ever vote for this fool. What a traitor.
Oh, goody, the trolls have returned
bs July 15th, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. CDT (link)
I guess Redstate 3.0 is officially in business.
Now crawl back under your Ba-rock.
The Unofficial RedState FAQ 2.0 “You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say. ” - Martin Luther
I was actually starting to worry.
Moe Lane July 15th, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. CDT (link)
Whew.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.I've been usurped!Blam
Neil Stevens July 15th, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. CDT (link)
30 minute wonder, thinly veiled profanity, shilling to get Obama or Barr elected? Some sort of animus for people named Juan?
Goodbye.
HTML Help for Red Staters
Nobody can claim a "free speech" right to suck the fun out of our lives. Certainly not on a private board. – Steve Jackson
Nice shot
bs July 15th, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. CDT (link)
But you guys need a graphic to use:
The Unofficial RedState FAQ 2.0 “You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say. ” - Martin Luther
I like it
Herodotus July 15th, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. CDT (link)
"Blam" graphics sound like a good idea.
Sign Newt's Drilling Petition. I have included a link to it in the below. Thank you.
http://www.americansolutions.com/
Even the Washington Post
clacourr July 16th, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. CDT (link)
takes issue with Obama's plan:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/15/AR2008071502531.html
SLW recommended
Sandra_Lea_Wise July 16th, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. CDT (link)
It is very good news, indeed.
"The perfect is the enemy of the good."
Unfortunately victory lets Barack "off the hook"
Ed54 July 20th, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. CDT (link)
He is stuck with his previous position on Iraq. He has to keep his commitment to a reduction in troops in Iraq. He made such strenuous promises to that effect during the Dem primary that reversal now would be a devastating indicator of how little his commitments mean. And yet if he promised to withdraw while the fight was still in doubt, he would clearly be advocating defeat. He was in quite the dilemma.
The unfolding narrative of our victory in Iraq presents Obama with a hole to squeeze through and get out of his dilemma. Now he can plausibly argue that he can reduce troops in Iraq while still pursuing victory there. The difference between McCain and Obama on policy for the next term is reduced to a narrow debate over the terms of the troop reduction plan. McCain says 4 years, Obama says 16 months.
Yeah, McCain was right on the surge and Obama was wrong, but that is yesterday's debate. It will ultimately be no more persuasive than the Dems trying to argue that they were right about the initial invasion and Bush/McCain were wrong. The American people understand that elections are about the future, not the past.
Our victory in Iraq, while great news for the US and Iraq, is likely to be a very fleeting political advantage.
"If all men were just, there would be no need of valor."
- Agesilaus
Presidential elections make it
gamecock July 20th, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. CDT (link)
today's debate as well, especially when we, the USA are always the target of the enemies of freedom.
we disagree
Mike DeVine’s Charlotte Observer columns The Minority Report and The HinzSight Report "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race." - The Chief Justice Race 4 2008 "One man with courage makes a majority." - Andrew Jackson