What is everyone's problems with a set timetable for troop withdrawal?

Question

OK, I THINK I represent most conservatives on here, and in America in general, but there is no way of knowing for sure, but here it gos:

I have no problem with our troops having a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. The problem I have is our enemies KNOWING OUR PLANS!

Do Liberals not know that people all over the world can get CNN? Did you know that, if George Bush would have passed that bill, an hour later some guy in Iraq would be telling all his buddies 'Hey, all we need to do is hide out for a year, and they're gone!"

So, what if Pulosi, instead of passing stupid Mickey-Mouse bills, had a secret meeting with George Bush, Robert Gates, etc., and talked to them about withdrawing from Iraq? No one would have to know what happened, when we are going to pull out, or even if we are going to.

The word would spread only to the military Generals, the troops would know they were coming home, but the enemy would not know. Everyone's happy!

And for anyone who thinks the military can't keep a secret, look up Operation Fortitude. It's what won WWII.

Oops! I forgot to add something!

The timetable for withdrawal would include one condition: We have to get our job done. If the Iraqi's are not trained by the date, we don't leave. That'll give our guys some incentive, don't you think?

Answer 1

Based on your most Conservative comment I was getting ready to read you the riot act until I read further.

I think the problem with any timetable, secret or otherwise, is that it makes assumptions that things will get done by certain dates. This can create a real problem with funding if things run over the expected times.

I think a better solution is to spell out a list of milestones with responsibilities for both the US and Iraqis to meet with projected dates. That way there is no drop dead end date unless the Iraqi government is not holding up their end of the deal. This creates a plan to move forward and puts the responsibilities not only on us but the Iraqis as well.

And really, would you expect Pelosi or Reid to keep anything secret if it stood the chance to damage the President? They have worked since the vote was taken to approve military force in Iraq to undermine the President and military to gain votes.

Answer 2

Do you really think somebody at the White House won't 'leak' the info?
While your idea is laudable, it is impossible to implement.
The best way would be to tell the Iraqis that the US combat troops are leaving by a set date, and that they should get their act together before then. Leave some troops to continue training the Iraqi forces, and others to hunt and kill Al-Qaeda operatives. But internal security must and should become the responsibility of Iraqis. It would also help to talk to Iraq's neighbours.
What I have described above is basically the Democrats' plan, but the right wing media has sold their supporters/viewers/listeners the incorrect idea that Dems want to 'cut-and-run'.

Answer 3

Turn your thinking about 90 degrees. I have no problem with a timetable either. I think the timetable is more for the Iraqi government than for us, in reality. I think they'd keep us there as long as possible, if given the chance. What incentive do they have for standing up their own security force, if we're willing to stay there indefinitely?

We sure helped Japan post-WWII, we rebuilt their industrial base at no cost and made sure they didn't have to burden their economy by having any kind of national defense. I believe other countries saw this and want some of that gravy-train for their own. I think this is exactly why Maliki hasn't put more of a push on to stand up honest and competent police and military forces.

Answer 4

The objective was to help Iraq set up a working democracy. After the first election the mission was accomplished. The people who are doing the fighting now are insurgents. These are people from other countries who want to put an end to the new democracy. The people of Iraq have been asking for this since the late 1980's.

Answer 5

Unfortunately our soldiers are being used as puppets.The dems think a timeline is a good idea so the republicans are fighting it.There definately should be a timeline to put pressure on Iraq to step it up.The two month vacation that the Iraqis plan on taking while we are fighting their fight is unacceptable.It just proves that Bush is not putting any pressure on them.

Answer 6

Well for your plan to work, the Iraqi government has to know, and there is no way in hell they can keep a secret. In addition, there must be some incentive for the Iraqis to get their act together. American lives should be be wasted to stop their civil war.

Answer 7

What are they using on the troops now, nerf bullets? What are they holding back?

Who is this "enemy?" The Shia? The Sunnis? The Kurds? Who is going to "wait us out?" (Say "the terrorists" and instantly lose any credibility you may have.)

If the Iraqi government knows we will not leave until we get them to do whatever, what incentive do they have to "step up?" Why would they want Iraqis to die when our government seems willing to substitute Americans?

It's called "tough love." An intervention if you will- get your s**t in one sock or we are vapor and you guys can do it your selves. I think that would be a persuasive argument to the Iraqis to stop the business of settling old scores and get to the business of securing their government.

Answer 8

1) When you play Poker.(considering that you do) You never show you'r hand. It gives the others the knowledge to know if you're Bluffin'.

2) Violence on the Streets will end, after we leave. With the slaughter of anyone who doesn't go along with the Terrorists views.

But the Lib's won't have the Blood on their hands. They'll atempt to put it on the back of Our President. To help in them taking over TheWhite House.

They want us to lose. So they can become President. Go figure!

Answer 9

I don't mind the time table, if that is what everyone wants...but when the Generals over there actually commanding the troops are saying they are a bad idea, they we should listen to THEM...not bush, but the comanders on the ground.

Answer 10

You are right.

The far lunatic left is so out of touch with foreign policy. They think if we just have a big group hug, suddenly all the evil dictators in the world will well up with joy and stop their deeds.

I have a plan, next Super Bowl.... one team has to publish their entire play book and give it to the other team at least 2 weeks in advance of the game.

Same thing.