Well, we know now that the "surge" has lead to an INCREASE in violence.........?

Question

with May being the deadliest month for us troops in 2.5 years, and kidnapping and sectarian violence at an all time high, why are we not working on a political solution instead of a military one? Even General Petreaus said a military solution is no longer possible. How many more Americans need to die before our government changes the course?

Answer 1

Petreaus said he would evaluate in September. he did not say military action is not possible. I call your bluff. If anything he wants to start getting the politics out of this war and get down to some serious fighting.

Answer 2

a) OFCOURSE there's been an increase in violence. OF COURSE more folks have died as a result of this surge. The problem is that until recently, we were fighting this war from the Green Zone. And please, stop it with the 'how many more Americans need to die'. You couldn't care less. You never could. You're just a bloody bumper sticker.

b) A political solution with who?

c) You mischaracterize what Petreaus said. He said a military solution ALONE would not solve the problem. He said that the solution had to include a political component which no one has ever disagreed with. But before you can introduce that political component, before you can resolve domestic issues, before you can rebuild, you have to stabilize the central authority and establish the legitimate power of the elected Iraqi government through a strong Iraqi military. In essence you need to give the government a strong military that can protect it and support its initiatives. Right now, Sadr thinks he can replace the legitimate government with a tyranny all his own. He and others like him, have to be killed and their militias annihilated before progress can be made in Iraq.

d) What you call 'changing the course' means, quite literally, surrender. Continue to mence words all you want but that's just what our enemies have been hearing from folks like you for years now. Since the first day of invasion, folks like you have hoped, prayed and rooted for America's defeat. Our enemies have heard you and your encouragement of their efforts have been their best and brightest hope for success. You must be so proud.

Answer 3

That was completely expected. Being so open about the surge was almost as bad as giving a date for beginning to withdraw as far as the effect has on the effort in Iraq. These people pay attention to whatever we do, and respond to it.

They are finally beginning to talk to Iraq's neighbors. There has been a meeting between all of the neighbors and the U.S. as well as a meeting between the ambassadors of Iran and the U.S. We are also more involved in Iraq's politics. Wish we'd have done that from the beginning.

Answer 4

Petreaus and the surge are the change of course demanded by congress.
From almost all accounts, it's having a tremendous effect in rooting out foreign insurgents and sectarian radicals intent on violence.
You don't just say, "OK, everybody quit fighting and get along." or, "I won't shoot you if you don't shoot me."
Sorry, that's not the real world in which we live.

Answer 5

Some Military People are saying it would take another Ten (10*) years before achieving it Militarily.... No thank you....Its way past time to get out of DODGE......

Answer 6

This is another muslim with an anti-american agenda read all his other questions they are all designed to be demoralizeing and to make Americans further divided.
divide and conquer

Answer 7

stfu