How can the surge be working when the goal of the surge was to give Iraq politicians time to get things done?

Question

and the politicians have done nothing?

Are we dealing here with people who are willing to say anything that favors their point of view to get their way. I hear for example Mr. Bush while in Australian made a public and professional statement that "we are kicking *** in Iraq". So if they want the surge to work, in their minds, it can only work, no matter what the reality is ....again...the goal of the surge, lest we forget was for political action to occur. Since the political progress did not occur, the surge must therefore be considered a failure, especially since it cannot be sustained permanently.

Answer 1

Because republicans believe that what they say does not have to have any link to reality.
They also believe that a lie if repeated often enough will soon be seen as the truth, and the bigger and bolder the lie the better.
But you are correct. The surge failed since the political goals --the purpose of the surge, were not met.

Answer 2

It's a Bushy spin, like most things from his Presidency. The goals of the surge were to reduce secretarian violence in Bagdad, specifically the Anbar province where Bush stated that this is "the home base of Al-Qaeda" is. This is from Bush's January 2007 address. Afterwards Bush started spinning his words, saying that the reduction in secretarian violence would give the Iraqi politicians room to make the government work. From this perspective, the surge is failing.

Answer 3

a few additional points...Crocker said we will only see some concept of victory in hindsight (no headlines screaming we won), this means a commitment of at least a decade. and Petraeus projection shows a possible draw-down of forces, to pre-surge levels, for next summer. this draw-down would only be possible if conditions continue to "improve". even a casual observer would have to admit conditions on the ground in Iraq can change overnight (positive or negative). so to sum up...we won't know we have won when we do and staying the course insures years of war. some choice, eh?

Answer 4

Considering that General Patraeus has said that he believes we can start pulling troops out by next spring, and the Iraqi government have a safer environment to begin working on strengthening their government, I can't see how the surge isn't working. Governments aren't built overnight, it took our government years to form our consitution and laws after we beat the British. Expecting the Iraqis to form a stable government in record time is asking a bit much.

Answer 5

As a soldier who has been to Iraq, all I can say is what do you want from the General, He came to Washington, gave the facts fresh from the field with eyes on, and you want to disrespect him because you, and guys like Moveon.org, or Daily Kos, or George Soros, lack courage and lack Military training and Knowledge, of what the real situation is!!!!! out there!!!!!The general has forgotten more about Military Tactics and Military Knowledge than all you guys put together, and because he didn't say what you wanted to hear your gonna be a bunch of Whiny little Anti-American hope our enemies win. You never been to Iraq and only know what anti-American groups spoon feed you, well pal, the General gave the facts, a man who lives this war inside and out every day of his life, compared to you Monday Morning quarterbacking a war you have no idea about, from your couch, I'll take the Generals word and Soldiers word over that anyday!!!!!!!

Answer 6

I think the surge was for purposes broader than your question entails. I think there's more going on in Iraq than Bush detractors will admit and it makes it ridiculous to answer these questions over and over.

Believe what you want, you will anyway.

Answer 7

Maliki is a tool. And I don't mean he is useful. Yes the surge was meant to buy Maliki time, but he went on vacation and took the rest of their congress with him. We seem to need a new Iraqi Liberation Act already.

gary - QUIT PRETENDING TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS

Answer 8

You haven't noticed the pattern here? Something is "working" so long as we get to keep redefining success as we go along.
A military operation is only "working" when it creates a potential for military operations to end. This is all the Dems are asking for - an exit strategy. Doesn't look like we are going to see one though.

Answer 9

of course the Iraqi congress didn't get anything done they took the last month off .

they really did.

Answer 10

Wait until friday.