Generals upgrade assessment of Iraq

[leftchick]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051003/NEWS06/510030440/1012

WASHINGTON -- The two top U.S. commanders in charge of the Iraq war, appearing separately on a total of four network talk shows Sunday, amended more sobering statements they had made to Congress and reporters last week.

Gen. George W. Casey Jr., who oversees U.S. forces in Iraq, and Gen. John P. Abizaid, who leads the U.S. Central Command, stressed the military and political progress being made in Iraq.


"There are peaks and valleys that you go through, but overall the trend is good," Abizaid told NBC's "Meet the Press." "We're certainly confident."

The training of Iraqi security forces is "very much on track," Casey told ABC's "This Week."

On Thursday, Casey said the "Iraqi armed forces will not have an independent capability for some time." The day before, he backed away from earlier predictions that a "substantial" number of U.S. troops could be withdrawn early next year.

"Right now, we're in a period of a little greater uncertainty than when I was asked that question back in July and March," he told reporters on Wednesday.

[whalerider55]

1. Rove to Generals:

STFU. We're in charge here. Get back on the reservation.

whalerider

[acmavm]

2. Oops. Must have been some spankings all around. Now we know

why Rummy was so sharp and short in his interview. He had punishment to hand out.

Wonder if he has a special paddle for his spankings.

[cassiepriam]

3. The repug ability to control people is incredible,

They either seduce or kick people into total compliance.

[LynnTheDem]

4. If a DROP from 3 battalions to 1 battalion, how are you "ON TRACK"?

Must be a stupid MFing rightwingnut thang.

[lakercub]

5. Don't you love it?

Generals, the alleged pinnacle of our military, have no spine with this group either. God, it's sad. Of all the dupes out there, I think I may understand the military dupes the least. Looking at the military service record of the people in this administration is stupefying. They don't just decide not to enlist, but they dodge the draft using every lame excuse in the book. But the current military loves them. Then they send soldiers off to die uselessly....and the military loves them (although this isn't as unanimous as we are led to believe), These generals ought to dislike the administration to the nth degree, but no.

It must be military spending and raises...I can't think of any other reason why the military hasn't been more hesitant to jump in bed with these bastards.

[DoYouEverWonder]

8. That's because Rummie got rid of all the ones

that still had a spine. It's only yes men for him.

[annabanana]

6. ahhh... rose petals again.....

that's better my pretties....

[liberal N proud]

7. Isn't it amazing how these people always change their assessment

after reporting something that is less than stellar?
It goes to prove that someone is ordering to change their assessment or someone is threatening them with something.
Time and time again these generals have said that things are not what they appear to be only to make changes to those statements and then say they are going well.
Why does the media keep taking this shit? They are not completely woke up from the coma they were in for 5 years.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

9. I guess the NeoCon Party officials applied the right amount of pressure...

...to make sure the generals are all singing the same NeoCon tune.

[0007]

10. It just goes to show ya that anyone can be a general in the

US Armed Forces. Look at the Commander in Chief!

[Jacobin]

11. Light at the end of the tunnel; body counts of enemy soldiers

Things are going to be fine.


Viet Nam redux.

[muriel_volestrangler]

12. Seems like they daren't tell bare-faced lies to Congress

but are quite happy to do so to the public, on TV. Since they know lying to Congress could affect their future career if the Democrats get back in charge, they need to cover their arses. Talking bollocks on TV is, however, just following orders.

[AlCzervik]

13. Didn't the generals see themselves in front of congress?

i'm so confused.

[Orsino]

14. Doubleplusgood news! n/t

[WhiteTara]

15. they were told to jump and they asked

How High? what a bunch of toadies.