Optimism fades, but war goes on

[Barrett808]

Optimism fades, but war goes on
By ANNA BADKHEN
San Francisco Chronicle
28-JUN-05

TIKRIT, Iraq -- At Saddam Hussein's vast palace complex that is now the U.S. Forward Operating Base Danger in Tikrit, Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto contemplates the war American soldiers under his command are now waging.

"The enemy is intrinsic," said Taluto, who heads the 42nd Infantry Division and the Army units attached to it in Iraq. "They're infiltrating the Iraqi security forces as we speak. I don't know how big (the insurgency) is, but I think their capability is constantly replenished."

In more optimistic days, after the 2003 invasion, the Bush administration believed that American troops would be helping to rebuild schools, hospitals and water systems, and maintaining security while Iraqis set about establishing a new, democratic government. Then the troops could go home, with the thanks of the Iraqi people.

Instead, Iraqis now hold the soldiers responsible for the condition in which their country finds itself.

"Having all these humvees driving on the road, having to get out of the way, having us patrol, having bombs go off - you can understand how they could feel offended by our presence," Taluto said.

(more)

http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=IRAQ-SOLDIERS-06-28-05

[lyonn]

1. How many Iraqis are offended by

U.S. military living in Saddam's palaces? Do they see a parallel? The country is being trashed daily with no relief in sight for basic human needs, like water, sewer, electricity, etc. Now Bush is going to stand up there in front of the troops (gawd he has balz) and tell them that Democracy is on the move and so are the terrorist, and for them to keep up their good fight, America loves you for it. No, we hate Bush for doing this to our military. Even high ranking officers are speaking softly but with the sound of reality creeping out.

[AX10]

2. Iraq is a failure.