Nearing the 2-year anniversary of Iraqi Sovereignty. A Look Back

[Roland99]

We are 10 days away from the 2-year anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty to the existing Iraqi government at that time, making the Iraq War Resolution null and void at that point.

Let's look back at some of the quotes from the key players then:

Iyad Allawi:
“The blood that has been spilled in Iraq has been spilled for a very good reason, for the defense of values, of freedom and democracy and fighting terrorism, and we intend to continue doing so. So, frankly, the security of our country now lies in our hands. Basically, we have the support of the multinational forces, and we look forward to their continued support.”

John Negroponte:
“To offer support and assistance to the Iraqi people and government as Iraq reasserts its full sovereignty. Three mutually-reinforcing objectives underpin this goal: Establishing security by helping the Iraqis defeat terrorists and criminal elements who oppose a free Iraq, promoting economic development, and supporting Iraq’s democratization through elections, promotion of human rights, and the rule of law.”

Bush**:
"This is a day of great hope for Iraqis, and a day their enemies hoped never to see...The Iraqi people have their country back.”

Tony Blair:
"We obviously welcome it because it's their decision and it's them taking control. What's important now is that the Iraqi people can see Iraqi leaders taking charge in Baghdad."



* Since that time, over 1600 US troops have lost their lives and well over 10,000 Iraqi civilians.

* Several cities are STILL under control of insurgents and/or terrorists.

* Oil production is STILL below pre-war levels.

* Electrical output is STILL below pre-war levels.

* Unemployment is STILL rampant.

* Women have endured greater oppression since the fall of Saddam.

* Iraq has become a haven for terrorists from beyond Iraq's borders.

* bin Laden/Zawahiri are STILL on the loose.


But yet for some reason, the GOP seems to claim that Democrats want to "cut and run" and hand over Iraq to terrorists. I suppose that means this administration thinks that the existing Iraqi government is a paper tiger and has absolutely zero chance of providing for itself despite the Iraqi culture being thousands of years old.

Apparently, it's better to stay and pay. It's better to pay more in death and mayhem. It's better to pay more in deficit spending. It's better to pay more in running the reputation of America as a bastion of freedom and democracy into the ground.

What *will* it take to finally remove US troops from Iraq in the eyes of this administration?

[Jack Rabbit]

1. And Bremer's hundred decrees are still in effect

Some sovereignty, that.

[Roland99]

2. HA! But they're free and democratic now.

:eyes: