Bush Says He’s Open to Change in Iraq, but ... (still talking military options)

[rodeodance]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/washington/14policy.html?ei=5094&en=baf1a26d46c6e5e0&hp=&ex=1163566800&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print


November 14, 2006Bush Says He’s Open to Change in Iraq, but ...

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 — President Bush spent more than an hour on Monday with the independent panel examining strategic options for Iraq, and cautioned afterward that while he was open to new ideas, it was important for “people making suggestions to recognize that the best military options depend upon conditions on the ground.”

The president’s brief remarks seemed aimed at Democrats, who are demanding a phased withdrawal of troops from Iraq, beginning in a matter of months. Mr. Bush has steadfastly resisted any timetable, and his comments on Monday offered the first hint of how he might respond.

Addressing reporters in the Oval Office, Mr. Bush shed little light on the substance of his hour-and-15-minute session with members of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, led by James A. Baker III, the former secretary of state, and Lee H. Hamilton, the former congressman. The president said that they had “a good discussion,” and that he was “looking forward to interesting ideas.”

Mr. Bush is under intense pressure to change course in Iraq, from Democrats and from some Republicans. One leading Republican, Senator John W. Warner of Virginia, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said in an interview on Monday that the election results were a clear cry for a new Iraq strategy.

“The American people have spoken with regard to their deep concern about the loss of life, the loss of limb, the enormity of the expenditures, the credibility of our country,” Mr. Warner said.

[AIJ Alom]

1. The situation on the ground is this. There are no concentrated

enemy forces. Our advanced offensive capabilities in terms of weapons and individual skill have been marginalized. Our troops find themselves patrolling, hunting, and defending against insurgents that can easily mix in with the general population, all the while a Civil War between Shiites and Sunnis is occurring with them caught in the middle. Meanwhile the insurgents, are setting traps in the form of IED's and snipers. Losses will continue to mount and innocent civilians will continue to die. It is in our best interests to withdraw.

[rodeodance]

2. please tell Mr. Bush your secret.------whisper it in his ear for effectiveness.

[AIJ Alom]

4. Nah. But if I put it in these terms. Imagine that you have just lost your

advantage (you rubber stamp) and now the Democrats are coming for you with everything they've got. The'y got more than enough ammunition to impeach you and this would severely hurt your party, what would you do ? That's right, Mr. President, resign. Now put the troops in the same situation, and withdrawal becomes the answer.

Unfortunately with the way W thinks, he'll probably announce himself dictator and bring back the draft so that he can have a decent legacy.

[sweetheart]

3. send bush and baker to tikrit

If we send the terrorist leadership to the insurgents, it would sort out the war faster.

[acmavm]

5. I am appalled by the phrase 'bush** spent more than an hour with

the panel'.

So good that the idiot SOB could spend all that time working on the most serious problem this country has and for which he and his buddies are responsible.

This just disgusts me.

[arewenotdemo]

6. Hey, he's got to get on with enjoying his life

Probably had a bike ride scheduled.

[Ice4Clark]

7. On the other hand

I'm surprised he could sit still that long. Imagine, a whole hour of W listening.........I just can't picture that.

[Turbineguy]

8. Like Michael Corleone...

"I'll change...I can change!"