September 26, 2004 - David Petraeus already made up his mind on Iraq

[RiverStone]

Here is an excerpt from a story written by General Petraeus nearly 2 years ago for the Washington Post:

<snip>

Numbers alone cannot convey the full story. The human dimension of this effort is crucial. The enemies of Iraq recognize how much is at stake as Iraq reestablishes its security forces. Insurgents and foreign fighters continue to mount barbaric attacks against police stations, recruiting centers and military installations, even though the vast majority of the population deplores such attacks. Yet despite the sensational attacks, there is no shortage of qualified recruits volunteering to join Iraqi security forces. In the past couple of months, more than 7,500 Iraqi men have signed up for the army and are preparing to report for basic training to fill out the final nine battalions of the Iraqi regular army. Some 3,500 new police recruits just reported for training in various locations. And two days after the recent bombing on a street outside a police recruiting location in Baghdad, hundreds of Iraqis were once again lined up inside the force protection walls at another location -- where they were greeted by interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.

I meet with Iraqi security force leaders every day. Though some have given in to acts of intimidation, many are displaying courage and resilience in the face of repeated threats and attacks on them, their families and their comrades. I have seen their determination and their desire to assume the full burden of security tasks for Iraq.

There will be more tough times, frustration and disappointment along the way. It is likely that insurgent attacks will escalate as Iraq's elections approach. Iraq's security forces are, however, developing steadily and they are in the fight. Momentum has gathered in recent months. With strong Iraqi leaders out front and with continued coalition -- and now NATO -- support, this trend will continue. It will not be easy, but few worthwhile things are.

link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49283-2004Sep25.html


General Petraeus had long ago staked a claim (and his reputation) on a working "surge" - there is nothing objective about his testimony on The Hill today. To repeat his last line: It will not be easy, but few worthwhile things are.

I don't see I damn thing that's worthwhile with Shrub's immoral war of aggression in Iraq; but Petraeus did (and still does). He made up his mind on this 2 years ago.

[Bitwit1234]

1. I need an answer to this question

"Other than the US just who are the enemies of Iraq"...we were the ones who invaded them. The rest of the Middle East left them alone.