Shiite and Sunni Clerics Promote Unity
crossposted at:
Faultline USA
Conservative Thoughts
For those who continue to suggest that recent success in Iraq is some sort of mirage, you may want to consider a report from the AP describing recent developments among the Shiite and Sunni clerics. As is always the case with such news one should remain cautiously optimistic. But to dismiss positive results especially if your prevailing position is that of a far left antiwar surrendering and appeasing liberal makes the case for those who oppose your defeatist and submissive behavior.
The now famous troop surge that was dismissed by liberal critics who are totally invested in defeat for at least political reasons has established a beneficial trend in Iraq. Reports have indicated the improvements were enough to convince displaced Iraqis to return home. And while visitors to my blog have been known to call the reduction in violence an Al-Qaeda ploy to wait out a US departure, the combination of the surge, peaceful pursuits of clerics, returning Iraqis and the continued joint efforts of US forces and tribal leaders against insurgents discredits that conclusion. It appears to be more of a desperate reaction to prop up the failing surrender position of the left. How misguided it is that some people will favor defeat over the very democracy that gives them the freedom to act so stupid.
There is no time like the present to take the opportunity to again express my appreciation for all the men and women in the armed services past and present for their dedication, commitment, courage and sacrifice. Their contribution to the cause of peace and freedom makes it possible for all of us to lead the lives we do and gives hope to those who have yet to reach this universal goal. To take a moment to express thanks is the very least one can do for all that has been bestowed by the selfless acts of others. To oppose or counter or otherwise dishonor their service is a sin for which there is currently no adequate definition.
In the political climate present in these United States it is incumbent upon all of us to take every opportunity to support the troops as there are far too many instances of people and organizations promoting the weakness that only serves the enemy and is detrimental to the future of this nation. Too many have sacrificed too much to allow that to happen. Remember this as the Presidential campaign continues and we are all called to decide who will lead this country. Those who have repeatedly called for surrender in the face of the growing threat of terrorism must not be allowed to be involved in governing this country. Certainly not in the highest office in the land. The Office of President of the United States requires unquestionable strength and complete commitment to resist those who would do harm to this country.
The positive advances in Iraq mentioned earlier need to be fostered by us all. Rather than leave in defeat as suggested by the left we need to depart after victory and assisting a deserving people to live in the peace, freedom and prosperity afforded by the process of democracy.
“I am a servant of all Iraqis,” al-Mulla quoted al-Sistani as saying.
November 28th, 2007 at 9:54 pm
I don’t dismiss the reports that the troop surge is having some success. But, for heaven’s sake remember this isn’t the first time we were optimistic about success in Iraq. Immediately, after the invasion, American casualties dropped sharply. At other points in this whole fiasco the American casualty rate has dropped and risen.
The reality is that its only been the last few months that we’ve seen any change at all. The terrorists/insurgents/Al Quaeda know that we cannot sustain the surge indefinitely. That has even been stated by the administration. Everyone knows America is scaling back its role in Iraq. That’s even a goal of the Bush Administration.
I am not military authority, but against the backdrop of 4 years of unrelenting guerilla warfare, the most logical conclusion to draw right now is that the terrorists have simply gone home and are waiting for the American military presence to decline again.
I find claims of victory in Iraq particularly hollow when most of us never wanted to go there in the first place. Think of the billions of dollars of our resources (as well as our blood) that have been squandered there. Than try to imagine all the schools, highways, and healthcare facilities that could have been built IN OUR COUNTRY with that money.
Shame on George Bush and those who went along with this nonsense. Containing Saddam was always a better option for this country and worked quite well for Bill Clinton.