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From the NY Times of 12 Oct 2007:

Former Top General in Iraq Faults Bush Administration
In a sweeping indictment of the four-year effort in Iraq, the former top American commander called the Bush administration’s handling of the war incompetent and warned that the United States was "living a nightmare with no end in sight."

In one of his first major public speeches since leaving the Army in late 2006, retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez blamed the administration for a "catastrophically flawed, unrealistically optimistic war plan" and denounced the current "surge" strategy as a "desperate" move that will not achieve long-term stability.

General Sanchez is the most senior in a string of retired generals to harshly criticize the administration's conduct of the war. ...

"There was been a glaring and unfortunate display of incompetent strategic leadership within our national leaders," he said, adding later in his remarks that civilian officials have been "derelict in their duties" and guilty of a "lust for power."

The White House had no initial comment.

Questioned by reporters after his speech, he included the military and himself among those who made mistakes in Iraq, citing the failure to insist on a better post-invasion stabilization plan.

But his main criticism was leveled at the Bush administration, which he said he said has failed to mobilize the entire United States government, other than the military, to contribute meaningfully to reconstructing and stabilizing Iraq.

Which brings us right back to the Iraq Study Group - a comprehensive solution that required immediate action by most every part of the US Government. But that required an MBA and wacko extremists to even acknowledge a problem exists and is not being solved. Since so many even in the Cellar remained so quiet, well, now every "Mission Accomplished" alternative is even worse. Denial remains widespread. Just as during Nam, so many of us remain silent - tacitly support even worsing conditions. The overwhelming silence by the American public - Deja vue Nam.

George Jr got exactly what he wanted - just as Nixon did. He got the mess dumped on someone else's lap. George Jr does not care how many he murders as long as his legacy is protected. "Mission Accomplished" was not lost by George Jr.

Estimates now put "Mission Accomplished" at another 10 years. Even the most optimistic numbers are another 6 years. Less only if Americans wake up to the realities. We didn't in Nam because we let wacko extremist propaganda create fear - those mythical Dominos. We even invaded Cambodia and made that country unstable. How long before our wackos call for attacks on Iran or Syria? Deja vue Nam complete with so many even here who are unwilling to grasp the reality of not leaving now. That number well proven in history especially when the invading Army violates every principle of Military Science. At least with a withdrawal, Iraqis have 20 months to decide - or die - complete with the only way to minimize a disaster - the Iraq Study Group.

Stupidity is not limited to "Mission Accomplished". Did you notice today a fundamental warning from Russia that America is slowly pushing the world back into a Cold War? It was no mistake that Rice and Gates were left to sit on their ass for so long. It was a message right to you. Did you hear it?

A long list of top Generals from Iraq (10+ now?), retired, and now publically blame the mental midget administration. No way around these realities. He is making messes well beyond Iraq - and Urbane Guerrilla approves. Things are that bad.

The Marines may have found a way to get out of an unwinnable conflict. They are asking to be deployed only to Afghanistan. Remember that other war where Goerge Jr / Cheney et al all but protect bin Laden? So when are we going after bin Laden? Well at least the Marines will not be fighting where they cannot win.

"A nightmare with no end in sight." Deja vue Vietnam where the most unAmerican Americans once said if we leave, then it will only get worse. Guess what. It was called, "I see light at the end of the tunnel". That light was a locomotive closing fast. We did nothing - just stayed - and it only got worse. America then created the death of maybe another 1 million. We could not fathom a bad decisions was by far our best alternative. We have to massacre more good men to finally concede reality? Deja vue Nam.

Currently the surge is blamed for a reduction in American deaths. How curious. The same logic also was used after Tet to proclaim America was winning the war. Deja vue Nam.

Just because you don't like the consequences justifies doing nothing? Find me an American commanding general from Iraq who publically supports "Mission Accomplished"? You cannot. That is the brutal reality of a war that cannot be won especially when Iraqis don't even know what they want.

Meanwhile, another bombing just occurred in Kirkuk. As Holbrook (and other people with intelligence) warned, Kirkuk could be the irreversible flash point.

How long is that list of top American generals, all commanding in Iraq and now retired, who are telling Americans to wake up - to be patriotic.

Batiste Newbold Eaton Pace Riggs Swannack Scales Shinseki ... and now Sanchez
Rumsfeld Rebuked By Retired Generals
Bush's Shrinking Safety Zone

Especially significant is Batiste who was regarded as a sure bet for Joint Chief. He turned down a third star - considered the biggest promotion in a lifetime - because his principles were stronger than his ambitions.

How many notice the bombings in Kirkuk. How many noticed American approval among a former topmost ally, Turkey, is now down to 11% according to the lastest German Marshall Fund poll. Why are people now asking when Turkey may invade Iraq?

But things are getting better in Iraq according to a very effective White House propaganda machine. Effective because so many, even here, cannot get beyond the sound bytes - start facing reality.

If we leave, then they will have to take charge of their own lives. If we leave, Iraqis will have 20 months to do it - or inherit the conseuqences. Currently they will do nothing for the next 10 years. Deja vue Nam.

At what point does anyone here say, "Fool me twice, shame on ...".