McCain, Cheney 'reject' General Petraeus Analysis of Iraq

McCain, Cheney 'reject' General Petraeus Analysis of Iraq

www.crooksandliars.com

Just four days ago, Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said that “no one” in the U.S. and Iraqi governments “feels that there has been sufficient progress by any means in the area of national reconciliation,” or in the provision of basic public services.

As it turns out, “no one” doesn’t include John McCain, who feels there’s been plenty of progress…

“Anybody who believes the surge has not succeeded, militarily, politically and in most other ways, frankly, does not know the facts on the ground.”

… nor does it include Dick Cheney, who apparently sees political progress Petraeus doesn’t.

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Monday declared the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq a “successful endeavor,” pointing to security and political progress on a visit ahead of the fifth anniversary of the war.

(visit the link for the full news article)

So, once again, we have the pencil-pushing bureaucrats in Washington sizing up the situation in Iraq and making statements in direct contradiction to those actually SERVING THERE. They are basically lying to continue this mess. I wonder if General Patraeus doesn't cower down to these clowns, might he be next to go the way of General Fallon?

Cheney, like the Decider, lives in his own bubble-world reality where he sees only what he wants to see, no matter what the facts may really be. And now it appears McInsane, the next war-monger in chief being groomed for the oval office, is poised to carry on that tradition.

Sickening.

www.crooksandliars.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

General Petraeus has just spend many sleepless night because Al Sadr. He knows what is out there, waiting his troops, and what is really behind the "success in surge"... If diplomacy fail now, blood will flow again.

If politicians quit their respect of the Mahdi army, it will be a disaster. Cease fire has continued over 6 month, and in that time attacks to US troops has fall over 70%. Everybody knows in the ground, who has this power: Al Sadr.

Ignorance of McCrazy and Dick is madness in high scale, and doesnt bring any better for troops, and if they dont want to realize these facts, and start to respect their opponents, we talk about coming catastrophe. Mahdi army is out there, and Generals know their stance.

Who will give the lesson to these maniacs, and is it even possible, if they dont listen their best mans? This Reminds me from times of Hitler, who after first defeats stop listening best generals in the world that time, and their suggestions... History repeats itself.

Petraeus seems to be reasonable and a good man. I dont get suprise if he quits in coming months. Maybe he joins with his superior Mr Fallon and they make a good plan to take over USA back to its people in home ground.

Dont forget these good guys, but watch out that there is no "accidents" for these leaders, like to Rommel and Patton in past. Secure their stance and keep them alive, they are best guys you get to "oval office" when times go dirty... Troops are listening only their voice.

The thing that always impresses me in these situations is that the military commanders actually still more-or-less tell the truth.

How on earth do they keep their jobs?

Who cares what John McCain thinks? As mentioned before, he isn't there.
Obviously less violence against US troops is a positive thing. But the result of the surge? Not unless you figure in Sadr.

They can't stop bickering long enough to get the government together and the lights turned on.

Five years of this crap is long enough. They've not met the benchmarks they agreed to. And they won't, as long as we are there to provide the dubious security that we do.

If our fearless leaders think it's so safe....I suggest they take a nice long walk beyond the green zone--without their paid mercenaries surrounding them.

I believe the benchmarks determine the success rate...not personal OPINION. How many benchmarks have been met? How many more since the surge?

So let me get this straight because I thought I might have been going nuts for a second! The acting General ON THE GROUND in Iraq right now says that, “no one feels that there has been sufficient progress by any means in the area of national reconciliation", which basically means that the country is split up and no progress has been made towards a "stable democracy".
On the other hand, John "know-it-all" McCain says, "Anybody who believes the surge has not succeeded, militarily, politically and in most other ways, frankly, does not know the facts on the ground.” That's a pretty bold and ludicrous statement considering General Petraeus is the guy ON THE GROUND IN IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!
This is getting....no wait, wrong words...this IS ALREADY outrageous!! How much longer are we going to put up with this garbage?? This is like getting the answers to your college finals from the teacher and then just throwing them out the window.
Two conclusions from this are quite apparent;
1. Bush, Cheney, McCain and their whole cabal have no concern for the American people(obviously) and are going to do what they wish regardless of what their own generals tell them is REALLY happening since we decided NOT to declare an actual war on Iraq but just invaded under false pretenses.
2. This whole "administration" does not work for us(obviously by now) but actually works for some unknown group that wants to keep the American people preoccupied with this BS war and BS election while they get our so called "leaders" to con us into doing their dirty work. Works like magic it seems.

Anyway, here is a good video for you all...enjoy!!
www.youtube.com...://www.puppetgov.com/main.php?content=videos


Cheers!
Purduegrad05

What I find intriguing is how often around here the military leadership is spoken about derisively, as being dishonest tools of the administration. As soon as they say something that people want to hear, then it's "well they're good men, and the administration isn't listening to them." I'd love to see some consistency with regards to the praise or insults, as you can't have it both ways. You either believe them to be honorable and truthful, or scheming, manipulators trying to get some personal gain. Being a career soldier, I opt for the former of those two views.

Great thing to point out, DD.

Star to evry post!

I am becoming ill, at all the times our gov. REJECTS pertinent info from
excellent sources, like SOLDIERS!

Every time the administration rejects something, it seems to reveal part
of their hidden agendas, and exhibits a certain delusional insanity!

It's all part of the plan. McCain is setting himself up to look like an idiot because he is the fall guy. There is no way people will vote for that fool. Look at how many stories came out this week about how stupid he is, like three? The sheep are being herded to vote for the seemingly well-meaning socialists that will further destroy our nation of America.

Originally posted by xstevenx
It's all part of the plan. McCain is setting himself up to look like an idiot because he is the fall guy. There is no way people will vote for that fool. Look at how many stories came out this week about how stupid he is, like three? The sheep are being herded to vote for the seemingly well-meaning socialists that will further destroy our nation of America.

I could not agree more!! Of course, this is all too obvious to many of us out there, which is why I voted for Ron Paul! However, to those ignorant Americans who don't understand how it works, the democrats will provide very little if any change at all. With a democratic Congress that refuses to stop the war and impeach the white house residents...combine that with a democratic president...forget about it. And since democrats don't like guns too much, well we can say bye bye to those. Does anyone notice how REAL ISSUES are not even discussed??? I haven't heard very much about the war, or any real serious issue when it comes to candidate news coverage. All I hear and see on TV is the bickering between the candidates and all of their BS. What a joke!!

Purduegrad05

From the posts above its pretty self evident of how most on ATS feel about the reality in Iraq described by Patraeus and the false reality created by the civilian administration.

The arming of the Awakening Council may have resulted in a drop in suicide bombings but we are simply providing the fuel for a civil war that will be sparked as soon as the coalition leaves Iraq.

There may have been a reduction in violence against coalition troops but ethnically motivated murder, kidnap and torture continues unabated. Shia militias from the Badr (not Sadr) forces have infiltrated the security services to the highest levels.

So far no WMDs, no direct links to terrorism pre-invasion and a failure to bring about peaceful democracy. (there may be an elected parliament but there is wholesale ethnic conflict with the government powerless to stop it). If the continued presence of troops is only to act as a human shield between the ethnic groups why should they remain?

There maybe arguments for the geo-strategic importance of the state, how withdrawal will be a success for "terrorism" or will be admitting defeat to states like Iran and Syria but it feels to me that more lives will be lost with no worthwhile achievement in sight.

Surely it is time to support our troops by pulling them out?

General Petraeus has obviously neglected to consider one pertinent piece of the 'evidence'!!

And that is.....Things in Iraq need to improve so the Republicans can win the election....( ta da!) so they have. It's as simple as that......and if he doesn't accept that, I guess he'll be just another retired General!!

reply to post by BlueRaja


What are you talking about? For the most part the commanders are used as tools. That's what politicians do to all who are around them. They manipulate.

This General is tired of looking like a fool and has said several times that Iraq has been a failure.

I may not believe everything he says, but yes, in this case I definitely believe it.

He's been in Iraq for five years. How long has Bush/Cheney/McCain been in Iraq?

Maybe a total of a week over the entire war.

Crooks and liars.

reply to post by BlueRaja

In the US, soldiers are "tools" of the administration, as the military does not make/go to war unless told to do so. The US military, therefore, must, under orders from their Commander In Chief, go to a war, any war, for which they are sent. In the US we trust our leaders to send our soldiers to a war for which there can be "victory".

Since military commanders serve at the pleasure of their CIC, the CIC can choose whom he wants. It is not necessarily that commanders are dishonest or scheming, it might merely be that they agree with their CIC. For commanders who disagree, there have been more than a few that spoke out after retirement. Even veteran general Powell later said that his UN speech was a "blot" on his record.

OTOH, I did have a family member who resigned from being a decorated special forces colonel in the US Army in VietNam because of corruption. Ours, not theirs.

Sorry for the double post. Having severe connection difficulties today! Even with a truckers antenna!

[edit on 19-3-2008 by desert]

Do they really still believe that the "Say a lie enough times and people believe it" stuff still works?

The country can see past that now!
And he's still denying it... omg, this is rich.

Here's 2/3rds of the United States who are opposed to the war.
Cheney replies with "SO?"

Here's General Petraeus, THE Commander in Iraq, as in, Petraeus, the guy who knows more about what's going on in Iraq than anyone in office!!!!
And Cheney tells him he doesn't know what he's talking about! That the war is going swimmingly?!

Get Cheney out of there NOW, he's way too incompetent to be allowed anywhere near the upper government echelons. Remove him before he drools on something! He's going to get more people killed.

Petraeus was brought in for damage control... they only brought him in so that they could promise the U.S. a 'progress report.'

Petraeus gave his sugar coated progress report as it was WRITTEN FOR HIM BY THE WHITE HOUSE - then he was sent back to Iraq to observe the REAL situation.

Of course he isn't going to keep playing by the script... they have stopped writing scripts for Petraeus. And now that Petraeus has uttered some sincere words about the situation in Iraq, they're probably going to get rid of him.

Any time a political tool like Petraeus has run it's course, they devour their own. He'll be on his way out by the time we're ready to start war with Iran.

Originally posted by biggie smalls
reply to post by BlueRaja

 

What are you talking about? For the most part the commanders are used as tools. That's what politicians do to all who are around them. They manipulate.

What I'm talking about is people cherry picking stories, and changing their tune when they hear something they like. According to most around here, the military leadership are nothing more than a bunch of yes men, who aren't capable of independant thought of their own. As soon as they see an example of something they find appealing, they use it to suit their agenda, without the intellectual honesty to admit that the military leadership is quite capable of thinking for itself(and may share diverse opinions).

reply to post by BlueRaja


Have I ever mentioned anything about the military leadership not thinking for themselves?

Granted that won't get them very far as this Administration has made it very clear that free thought=slavery (1984 anyone?).

However, it is the military's job to take orders from the chain of command, regardless of what it is.

Dissent is usually not met with high regard and often times court martial.

I can see where you're coming from though and don't disagree.

[edit on 3/19/2008 by biggie smalls]

reply to post by NewWorldOver


I used to work for Petraeus. He does not read scripts for anybody, so you can dispel that notion altogether. He is very much a straight shooter.