Deseret News | Is U.S. now winning war in Iraq?

Reader comments
Is U.S. now winning war in Iraq?

162 comments | Read story

Czar Adams | 10:36 a.m. July 27, 2008

We are now only winning because the media cannot deny it, when two years ago they put all of their effort into defeating the us. Now they wish to do so in Afganistan by telling us how horrible it is there when less US lives have been lost there than Iraq.

Linus | 10:48 a.m. July 27, 2008

The friend of my enemy is my enemy. I remember that after 9/11/01, President Bush told the American people that it would be a long struggle to overthrow the terrorists. He knew that the average American wasn't up to the task, but he didn't let that stop him. Unlike Bill Clinton, GWB knowingly sacrificed a popular legacy in pursuit of our safety. God bless GWB.

Patrick Gibbs | 10:59 a.m. July 27, 2008

That's an interesting perspective. Now that Iraq has finally spoken up asked us to get out, that means we are "winning" the war. Does this mean that when a couple gets divored, they have completed a successful marriage and now it's time to move on to the next one? I'm sorry, but I don't buy the point of view of this article at all. I find it to be really quite presosterous.

The only reason that leaders of Al Queida ever focused on Iraq instead of Afganistan is that we did. Trying to spin the fact that everyone has realized that this war served no purpose into a victory is probably the silliest thing I can imagine.

Comments continue below

Victory | 11:08 a.m. July 27, 2008

One has to be skeptical about claims that anything has been won in Iraq.

From the beginning, we have been caught up in talking about victory while fighting a war that was not really a war against a poorly defined enemy whose defeat could not be determined, except by our own willingness to say we won.

We might now be able to say that we've turned a corner in Iraq, that our troops are not in as much daily danger.

We might now be able to say that the Iraquis are more capable of governing and protecting themselves, at least capable enough to tell us to go home within sixteen months.

We might now be able to say that Iran has established itself as a central player in Iraqui politics and in the region.

We might now be able to say that someday Iraq will be producing oil at pre-war levels.

We might be able to say that all the Iraquis killed and displaced by the war are simply collateral damage, that they are a concept rather than a collection of real people.

More importantly, we will hand out the medals and call everybody heroes. Victory, indeed.

A different view point | 11:18 a.m. July 27, 2008

It would please me greatly if this article were true but somehow I view it as just "spin" before the election.

In six months from now will the information be the same as was in this article.

I personally doubt it.

Anonymous | 11:19 a.m. July 27, 2008

One thing that people need to understand is that the war was over 4 in 2003... since then is has just been maintaining control over a country in marshall law and now that marshall law is starting to become less hostile. Understand that people the war is over!

to:from Iraq | 11:25 a.m. July 27, 2008

All Americans appreciate your service. It sounds like you have done everything that has been asked of you by your commander and chief. However, being in the armed forces is not a requirement for an opinion on a war that affects the entire nation. We spend over two billion dollars a week on the war, and this is largely deficit spending. The bill for the debacle in Iraq is going to come due at some point, and we are all going to have to answer for the questionable decisions made by our leadership. Our relations with almost all of our allies has been hurt, hopefully not beyond repair, and the American people have lost faith in their leadership. So, though the Iraqi people, the ones you have talked to, may think that invading Iraq was the right thing to do, any patriotic American is justified in full heartedly disagreeing with them.

True freedom and democracy are earned, through years of desire, and more often than not revolution. You can point to Japan and Germany, but Germany had been a democracy prior to our invasion, and Japan was a broken homogonous nation.

Schooner Sailer | 11:29 a.m. July 27, 2008

Over 4100 dead, over 60,000 wounded, Was it worth it. Ask the muslims, it's their part of the world. Were there any Iraqis on the planes that attacked the world trade center on 911. I'm so proud to be American

Gus Talwynd | 11:35 a.m. July 27, 2008

With the increase in U.S. military forces in Iraq, both insurgents and those engaged in civil conflict (Sunni/Shi'ia) has become reduced. The level of conflict may have decreased, but there is still significant fighting which continues. Rather than pre-maturely having another "Mission Accomplished" moment, we might sit back and really assess the situation.

Any insurgent force would pull back and wait until a superior force withdraws before again mounting full-scale attacks. This is simple strategy. The continued fighting is only a reminder of what may come once the U.S. reduces its forces. The only certainty for maintaining the status quo is for the U.S. to continue its military presence at a moderately high level and pumping money to pay off the Sunni "allies" and keep the Shi'ia militias from reactivating.

The only peace that will come is when Iraqis bring peace upon themselves. The propaganda initially put out by the Bush administration, knowledge that they used organizations like Fox News to spread their talking points, talk of "last throes", makes it incredibly difficult to believe any suggestion that the U.S. is "winning the war". We've heard this refrain too many times before and the deaths of American soldiers increases more.

Henry Drummond | 11:35 a.m. July 27, 2008

My reaction to the article is that I hope it is true. I have had the opportunity to speak to many returning soldiers from Iraq (including one of my own sons). Of late they have spoken of progress which is very encouraging. They also say there is every indication that the plan for Iraq is to stay there permanently and that everything would collapse overnight without a substantial number of American troops.

It also appears that "winning" is a matter of interpretation. One of the reasons for the lack of violence seems to be that large sections of the country are now ruled completely by militias with American troops pulling back to Baghdad. Basra seems to be almost completely in the hands of militias loyal to Iran.

I hope the next administration whether it be Republican or Democrat will make an honest assessment of the situation and most importantly set realistic goals for turning security completely over to the Iraqi government. If we don't do that, we really aren't the "liberators" we claim to be and we can't claim to have "won" anything.

Anonymous | 11:44 a.m. July 27, 2008

I think the biggest difference when Obama went overseas, I saw was people waving American flags, not burning them as they do when Bush goes overseas.

Most of you GOP people are so Brain Washed by Fox News and Rush you cannot think on I higher level. You set there in your chairs and listen to your radios and watch your TVï¿½s; and you think your well informed. This is why we went to war and 4200 American troops are dead for the sake of oil, and your four dollars a gallon of gas.

Thank God we have some Americans who can think and are not Brain Washed by Fox News, Sean and Rush.

Electoral College polling count thus far.

Barack Obama 238

Capt. Smas | 11:51 a.m. July 27, 2008

Good vs. Evil

Those of us who want clean air and clean skyï¿½s vs. those who just want higher profits and cheaper gasoline. The battle lines have been drawn . Classic good vs. evil, I want clean air for my kids and grand kids, I will never go with the evil empire GOP.

JD | 12:01 p.m. July 27, 2008

To all you Bush haters and oil/haliburton conspiracy theorists. Bush did the right thing by going in, I have slept better knowing that our commander in chief genuinely cares about the American people and making this country safer. Ask yourself, how many attacks on US soil have there been since 9/11. ZERO. I credit Bush and thank the Lord daily that Al Gore was never able to reach the white house.

GeeBee | 12:08 p.m. July 27, 2008

@JD-
Ask yourself...what on earth did Iraq have to do with 9/11? That's what I thought.

HarryL | 12:14 p.m. July 27, 2008

What funds wars? The Taliban or whoever is fighting in Iraq needs funding. Some came from Iran and maybe other sources but with the rise of the recent regime in Iraq and the way the people are responding to the grief of war by wanting us out, it makes no sense from an insurgent's point of view to keep pushing it. We have not won this war, but if it continues their economy will become completely unproductive. We went in for the oil and lost. The problem is Afghanistan where from 10% several years ago, they now provide 90% of the world's heroin, This has become a cash cow for the Taliban and keeps their insurgency going. It is our neglect of that area that has kept the war in Iraq going. As long as we are wasting our resources in Iraq, they were free to do what they want. Now the oil in Iraq is outside of our control we shift our focus to drilling for oil off California, But the situation in Afghanistan critical as the insurgents return to protect their income source. We may have helped stabilize Iraq--who knows--but we haven't won anything.

Dick of the NW | 12:43 p.m. July 27, 2008

It amazes me, no it really doesn't amaze me when the left on this post sees something happening that does not match their mantra, they go into brain freeze. No, no, and no it can't be happening. It isn't supposed to go this way. The objective facts exist regardless of what our biased media reports. Iraq is improving. Now re-evaluate your thoughts from this point and not what your mantra was in the beginning. I tell you what the left does. In the state of WA they will vote on assisted suicide while at the same time put up a fence by a bridge that people have been jumping from to commit suicide.

Phereber | 12:46 p.m. July 27, 2008

I suppose it all depends on what we mean by "win." Here are some facts to consider:

First, the yellow cake recently removed from Iraq and into Canada has been acknowledged by UN inspectors since before the 1991 Gulf War. Read the original July 5 AP report by Brian Murphy. We can all agree that if this material represented WMD, Bush would have leaped on it.

Second, the war has resulted in at least 160,000 Iraqi dead, 4 million Iraqi refugees and 4,000 lost U.S. troops. Too bad they aren't around to celebrate an invasion Bush officials said would last "six months, if that."

Third, the neocons boasted that "the road to Jerusalem was through Baghdad." Wrong again. After more than 60 years without a nation, Hamas controls Gaza and Zionist settlers are once again expanding in the West Bank.

Fourth, the power vacuum left by Iraq has been filled by Iran, with Hezbollah empowered in Lebanon. Does anyone seriously doubt this?

Fifth, Bush pointed with pride to his tax cuts, which benefit the rich while our best risk life and limb oversees. Not one of Romney's five sons serves in the military despite this "time of war."

Celebrate!

Capt. Smash | 1:00 p.m. July 27, 2008

Utahï¿½s brain washing continues sponsored by Fox News, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Utahï¿½s Right Wing Public Radio.

The majority of Utah people do not know how to investigate and learn for there own insight. Everything that the media outlets listed above presents to Utah and America must be gospel. If Obama was Japanese 55% of Utah people would believe it. Further, if ask them how do the know that? They say I read on the internet or I heard it on Fox News. Those people are so closed minded they refuse to listen to another view point. Fox News wants to demonize Obama as someone evil and out of touch with America and someone who is un-patriotic. So of course Utahans just follow along with the crowd and say, OK, Dah, Ok.

Thank God some Americans will at least give this man a fair chance to make his case for the presidency of the United States of America.

Obama 08/12

Eric Packer | 1:06 p.m. July 27, 2008

To our servicemen: Thank you for your service and willingness to defend this great nation.
To the Commander in Chief, Congress and the FoxNews version of conservatives: "Nothing in the Constitution grants that the President shall have the privilege of offering himself as a world leader. He's our executive; he's on our payroll, in necessary; he's supposed to put our best interests in front of those of other nations. Nothing in the Constitution nor in logic grants to the President of the United States or to Congress the power to influence the political life of other countries, to "uplift" their cultures, to bolster their economies, to feed their peoples or even to defend them against their enemies." - Ezra Taft Benson.
We must remember that both the Democrats and Republicans signed us up for this war by granting the President the authority to declare war (unconstitutional). By the current policies and statements of those who voted for this presidential power, it appears that the Democrats sent us into war to fail and the Republicans to bolster economies and defend foreign enemies. Whether or npt we are achieving the latter is no sign of victory.

Grant | 1:35 p.m. July 27, 2008

Thanks to the soldiers who are doing so much for our country and the world. I'm proud of you guys. It's good to hear progress is being made.

I hope peace can be found soon so our soldiers can come home and the Iraqis can enjoy more freedom

AL | 2:05 p.m. July 27, 2008

To "From Iraq", "Jett", and "Craig" AMEN!!! And to a few others: This war is not unlike any other war, and the lose of any lives is great and to many, however lets not get this war out of proportion. In one battle, 12/7/41, almost the same number of US soldiers lost their lives as has been lost in this entire war. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!!!!!!! Our US Soldiers understand that and it is unbelieveable that the American public does not.

It makes no difference weather the war was justified or not, at this point, only that we succeed. Unless the liberals want us to fail so they can continue to beat GWB and the Republican Party over the head to win the presidential election. Just say it and then it will be confirmed what you really want us to fail so that to happen. GO JOHN MACAIN, lets not allow that to happen. That would be a slap-in-the-face to our troops the liberals claim to support!!!!!!!!!!

Craig | 2:10 p.m. July 27, 2008

I really don't care what the far left or those that oppose operation Iraqi freedom say. The fact is the USA and our friends that joined us in our efforts in Iraq have been selfless nobel warriors that have liberated and emancipated millions from under the thumb of a brutal tyrant, disarmed his army and started the process by which the seeds of human liberty can grow.
We have a beach head next to Iran, a place were Al Qeada can come to be killed and the beginnings of a workable middle east democracy.
The American left has never figured out one important thing about the USA; we are the good guys, not because we are perfect, not because all of our actions are void of pain for innocent people but because in the end when we stake a claim in a place we leave it more free, more prosperous and more able to eventually defend it's self than before we arrived.
I say human freedom for Iraq, Iran and all peoples of the world, if the leftwing peons can't grasp that concept it's not my problem.

AL | 2:21 p.m. July 27, 2008

And....to those of you who believe that we will be there for a long time. You are CORRECT!!!!! Not for Americans to loose their lives but to maintain peace, just like in Germany, Japan, Hawaii and other places. Our presence has stopped alot of violence, and it will work that same way in Iraq!!!!!!

To the liberals critizing this articale, it proves just how stupid you are. Wanting failure so you can gloat, over success. That tells alot about your character!!!!!! Go JOHN MCCAIN in "08!!!!!

Dick of the NW | 2:25 p.m. July 27, 2008

Craig, that is the best comment posted. I hope the left leaners will read it very carefully. That is what America is about. America didn't ask for this responsibility but we have it. Who does the world look to when help is needed? BHO has no resume of performance. Who do you want to lead this Country? A rookie with no resume or a grizzled vet? Give me Mc Cain!

AL | 2:32 p.m. July 27, 2008

To REALITY CHECK: That's why this administraion isn't telling us what their exit stratagy is, beacuse the newspaper is where it will wind up and then they can sit back and wait it out!!!!! You just proved my point and furthermore, YOU GET REAL!!!!

Pherber | 2:50 p.m. July 27, 2008

July 27, 2:10 p.m. Craig said:

"The fact is the USA and our friends that joined us in our efforts in Iraq have ... liberated and emancipated millions from under the thumb of a brutal tyrant, disarmed his army and started the process by which the seeds of human liberty can grow. We have a beach head next to Iran, a place were Al Qeada can come to be killed and the beginnings of a workable middle east democracy."

Please educate yourself.

Why was then US Middle East envoy Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam Dec. '83 and March '84? Saddam murdered thousands of Kurds at Anfal in '87 and we did nothing! Saddam invades our wealthy friends in Kuwaitï¿½then we care!

If the U.S. really, truly cares about democracy in the Middle East why not recognize the democratically elected Hamas in Gaza? Why not recognize democratically elected members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt?

As for invading Iran, Iraq's al-Qaeda leader al-Zarqawi declared war on Iraq's Shia, "the Rafidha."

What persuades you that al-Qaeda, which is Sunni, operates in Iran, which is Shia?

Do you know ANYTHING about the Middle East? Do you care?

David | 2:54 p.m. July 27, 2008

Obama stated that "while Al Qiada was not in Iraq when the war began, they are now." That justifies the war since we can battle as Obama stated it "our enemies" without being on our soil. Have soldiers perished? Yes, but don't forget to ask yourself how many more incidents have occurred on our soil for that sacrifice. Yes, one is too many but since 9/11, there have been no attacks but plenty of attempted attacks that while we don't like it, the war on terror has worked to keep us safe. Work in the Defense industry or the military and you will see a very different story than the media. Were there weapons of mass destruction? Yes, but not the ones anticipated. I don't like Bush, but the fact remains...how many incidents have been on our soil and compare that to recent attacks on India and Istanbul! It's working, like Bush or not!!

AL | 3:19 p.m. July 27, 2008

Speaking of spin before the election. Isn't that what Obama has been doing, with the liberal media everywhere? According to this article his visit has done nothing but harm to his chances. He now knows that our troops are succeeding and he can't deny it, for their will be further proof before the election!!!!! And if my father were hear he would say he is submarined. A 571 crewman!!! GO MCCAIN.

Sam | 3:27 p.m. July 27, 2008

George Bush rules. I have always stood by him. He my just be our last great president. History will look back on him and give him much more credit than folks are now. He is a religious God fearing man. We may never have one again in America the way things are going. Oh, and loosing 5000 soldiers in Iraq as bad as that is, we lost 50,000 in some battles of the Civil war in one day, as well as in WWI. Americans have forgot what sacrifice is. I am active duty of 26 years now. I have been there. I would die for this country there gladly, just like so many of my comrads have if that was to be my fate. Semper fi!

AL | 3:33 p.m. July 27, 2008

We need more "Sam"'s in this world. Thank-you for your sacrifice. May Good bless you and all our troops that so bravly defend our freedom!!!! Good bless President Bush!!! He was brave and made some very unpopular decisions and I cangratulate him for standing up for what was right!!!!

Dick of the NW | 4:21 p.m. July 27, 2008

Hey Pherber. Russia under Stalin had elections. Dictators have elections but that doesn't make their system a democracy. Yes, at times we have to work with what we've got. It wasn't always the best. Now Iraq with the help from the USA is on the verge of something better. If Iraq doesn't use this opportunity then it is on them. Iraq has to work through who they are and their own traditions but that doesn't have to mean to keep the same distrust of other factions. It is time for Iraq to work forward to something better.

Anonymous | 4:25 p.m. July 27, 2008

If you're proud of America and you really support our troop start paying for the war now.

I'm sick of those who dodged Vietnam talking like war heroes. You ducked out then and today you are ducking out of paying for these wars to support so deeply.

Who do you think your fooling: yourselves?

I read on Drudge Obama has a nine point lead according to Gallop.

Voting for Obama is a small way of holding conservatives accountable. If mitt is on the ticket with that guy who lost five planes, a Obama victory will be even sweeter.

With Obama as president, democrats in control of both houses; Reid will be one of the most powerful Mormons in history. :-)

AL | 4:53 p.m. July 27, 2008

Reid may also be the stupidest!!! How can we afford to make that mistake? Thanks for pointing it out!!!!!

Craig | 5:11 p.m. July 27, 2008

PHERBER, nice talking points and a very good and simplistic whitwash of history.

Remeber pherber; countries don't have permanant freinds they have situations. Thats why Rumsfeld paid a visit to Sadham. It was not because we liked and repspected him but because he was hurting Iran. As Kissinger said, "when it comes to the Iran Iraq war it's a shame they both can't lose." We even sent weapons to Iran to kill Iraqis.

As for a lesson in history; George Washinton fought with the British against the French then fought with French agianst the British.

So you see my dear plebe the fist lesson of national security is not to have a cookie cutter approach to all events and circumstances across the globe but to weigh the pro and cons of military action and to protect American national interest first.

The USA is more pro self survival than spreading democracy and that is how it should be. That is why we don't interfere in all petty conflicts to promote democracy.

P.S. I never said anything about "invading Iran" or Al Qeada being killed in Iran. Learn to read better.

Capt. Smash | 6:16 p.m. July 27, 2008

America's brain washing continues sponsored by Fox News, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and America's Right Wing Public Radio.

The majority of American people do not know how to investigate and learn for there own insight. Everything that the media outlets listed above presents to America it must be gospel. If Obama was Japanese 55% of the American people would believe it.

Further, if ask them how do the know that? They say I read on the internet or I heard it on Fox News. Those people are so closed minded they refuse to listen to another view point. Fox News wants to demonize Obama as someone evil and out of touch with America and someone who is un-patriotic. So of course alt of Americans just follow along with the crowd and say, OK, Dah, Ok.

Thank God some Americans will at least give this man a fair chance to make his case for the presidency of the United States of America.

Obama 08/12

Ernie | 6:18 p.m. July 27, 2008

I'm not sure that Iraq was the best place to take the fight against the Muslim terrorists. Many of you have some valid points such as the power vacuum created by the Iraq conflict. Iran did become stronger. BUT! I have enjoyed the fact that we have had no new strikes on the US.

I believe with all my heart that if we weren't fighting them in Iraq, we would have had the same fight in Afganistan. What would Saddam have done during this time? I'm not sure, but I guess he would have been up to no good. And, we probably would have been drawn into Iraq anyway.

I really don't have all the answers, but I ask myself; What if Gore had been President instead of Bush during 9/11? I really don't think things would have been any better. We might have not acted strongly and we might have experienced further attacks on our American cities. No matter how you rate Bush's performance, you still are comparing him to the unknown. Once those airliners crashed into our buildings, the deal was sealed and it wasn't Bush's fault.

Thank you President Bush Sir | 6:36 p.m. July 27, 2008

A year and a half later, though, violence is down dramatically and there's a cautious hope that both the U.S. and Iraq could achieve an outcome once seemed out of reach. The surge didn't do all of that; a cease-fire by Shiite militias and the switch by Sunni insurgents from attacking Americans to fighting al-Qaeda helped enormously. But the extra U.S. troops, brilliantly deployed by Gen. David Petraeus, have made a huge difference in calming the chaos. In doing so, it also contributed to the other developments. Why then can't Obamacon bring himself to acknowledge the surge worked better than he and other skeptics, including this page, thought it would? What does that stubbornness say about the kind of president he'd be? Another irony is that while Obamacon downplays the effectiveness of the surge in Iraq, he is urging a similar tactic now in Afghanistan. hmmmmmmmmm. Vote 4 McCain in 2008 for President and Mitt for VP.

Ridgerunner | 6:43 p.m. July 27, 2008

There is only one good reason for war! Freedom! It isn't politicials who insure our freedom of religion, freedom of speach and ALL other freedoms. It is soldiers and Marines who gave us and preserve your (and my) freedom! Wake up! We have enemies and it ain't GWB! There are people in the world who want to KILL YOU! Americans have three choices, become Muslim, be killed or fight to be free! If you don't believe that, the choice will be made for you!

Iraq | 6:52 p.m. July 27, 2008

Come on people, it is muslims who are killing each other in Iraq, not Americans. There are more people killed by violence in Detroit and Chicago that there are being killed in Iraq!

Rich Duban | 6:56 p.m. July 27, 2008

Is there anything you would fight for? Probably not!

Demo's continue to bury head... | 7:35 p.m. July 27, 2008

We could have been way ahead of this point years ago and billions of dollars and thousands of lives if the Democrats would given full support. Now they have to admit they were wrong but will somehow continue to find fault. The only lying President I've ever seen was shaking his finger at the camera saying, "I did not have sexual relationss with Ms. Lewinski." Oh the other one, "I am not a crook!" But I didn't really see that.

Dear Demo's stopped forming opinions on M. Moore propoganda or or supporting leaders who can only change the lunch menu at the capitol building.

Anonymous | 8:03 p.m. July 27, 2008

Chicken hawks for McCain.:-) I hate cowards

Bud Hampton | 8:51 p.m. July 27, 2008

I am so very glad our grandparent thought there was something worth fighting for and that there are worse things than death! Otherwise we all would be speaking German or Japanese! I worry about the next generation of, the "home of the brave". Freedom isn't free.

wrz | 10:18 p.m. July 27, 2008

Schooner Sailer | 11:29 a.m.: "Over 4100 dead, over 60,000 wounded, Was it worth it. Ask the muslims, it's their part of the world. Were there any Iraqis on the planes that attacked the world trade center on 911."

The terrorists on the planes were not the reason for going into Iraq. We went to Afghanistan because of 9-11.

If you want to know why we went into Iraq google the House/Senate Resolution Authorizing Military Acton in Iraq.

"I'm so proud to be American."

The terrorists are grateful for your support.

Steven Jenson | 10:21 p.m. July 27, 2008

Iraq is only part of the war on terror! Now people are being blown up in India and China! Because of the actions of a wise president (GWB)the terrorists have moved to more "easy" targets,at least so far! These people want to kill all the "infidels" (that's you and me).
We must win this war! I thank God for a President who understand what we are fighting. Some of you don't have a clue!

wrz | 10:25 p.m. July 27, 2008

Gus Talwynd | 11:35 a.m.: "Any insurgent force would pull back and wait until a superior force withdraws before again mounting full-scale attacks."

You got that right, Gus.

The terrorists will rise again once B. Hussein Obama pulls the troops out, as he promises to do, and everything settles down. Their goal is long-term. Decades... even centuries.

NMP | 10:39 p.m. July 27, 2008

I love my country, the United States of America. I truly feel that it is a chosen land. If not a chosen land then why do so many people want to come here from other countries? I am sorry that so many people do not see the damage that has been done by our government. It is no longer a government by the people. It is a government by the politicians.
The Bush administration has lied to the people so many times about so many things that it is easier to just say, "I believe" rather than sort out the lies to get to the truth. Dick Chaney and Karl Rove are the ones running the country, yet they answer to no one even when subpoenaed. Our constitutional rights are being eroded away and no one seems to care. Hitler did not take over Germany all at once. He did it drip by drip.
We need more trees and less bushes.

wrz | 10:42 p.m. July 27, 2008

Eric Packer | 1:06 p.m.: "We must remember that both the Democrats and Republicans signed us up for this war by granting the President the authority to declare war (unconstitutional)."

The US Congress (Dems and Repubs) did sign us up to go to war in Iraq... by passing the Resolution to use Military force in Iraq. Read it sometime.

And it was constitutional. A declaration of war does not have to use the words "Declaration of War."

AL | 11:25 p.m. July 27, 2008

Right on Bud Hampton, but don't forget the Queen's English, too.

It also needs to be pointed out that these people who are critizing the president wouldn't have the right of freedom a speech if someone years ago hadn't fought for such. They don't get it but yet they keep running their months and critizing those people who gave them that right...

Once again, FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!!!!!!!

harms way | 1:02 a.m. July 28, 2008

For all liberals who think the war on terror is a hoax! Now terrorists are bombing in India and China! Why don't you think the terrorists are bombing us now? The answer= GWB! Thank God for a leader who knows what we are fighting! Our President is protecting your sorry butt too!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Karim Kadim, Associated Press

Iraqis drink tea and play dominoes on a side street in Baghdad. Parks in the capital are filled every weekend with families playing and picnicking with their children. That was unthinkable a year ago.