Talking Points Memo & Top Story
Iraq Study Group releases report
Guests: Iraq Study Group members Edwin Meese & Leon Panetta
"The first line of the Iraq Study Group's report says that the situation in Iraq is grave and getting worse. That is true. The top recommendation is that American forces pull out of chaotic districts and concentrate on training and supporting the Iraqi military, thereby pressuring the Iraqi government to control the violence. That sound good on paper, but success is in doubt. That's because many Iraqis have no allegiance to the government in Baghdad. Can the USA overcome that problem? Well, after nearly four years in Iraq, the answer looks to be no, but it is worth one more shot. The report also says the USA should talk with Iran and Syria. That's fine, but good luck. Expecting much from these fanatics is a stretch. There are two primary reasons the Iraq campaign has failed - the USA misjudged the Iraqi people, and Iran has undermined all attempts at securing liberty by arming and inciting the Shi'a militias. Iran is doing this in order to dominate Iraq when the USA leaves, and once that happens the rest of the gulf will become destabilized. What a mess! The Iraq Study Group did a good job, but at this point, if the Iraqis want to kill each other, we should let them. Our main goal should be preventing Iran from securing a foothold in Iraq, and getting our troops into more secure positions. By the way, the real name of the Iraq Study Group should be the Iran Study Group."
Two members of the Iraq Study Group, Edwin Meese and Leon Panetta, entered the No Spin Zone to defend their report. The Factor asked why not just "get the heck out of there right now" as some Democrats are urging. "If we simply pick up and withdraw," Panetta replied, "chaos will be the consequence. Iraq will implode, which will create a greater opportunity for Iran and for terrorists to control that part of the world. For the sake of the people who have died there, we have to make one last effort." Meese pointed out that most violence is centered in a few troubled provinces. "Much of Iraq has business going on regularly. So what we're talking about now is an effort to get a few hot spots under control, especially Baghdad. We want to increase the number and the quality of our trainers who will train the Iraqi Army." The Factor admitted that many observers misjudged the Iraqi people. "I made a big mistake by believing the Iraqi people would come together and fight for their liberty. The police are corrupt, many in the Army will not fight, and the folks seem to be sitting it out. This could never happen in America, where people would rise up and fight for liberty."
BOR should simply shut up. He knows utterly NOTHING about Iraq. It is this sort of rabid ignorance in the Junk Media that is the root cause of all this hysteria about Iraq. There is no excuse for someone with his audience to simply go out there and mindless regurgitate the same garbage the rest of the Junk Media is pumping out. He has the staff and money to actually get the story rather then just rip and read the AP wire.
My opinion of him continually sinks. He is nothing but a pretend Conservative. No excuse of this. None.