Bush adding 21,500 troops to Iraq force - LIVE thread- speech 9pm EST

Yahoo/AP ^ | 1-10-07 | TerenceHunt

[STARWISE]

Unswayed by anti-war passions, President Bush will send 21,500 additional U.S. troops to Iraq and build the American presence there toward its highest level to quell worsening bloodshed. The move puts Bush on a collision course with the new Democratic Congress and runs counter to advice from some senior generals.

Set to announce his decisions in a prime-time speech Wednesday night, Bush was to acknowledge making major mistakes in Iraq, primarily failing to deploy enough U.S. soldiers and demand more Iraqi troops and cooperation to confront the country's near-anarchy.

In advance of Bush's address, White House counselor Dan Bartlett said U.S. military operations have been "handcuffed by political interference by Iraqi leadership" — but now will proceed under rules allowing troops to confront Shiite militias as well as Sunni insurgents.

(snip)

The new Democratic leaders of Congress met with Bush and complained afterward that their opposition to a buildup had been ignored. "This is the third time we are going down this path. Two times this has not worked," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "Why are they doing this now? That question remains."

Senate and House Democrats are arranging votes urging the president not to send more troops. While lacking the force of law, the measures would compel Republicans to go on record as either bucking the president or supporting an escalation.

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Carried live online by: C-span

[STARWISE]

My pleasure ... please pray for our brave President George W. Bush and the most decent and amazing troops on the planet.

[Torie]

Blair was mostly a moral support guy, who was more articulate than Bush. Basra is not where the problem is, in any event, and that was the Brit's venue.

[STARWISE]

I'm sure they do.

[do the dhue]

Its on FNC again right now

[johnpannell]

Go after all the hot spots in Iraq, starting with Sadr city and bomb the cr@^ out of each province until the opposition is wiped out. NO mercy... If Iraq president doesn't like it, call a press conference and announce that we are facing opposition from the people we're trying to help and give him a choice: support our efforts to help you or we're out and we're not leaving anything behind!

I'd give him a slightly different choice. Either support our efforts or we paint a target on his house, too. He's not much more than a pawn of Al-Sadr anyway... no great loss if he become collateral damage.

Imperialism, baby! Shock and Awe!

[PhiKapMom]

Exactly! I think it is a great idea! Ground them!

[Miss Didi]

Every day...I pray for them more than my own family. Also, daily prayers that the truth will be revealed (regarding the you-know-whos).

[PhiKapMom]

When some of our most famous talk show hosts and political commentators constantly beat up on the President and the Republican Party in the last 2 years, then yes it will demoralize many of the GOP voters.

Bingo! I only listen to sports talk on the radio now -- turned off the political commentators who don't seem to have a clue about how to win elections but love to hear themselves talk as the experts on how to win elections. Experts -- not IMHO!

[AmeriBrit]

That's really some juvenile drivel your posting. Why don't you take some time out and get yourself an education so you'll be able to have a coherent conversation with the grownups.

If that's not your problem then I seriously suggest you use more water with whatever your drinking.

[Candor7]

Please publish in multiple times. Any bets that the 5 remaining Republican members of the Gang of 14 are on that list? They need to join the Dem party. They are not Republicans.

[Brandie]

LMAO Good one

[beyond the sea]

Unfortunately, Hannity isn't a good interviewer.

Yes, Sean has his dozen or so catch phrases and talking points in his head and seldom sees beyond them. He must improve his skills, especially on the radio. (jmo)

[tina07]

that is the problem precisely...the media and the uneducated American people, of which I know a few, they 'hate' Bush but can give no reasons because they know nothing of what is going on.

[Allegra]

I'm home right now but headed back to Baghdad very soon.

I imagine it's going to be noisy for a while.

[Brandie]

That is great, love the patch.
God bless our troops and keep them safe.

[patriciamary]

He should release our armed force's might once and for all,and end this thing.

[Recovering_Democrat]

Major Garrett said it was "10" Republican Senators.

:(

I think I saw Brownback of Kansas was one.

[angcat]

I thought so! When does this start and how?

[angcat]

This is not only about the Iraqi's freedom, this is about our survival. We must kill them all and keep a presence in the middle east or we will be killed again here in our streets. I don't understand why people do no see this. They are not going away! They want us dead!

[txrangerette]

Try this for starters:

US forces raid Iranian consulate in Iraq (detain 5, confiscate computers, documents

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1765772/posts?page=1