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]

Of course. I checked maybe 10 late afternoon articles before I could find one that wasn't so prejorative as to be an opinion piece, with most focusing more on the Rats' response and pouting.

[ShandaLear]

Totally agree. He needs to bypass those who disagree with him and use his bully pulpit. One valuable lesson taught to us by President Reagan.

[Howlin]

LIVE THREAD PING!!!

[SoCalPol]

My several relatives who have fought in Iraq and will be going in again are ready!

[syriacus]

Even if all of those troops were killed (God forbid!!), there would still be 10,000 fewer American deaths in Iraq in 4 years, than in there were in Korea in 4 years.

[Lucky9teen]

I pray he comes out strong and straight forward in his speech. I also pray, he tells it like it is and sets everyone (dems) straight.

God Bless the man and all he has to handle.

[bnelson44]

Never Mind Congress:

Troop Surge Begins Despite Congress' vows to oppose any increase of troops into Iraq, the "leading edge" of the president's troop surge has already arrived in Baghdad.

[Jrabbit]

Thanks! ABC News at the top of the hour said Nanny P. was upset with the President after the meeting today. In fact, she was ANGRY! Then they reported that Boener "tried" to be upbeat in his remarks....

[Doohickey]

Unswayed by anti-war passions...

More like anti-results passions. There would be a lot more support for the WOT if there were tangible results, which have been lacking since the last Iraqi election.

Our President needs to return to be being proactive rather than reactive. This should've been done a year ago.

[MamaB]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the thread. Guess I really need something to make me feel a little bit better. Guess y'all know that my mom was admitted to the hospital last Tuesday night. She died on the 6th which was the anniversary of my dad's death in 1984. My mom would have been 103 on April 26th but God had other plans for her. She left 3 children, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends. Everyone loved her and my brother's minister said at the service that he had been talking with people and everyone of them said they had never heard her speak badly about anyone. What a legacy she left for all of us.

[My2Cents]

The anti-war crowd has been wrong, WRONG, WRONG about everything since the day we started bombing the Taliban. Why should they be listened to now?

[MamaB]

Well, since my mom never said a bad word about anyone, I won't either but I sure would like to.

[syriacus]

We hung around long enough in Germany and Japan to make sure that the sacrifices of our servicemen and woman were not rendered meaningless.

And 30,000 troops died in Korea during 2 1/2 years while Truman was president. That's 10 times as many as have died in Iraq under Bush.

34,000 Americans gave their lives for Korean freedom.

[McGavin999]

3 hours early? :o)

[My2Cents]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, and coming on the anniversary of your father's death makes it even doubly hard to take. God's comfort and presence be with you and your family.

[STARWISE]

Very sorry for your loss, MamaB. What a glorious life and family she had .. you were blessed. Prayers for your peace and comfort.

[BradtotheBone]

If Bush would just scrap the existing rules of engagement, we wouldn't need to send in additional troops.

[STARWISE]

Amen.

[SeaBiscuit]

Dear Lord, I pray that our President is empowered by faith in You and receives all the courage, strength and wisdom needed to guide our Country.

[STARWISE]

God bleses them, socal .. and thank them for their service.