[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

This from IBD and Michael Ramirez says it all:

***************************************************

[kellynla]

Is Michael Ramirez the best or what!!!

He used to be the only reason I ever checked out the Op-Ed page of the LAT Online...
now, thankfully, I have absolutely no reason to go there at all. LOL

[SevenMinusOne]

Real difficult situation. Reality is we are starting to gain real traction in this third phase of the WOT inside Iraq. Phase one was to remove the Saddam regime. Phase two was seeing a new form of Gov't established....and Phase three (which has been more difficult /complex then expected) is seeing this new Gov't being full implemented with the ability to defend and govern itself.

We are seeing real progress in this third phase (have been for the past 6-8 months). During such time period Iranian influence has continued (and even increased some most likely).

Do we try to keep this continued traction / success we are seeing currently on the ground in Iraq....and fight simply a shadow war with these Iranian elements (while trying to get Iraq to the stage we need)?....Or do we risk perhaps a new phase (and more overtly chaotic, especially in the PR aspect of this WOT) by beginning an over shooting war with Iran.

Tremendously complicated (to a point). Whichever we choose will be second guessed 24/7 as completely wrong during....

And take into consideration that it may be Mil HQs who have had the most reservations / restrictions about wanting an overt shooting war with Iran....more so then the WH.

[Marine_Uncle]

The roaches have traveled further then the map indicates.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks E.