Army chief confronts Democrats over Iraq troop levels

The Daily Telegraph ^ | November 16, 2006 | Toby Harnden

[MadIvan]

The US Army's senior general in the Middle East delivered a blunt warning to Democrats yesterday that setting timetables for troop withdrawals would damage America's attempts to win the war in Iraq.

In a tension-filled and sometimes acrimonious hearing on Capitol Hill, Gen John Abizaid, the head of US Central Command, said it was imperative that commanders in Iraq had the freedom to modify troop levels depending on conditions on the ground.

"Specific timetables limit that flexibility," he insisted. When Senator Hillary Clinton remarked that "hope is not a strategy", Gen Abizaid agreed but added that despair was not a policy either.

"When I come to Washington I feel despair," he said.

This was not the case in Iraq when he spoke to US troops or Iraqi leaders.

He said that he was "optimistic" but that sectarian violence remained at "unacceptably high levels".

Mistakes, however, had been made. "We haven't misled people but we've learned some hard lessons."

Iraqis had growing confidence in their government while Iraqi security forces were performing "effectively across Iraq" and were dealing with sectarian violence.

"I wouldn't say that we have turned the corner in this regard, but it's not nearly as bad as it was in August."

His comments in the hearing of the Senate Armed Service Committee were the first public remarks by a senior general about Iraq since the Republican drubbing in the mid-term elections and President George W Bush's decision to replace Donald Rumsfeld as his defence secretary.

The Bush administration has launched a sweeping internal review of Iraq policy, which should be completed next month at the same time that the independent Iraq Study Group, led by James Baker, former US secretary of state, delivers its reports.

Gen Abizaid's warning was a major setback for Democrats who have urged that troop numbers be brought down swiftly.

Carl Levin, soon to be the committee's chairman, said that a phased withdrawal should begin soon.

"We cannot save the Iraqis from themselves. The only way for Iraqi leaders to squarely face that reality is for President Bush to tell them that the United States will begin a phased redeployment of our forces within four to six months."

But Gen Abizaid, who is due to retire at the end of the year, also frustrated some Republicans by saying that more soldiers were not the answer either. "I believe that the troop levels need to stay where they are." A visibly angry Senator John McCain, front runner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, retorted: "I regret deeply that you seem to think that the status quo and the rate of progress we're making is acceptable when the American people does not."

In an implicit criticism of Mr Rumsfeld, Gen Abizaid said that the recommendation of Gen Eric Shinseki, commanding the US Army before the Iraq invasion, that several hundred thousands of troops were needed in Iraq had been correct.

[MadIvan]

I'd listen to the General.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Ping!

[spokeshave]

I don't see many dims on the plane to Iraq to make an on the spot "assessment"...chickenhawks all.

[Names Ash Housewares]

"I don't see many dims on the plane to Iraq to make an on the spot "assessment"...chickenhawks all."

...nor become human shields, unfortunately.

[Always Independent]

I'd love for once to hear one of our generals tell some in congress that they don't have don't know what they're talking about!

[pawdoggie]

When Senator Hillary Clinton remarked that "hope is not a strategy", Gen Abizaid agreed but added that despair was not a policy either.

How cheeky is it of Hillary to speak of "strategy" with a serving General Officer. She'd be the first one to rise if someone insulted the military prowess of LT (j.g.) Kerry or Lieutenant Colonel Murtha.

[samtheman]

Would have been nice for him to say this before the election.

[Red Steel]

Abizaid went pee pee in their Wheaties.

[Bellflower]

no kidding.

[SR 50]

After yesterdays hearing, I wouldn't be surprised if the Democrats call for General Abizad to be removed because of his attitude.

[AmericaUnited]

When Senator Hillary Clinton remarked that "hope is not a strategy", Gen Abizaid agreed but added that despair was not a policy either.

Any time Hitlery gets into a debate with someone with two brain cells or more, she loses. I can't wait till the RAT primary debates start.

[AHerald]

Rabbit food? Business casual slacks? Chintz pillows? Not for General Abizaid. Thanks for your service, General!

[freema]

She is a living, breathing insult.

The Attacks on the United States Forces in Somalia
On October 3 and 4, 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia, persons who had been trained by al Qaeda (and by trainers trained by al Qaeda) participated in an attack on United States military personnel serving in Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope, which attack resulted in the killing of 18 United States Army personnel....

America stands today between hope and history. (Bill Clinton-Jan 1996)

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Humanity is divided between the past and the future ... between memory and hope." It is easy to understand the nostalgic appeal of the party of memory and the men who lead it. But let there be no doubt: the future lies with the party of hope and the man from Hope who leads it. (Al Gore-August 28, 1996)

Politics: Back to Hope - Bill Clinton - Brief Article National Review, Nov 20, 2000

"Hope" Bill Clinton 1992 4President TV Ad - Google Video

[McGavin999]

But Gen Abizaid, who is due to retire at the end of the year, also frustrated some Republicans by saying that more soldiers were not the answer either

Ah, this explains it. He's retiring, he can tell it like it is.

[TexKat]

General Warns of Risks in Iraq if G.I.'s Are Cut - NY Times

The General's Critics - Slate

Report: US to deploy thousands more in Iraq - YNet News

Guardian reveals special Iraq committee expected to recommend deployment of 20,000 additional soldiers in Iraq and regional summit to stabilize situation in country

U.S. general pleads for time, but in Iraq clock keeps ticking - Yahoo News (Opinion)

Military dismisses timeline for Iraq

[Mo1]

At the committee hearing .. Clinton also asked about partitioning Iraq (Biden's idea)


David Satterfield pointed out that partitioning could only happen at the cost of many many lives and suffering of people

[dixiechick2000]

Bump!