Rice’s testimony is going to be today’s focus. We shouldn’t ignore Iraq or Afghanistan, however:
— Warlord Rashid Dostum’s forces have overrun the capital of an Afghan province.
— Ukrainian troops withdrew Wednesday from the Iraqi city of al Kut, and have requested U.S. support.
— We’re making progress in Fallujah, but the fighting is still fierce.
— Talks may be underway to get al-Sadr to surrender. Zeyad thinks that al-Sadr knows he’s in over his head, and wants out.
— There’s a fight in Sadr city. Not much detail.
— At least a dozen civilians from various countries have been kidnapped in Iraq, and one set of abductors has threatened to burn three hostages alive if its demands go unmet.
Think it’s time to stop talking about “needing a larger military,” and just do it?
Update: Lt. Smash, as usual, provides a good round-up of what our fighting men and women are thinking about the current task in Iraq. Short answer: They’re confident, they don’t think much of al-Sadr, and they think the current “crisis” is being overplayed. Once al-Sadr’s gone, they say, moderate Shia clerics will reassert themselves.
Our fighting men and women should be confident: they’re the best in the world. I also agree that al-Sadr’s forces are likely to collapse after we capture al-Sadr (more reason to do it quickly). But I disagree that “moderate” Shia clerics are going to go back to the way back. That’s hopeful thinking by people who, because of their situation, are inclined to prefer hope to reason.
Maybe that’s what Kerrey meant by prefacing his questions with a statement re our military operations being ‘dangerously off-track.’
Maybe that’s what Kerrey meant by prefacing his questions with a statement re our military operations being ‘dangerously off-track.’
Kerry’s comment prompted the post.
…trouble in Uzbekistan.
…trouble in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan is strictly Moe Lane‘s gig. Ya hear that Moe? Your expertise is needed.
Sgt Smash? He got bumped down to enlisted?
He better change his URL to reflect the new rank. That, or you need to do even more editing today, von.
Sgt Smash? He got bumped down to enlisted?
Hey, I’m juggling. And one can’t both be The Grammer God and The Detail God.
Or Grammar God, even. Maybe you can’t be either?
:p
The Spelling God is a jealous God.
(I’d like to say it was by intent . . . .)
The Irony God, however, is always generous.
Now, you know I’m not being seriously critical, right?
Actually, I think Mr. Smash prefers Citizen Smash since his return from Iraq.
Uzbekistan is strictly Moe Lane’s gig. Ya hear that Moe? Your expertise is needed.
Von, don’t force me into a rumble with Moe on “the ‘stan.” If it does have to come to that though, I’ll be sure to wear my chopon and skullcap into the ring. Tushundingizmi?
Uzbekistan’s mine!!!
Now, you know I’m not being seriously critical, right?
‘Course.
I am backing away from the ‘stan. Slowly.
All you need to know about Uzbekistan is contained in this briefing