http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MDZmNmY2MGNjYjFkMGFkMGE4NTk4NGI1YzAzZWM0Yzk= [rquoter]To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Civilians of Multi-National Force-Iraq: We serve in iraq at a critical time. The war here will soon enter its fifth year. A decisive moment approaches. Shoulder-to-shoulder with our Iraqi comrades, we will conduct a pivotal campaign to improve security for the Iraqi people. The stakes could not be higher. Our task is crucial. Security is essential for Iraq to build its future. Only with security can the Iraqi government come to grips with the tough issues it confronts and develop the capacity to serve its citizens. The hopes of the Iraqi people and the coalition countries are with us. The enemies of Iraq will shrink at no act, however barbaric. They will do all that they can to shake the confidence of the people and to convince the world that this effort is doomed. We must not underestimate them. Together with our Iraqi partners, we must defeat those who oppose the new Iraq. We cannot allow mass murderers to hold the initiative. We must strike them relentlessly. We and our Iraqi partners must set the terms of the struggle, not our enemies. And together we must prevail. The way ahead will not be easy. There will be difficult times in the months to come. But hard is not hopeless, and we must remain steadfast in our effort to help improve security for the Iraqi people. I am confident that each of you will fight with skill and courage, and that you will remain loyal to your comrades-in-arms and to the values our nations hold so dear. In the end, Iraqis will decide the outcome of this struggle. Our task is to help them gain the time they need to save their country. To do that, many of us will live and fight alongside them. Together we will face down the terrorirsts, insurgents, and criminals who slaughter the innocent. Success will require discipline, fortitude, and initiative — qualities that you have in abundance. I appreciate your sacrifices and those of your families. Now, more than ever, your commitment to service and your skill can make the difference between victory and defeat in a very tough mission. It is an honor to soldier again with the members of the Multi-National Force-Iraq. I know that wherever you serve in this undertaking you will give your all. In turn, I pledge my commitment to our mission and every effort to achieve success as we help the Iraqis chart a course to a brighter future. Godspeed to each of you and to our Iraqi comrades in this crucial endeavor. David H. Petraeus General, United States Army Commanding [/rquoter]
I'm not sure if you are trying to post this as some sort of indication of anything, so please understand if I've misinterpreted. But, when was the last time in the history of the world that a General gave an address which went, 'We're screwed. The chances we will achieve victory are about 1 in 1,000,000. We really should pack it up now, but we've been ordered to stay around. Some of you will die for no reason because the politicians are determined not to be seen as soft.' I don't think that that is what Petraeus would say in an honest assessment, but if you are posting this as some sort of indication of how the Army leadership really feels, I hope you will take a closer look and admit that that might not be the case. The #1 rule when commanders talk to troops is to reinforce their morale, even if doing is a boldfaced lie. morale > truth
Very true on what mc mark has stated: no matter the solidification of the plan or the righteousness of what we are doing with regards to part 2 of the 2 part Iraqi war (with the 1st part of overthrowing Saddam being a success, the 2nd part of reconstruction/transition not yet completely determined)...due entirely because the "part 2" aspect MUST be in keeping with how the Iraqis perform/decide in the struggle... I believe there is better military direction now that some players are gone and I want us to continue to fight the good fight but I've got to see better positive stories on what the Iraqis are doing to make the future better in their own country to fully support long term...
From the soldiers and marines that I've talked to, way too much of this goes on. That's why we should have announced a departure date 2 years ago. C'mon W, announce it now.
