Have you ever had one of those days when upon awakening you just knew things were not going to be ok. Today will be one of those days for me, more below the fold.
Given I'm old enough to have lived and remembered the height of the Vietnam war, I've always thought that America had learned a valuable lesson, that being when things get real bad you stop sending in troops to attempt to quell a civil war. Now I know you will say, but look at the recent Iraq "surge", America did not learn, to which I say, yes, you are right, but comparatively, the recent Iraq "surge", at least in raw numbers, pales in comparison to what occurred in Vietnam. Also, given the upcoming election and recent pronouncements by Senator Lugar and other republicans, I thought we were safe from further suggested military build in what I would call a "Surge Plus", however imagine my surprise when I read the following, to wit:
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, said Monday in Baghdad that the military is weighing new directions in Iraq, including an even bigger troop buildup if President Bush thinks manpower needs a further boost.
Pace revealed that he and the chiefs of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force are developing their own assessment of the situation in Iraq, to be presented to Bush in September. That will be separate from the highly anticipated report to Congress that month by Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander for Iraq.
The Joint Chiefs are considering a range of options, including another troop buildup, Pace said without making any predictions. He called it prudent planning to enable the services to be ready for Bush's decision.
Moreover, he gave no hint of whether he thinks troop levels will rise or fall after September.
Pace is in Baghdad for a round of conferences with commanders.
Cause of my predicament
Now, pardon me while I go to the restroom.
UPDATE: Breaking News, General Pace on the ground in Iraq just said the following:
July 17, 2007 08:09 EDT
RAMADI, Iraq (AP) -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs says he's seen a major change in security in Iraq in recent months, and says that will influence his recommendation to President Bush on how long to continue the current strategy.
General Peter Pace says a "sea change" has been taking place in many places in Iraq, which he says should help give local police and the military "a chance to get on their feet."
Pace has conferred with several commanders in Ramadi, west of Baghdad, and says he's gathered a positive picture of the security environment there and in Baghdad.
Pace said yesterday the U-S military is considering various options for Iraq, including an even bigger troop buildup if President Bush thinks his "surge" strategy needs a boost.
Link
Now pardon me while I run to Target to get those adult diapers in preparation for tomorrow's newspaper.