Rumsfeld makes uannounced visit to Iraq

[cal04]

Iraq - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Wednesday on an unannounced visit to an air base north of Baghdad that the new Iraqi government is not yet ready to decide on security issues that will determine the pace of U.S. troop reductions this year.

Speaking to reporters on a flight from Afghanistan, Rumsfeld said the Iraqis are embarked "on a comprehensive review" of their security requirements, as well an effort to reconcile Sunni and Shiite groups to broaden political support for the government.

Asked how long that might take, he said, "I don't talk deadlines."

There now are about 129,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and U.S. officials have expressed hope that the total could be reduced to 100,000 by the end of the year, with further cuts in 2007. Rumsfeld's remarks suggested that the timing and scope of troops cuts is still in doubt.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060712/ap_on_re_mi_ea/rumsfeld_19

[Erika]

1. Comprehensive review of their security requirements?

What bs.

[Amonester]

4. In other words, permanent bases and...

Oil en masse.

BUT we all know Herr Rumsfeld will keep THAT "secret."

[anotherdrew]

2. I hear it was actually just one of his doubles

well, I hear that when I say it out loud, or I would if I did at least. Rumors gotta start somewhere.

[grytpype]

9. Maybe his doubles would do a better job.

[Norquist Nemesis]

3. Again?!?

Was he dropping off another suitcase of bugspray or just pressing the flesh this time.

[Sherman A1]

5. If only he woud stay there

Nothing like leading the troops from the front. You know, get out in the field, ride with a couple of convoys, do some "hearts & minds" tours.

[heliarc]

6. Or announce it ahead of time...

Then maybe someone would have enough time to get their act together over there and help him fall into a ditch.

[Vinca]

7. And it goes without saying Don got out and about so he could

relay all the good news to us . . . right? Things are going so well over there, he did leave the base . . . didn't he?:sarcasm:

[grytpype]

8. We have no control whatsoever over that situation.

That's how you can tell they've failed. They put us and our troops in a bad situation over which we have no control and no idea how to get out.

[TheCowsCameHome]

10. Stay over there, Donald. We needs hands-on leadership.

And take all your flunkie cronies with you.

[catmandu57]

11. Sneak, sneak, sneak

Another unannounced sneak in and out, damn I'm tired of all the sneaking going on.

[bdamomma]

13. they all have to sneak into Iraq

or their asses would be hunted.

[bdamomma]

12. rumsfeld should just fold it up

he is a demented old man, and ignorant and arrogant,

I don't talk deadlines, because he loves the dead count climbing.

[Roland99]

14. How about he stays over there until the insurgency utters its last throe?