Editors of The New York Times (Thursday): Rudderless in Iraq

[Jack Rabbit]

From The New York Times
Dated Thursday December 21

Editorial:
Rudderless in Iraq

Anyone looking for new thinking on Iraq, or even candor, had to be disappointed by President Bush’s news conference yesterday. Mr. Bush may want to defer unveiling his new strategy, but there will be no obliging pause in Iraq’s unraveling.

The latest Pentagon status report confirms a spiraling death toll, ever deeper sectarian divisions and near total lawlessness on the streets of Baghdad, despite repeated American vows to secure the capital. In a further sign of Iraq’s descent, our colleague James Glanz reported this week that Baghdad gets less than seven hours of electricity a day, as insurgents and looters dismantle the power grid.

While Mr. Bush contemplates his fast-disappearing options, competing factions in the administration and the military have been less reticent about floating their ideas. Some urge a sharp, temporary increase in American troop strength in Baghdad. Others argue that Iraqi forces should take the lead, whether or not they’re ready. Still others talk about different ways of reconfiguring Iraq’s dysfunctional governing coalition.

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[Erika]

1. We have no CIC, just a shell

Our country has been adrift for some time. W just yells "go shopping" whether we were just attacked by 9/11 or any point since. He is so weak and out of touch that these mutterings are insane.

[Jack Rabbit]

2. It didn't work too well for his dad, either

Remember when Bush the Preppy asked us all to buy a pair of socks at Penney's?

[ixion]

3. the solution is simple: pull out of Iraq

that would do much to move towards resolving the issue. Is there going to be sectarian violence? Sure, but at least it won't be motivated by the US military presence, which is only making things worse.