Major Assaults on Hold Until After U.S. Vote (thanks, Adam!)
As if we needed further proof of the craven, despicably political nature of the war in Iraq, here it is. In an effort to keep Americans from figuring out that George W. Bush’s failed Iraq policy is killing our sons and daughters for no good reason, major combat operations are being postponed until at least November 3rd.
Yes, after the election, the Bushies can get back to the pointless, wasteful, senseless expenditure of American lives in a war that, in it’s current iteration, is unwinnable. Nonetheless, why aggravate people by killing off their sons or daughters prior to Election Day?
The Bush administration plans to delay major assaults on rebel-held cities in Iraq…until after U.S. elections in November, say administration officials, mindful that large-scale military offensives could affect the U.S. presidential race.
Although American commanders in Iraq have been buoyed by recent successes in insurgent-held towns such as Samarra and Tall Afar, administration and Pentagon…officials say they will not try to retake cities such as Fallouja and Ramadi — where the insurgents’ grip is strongest and U.S. military casualties could be the highest — until after Americans vote in what is likely to be an extremely close election.
“When this election’s over, you’ll see us move very vigorously,” said one senior administration official involved in strategic planning, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Once you’re past the election, it changes the political ramifications” of a large-scale offensive, the official said. “We’re not on hold right now. We’re just not as aggressive.”
Sure, why not wait until after the election, when holding George W. Bush and his cronies accountable may well become a whole lot more difficult? Congress may try to impeach a sitting President for getting his helmet polished and staining an intern’s blue dress, but you can bet they’ll never impeach one for the senseless waste of American lives. (Right; at least no one died when Clinton lied….)
If there has been a more cynical and despicable execution of public policy in our lifetime, I’m not aware of it.
WE DESERVE BETTER.
