Washington Post editorial: "Obama’s authorization of Iraq airstrikes isn’t connected to a coherent strategy." "While U.S. airstrikes and drops of supplies may prevent the terrorist forces from massacring the Yazidi sect or toppling the pro-Western regime in Kurdistan, Mr. Obama lacks a plausible plan for addressing the larger threat posed by the Islamic State."
I understand the dilemma the President is in: he ran for office on the pledge to get out of Iraq. But now that ISIS is on the march to Baghdad, the U.S. is dragged (reluctantly) back into the fray. As the WashPost notes, it would be nice if Obama didn't just "check the box" again.
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9 comments:
"We’re Leaving Behind A Sovereign, Stable And Self-Reliant Iraq."
President B'Iraq Obama
It has more to do with ISIS being on the march into Kurdish territory, than Baghdad. The Kurds have done a good job of maintaining a cohesive and peaceful area. It is in the interests of Turkey and the US to support that.
There is nothing that ever could be done or ever will be done by external forces to stabilize the situation in the South. Either they split up and agree on a border (highly unlikely) or one side wipes the other out.
From the very beginning our only out was to pick a point at which to declare victory and leave.
We should have remembered the wisdom of George the Elder and never have gone in at all.
Agreed: let's start arming the Kurds who have always been a U.S. ally. The only reason I can figure why we are not is because Turkey doesn't - in fact - want it because it strengthens a separatist Kurdistan movement in Turkey.
So why should Turkey care? As you note, all the action is in the South.
Last I heard, ISIS is making $3 million a day on seized oil. When they seize Baghdad, gas will go back over $4/gallon.
Border stability/ buffer from fundamentalists who want a religious state rather than a secular one.
A legitimate Kurdish homeland also provides a pressure release valve for separatists. If they are truly motivated by a desire for a homeland they can go there. Acts of violence within the Turkish state in the name of Kurdish separatism start to look more like criminal behavior if a homeland exists.
The US will likely limit action to strategic air strikes and supply drops. I doubt we'll see a president landing troops into that meat grinder any time soon, no matter how much the chickenhawks flap their wings.
Oh, I agree: there's almost nobody in America that wants ground troops.
Mission More Than Accomplished said...
"We’re Leaving Behind A Sovereign, Stable And Self-Reliant Iraq."
President B'Iraq Obama
As Vizzini said, "You fool! You risk falling victim to one of the classic blunders: Never get involved in an Iraq quote war in west Asia... especially if you're a Republican."
On this page? Only when you post them, baby cakes.
That's the spirit. Now, here are a few more memorable ones for you.
So you've finally given up and gotten plastered on your old, unopened victory champagne. Atta boy. That brackish brew would only have tasted even staler by 2024.
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