By SLOBODAN LEKIC, Associated Press Writer 28 minutes ago
BAGHDAD - Iraq's government moved Sunday to restore discipline within the ranks of the security forces, sacking more than 1,300 soldiers and policemen who deserted during recent fighting against Shiite militias in Basra.
At the same time, Iraq's Cabinet ratcheted up the pressure on anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr by approving draft legislation barring political parties with militias from participating in upcoming provincial elections.
Al-Sadr, who heads the country's biggest militia, the Mahdi Army, has been under intense pressure from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, also a Shiite, to disband the Mahdi Army or face political isolation.
Al-Sadr's followers are eager to take part in the local elections because they believe they can take power away from rival Shiite parties in the vast, oil-rich Shiite heartland of southern Iraq.
STORYFirst signs of the Iraqi government stepping up to the plate.
I wonder if the New Left in America will surrender before we can have victory in Iraq?
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Comments: 31
1) democratic leadership within a representative Republic
2) resumption of 100% of pre-invasion levels of water, electricity, oil production, sewer
3) GDP level at 100% of pre-invasion levels
4) new, post-Saddam Constitution
5) ability of Iraq to defend against any of its predatory neighbors
6) long-term alliances with the West - especially with the United States
7) voting ability for all eligible citizens in a free atmosphere (no more of those ridiculous Saddam-era kangaroo elections)
This is for you Tony!
When I refer to victory in Iraq in the future, this is what I'm talking about. No more need for you to ask "duhhhh, what's victory?"
Your definition of victory in Iraq is worthy of aiming for...unlikely to become reality.
In the mean time, we are maintaining our interest in winning those unachievable results....people are still getting killed and maimed and we are still maintaining our presence in another country...uninvited. The time to pull out of Iraq is now....it's not a good time to pull out, but there will never be a good time to pull out. I don't have a withdrawal plan and time line, but NOW is the time to start our withdrawal.
I think the debate about how we got to Iraq and why... is beside the point at this time.
Its a good discussion, and no problem to answer an interesting question. I find Michael to be one of the best of the Liberals out there - at least he inputs positive stuff into a conversation...............unlike Tony S., Don S., or Clark Kent.
1) we have that now in Iraq
2) a few of those are at or near 100% of pre-invasion levels
3) GDP is at about 80% of pre-invasion levels now..............and gaining
4) we have this now in Iraq
5) working on that one
6) a solid goal, and extremely likely for the future
7) we have this now in Iraq
The list is getting checked off rapidly. Great goals for the continued success in Iraq. We just have to make sure that the New Left doesn't surrender before we achieve them.
But you must understand the frustration most of us feel about the length of time and the lack of answers about the end of this war. Everything about the invasion of Iraq...all the reasons why, all the lying propaganda, all the lack of accurate statements by our president and his administration....everything associated with the treatment our troops are receiving, the dead, the wounded.... the whole stink of any war has preceded this point in our history and we want the war to stop "right now" but know we must accept "as soon as possible".
I believe that war can be justified. It can be necessary and it can be inevitable. But the purpose of the protest of war is to help balance the justification for war with the necessity for war.
There will never be a good time to leave Iraq....at least in the foreseeable future. Your "7 Points of victory" are worthy goals and may be reached some time .... If they are to be achieved, I hope that some time is soon. I have my doubts.
Of course they won't publish a list. Then we will have something to evaluate them on.
Since you've got it Bret, how long to achieve it. 3 more years or more than 10?
Like your hero, you're just so BITTER.....lol
You were probably asking "hey, have you caught Saddam yet?" back before December 2004......lol.
"Since you've got it Bret, how long to achieve it. 3 more years or more than 10?"
I'm surprised that you didn't suggest 100 years. Isn't that the common slogan among those on the Left?
How long has South Korea taken?
Man, Michael, do you know how rare a creature you are? Must be frustrating to see how your party has been hijacked by so many loons.
And, since you don't know me, I'm being sincere here.
You're right, Michael is a rare gem on Gather. This place is infested with divisive numbskulls like Tony and Don S....................so its quite rare to hear somebody who uses logic and reason on the Liberal side.
Tony, Don.............take notes.
We just paid you a compliment. Now eat it....lol.
Personally, if there were such a party, I'd be considered a Federalist right down to my socks. ;-)
You are correct if you see the Democratic party as a bunch of spineless, runny nosed cry babies...I feel the same way. So what am I to do? If I am to be a part of the democratic process this fall, I must vote. If I vote, I will be making a compromise...not only with regards to my personal feelings about the direction we should take as a country, but I must also make a compromise with regards to for whom and what party I give that vote. But this is what we all do. So for me...I will VOTE for a Democrat, but not because I am a Democrat.
I don't want to ramble here and I could go on and on, but I think my position is semi-clear.
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