Newsweek.... In For the Long Haul ...... 10 More years in Iraq?

[RedEarth]

Web-exclusive commentary
By Michael Hirsh
Newsweek
Updated: 3:15 p.m. CT Feb 22, 2007


As Democrats and Republicans back home try to outdo each other with quick-fix plans for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and funds, what few people seem to have noticed is that Gen. David Petraeus’s new “surge” plan is committing U.S. troops, day by day, to a much deeper and longer-term role in policing Iraq than since the earliest days of the U.S. occupation. How long must we stay under the Petraeus plan? Perhaps 10 years. At least five.

more...........

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17282867/site/newsweek

[Olney Blue]

1. We're never getting out, are we?

[screembloodymurder]

2. Not as long as they have oil.

In the spring of 1997, the Project for a New American Century (PNAC) was formed to extend America’s global dominance into the 21st century. This non-profit, conservative think tank included many members (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Libby, Wolfowitz, Feith and others) of what was to become the Bush team. In September of 2000, PNAC published a paper entitled “Rebuilding America’s Defenses.” This paper advocated an aggressive and if necessary, unilateral U.S. Defense policy. A prime objective of that policy was the control of the Middle East’s vast oil resources. To that end, the authors noted that, “While the unresolved conflict with Iraq provides the immediate justification, the need for a substantial American force presence in the Gulf transcends the issue of the regime of Saddam Hussein.” In other words, Saddam would serve as an excuse for U.S. bases in the region – bases the U.S. needs to insure the continued flow of the region’s vital oil reserves.

[oldtimecanuk]

3. Bullshit.... What it will take to get out is getting Bush and his Crime...

accomplices out of the White House... Easier said than done, but It will be/and can be done.... Lets hope that the Dems. in power are up to the challange....

ww