Rumsfeld arrives for surprise Iraq visit

[madinmaryland]

Is this really happenning?

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/12/23/iraq.main/index.html

MOSUL, Iraq (CNN) -- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived for an unannounced Christmas Eve visit early Friday with U.S. troops at a base in northern Iraq where 22 people died in a suicide bombing earlier in the week.

The secretary, who has been criticized in recent weeks for his stewardship of the Iraq war effort, arrived in Iraq amid tight security, accompanied by media after a 13-hour flight from Washington, D.C.

Rumsfeld landed before dawn at Camp Marez and visited a combat surgical hospital where victims of the bombing were treated. Many of the wounded have since been transferred to a U.S. military hospital in Germany

[Be Brave]

1. Not surprising.

This administration is very good with movie-like productions. Besides, it makes Rummy feel loved to be with the troops. Seems to be a pattern with him that whenever there's heat at home he runs abroad to the troops. He probably won't be holding a question and answer this time, though. I'm surprised Bush didn't go.

[Placebo]

2. Oh lordy, another "surprise" Iraq visit by the Bush crowd...

NEWSFLASH RUMMY: This doesn't change the fact that you are one of the main reasons any of these soldiers are in Iraq to DIE to begin with, doesn't change the fact that our men & women in uniform STILL don't have armour, and it doesn't change the fact that you're an uncaring evil senile old fool, who lets a machine sign the letters to parents who've lost soldiers in battle, you piece of scum

[Career Prole]

3. "See? I do care deeply...very deeply for our gallant troops!"

"Now get me the f*ck outta here, on the double!"

[tedzbear]

4. Big deal. Al Franken is already there entertaining the troops.

He's on the USO Iraq tour.

[Zhade]

5. Don't these soldiers HATE Skeletor by now?

"Support the troops - impeach Rumsfeld!"

[w4rma]

6. A photo op for big media to fawn over. (nt)

[alexisfree]

7. His boss cheney told him to go kiss ass..

[NewYorkerfromMass]

8. I am sure the troops are grateful for the 'tight security'

however late and temporary it may be.

[Tinoire]

9. And the extra duty sprucing the place up

Wonder if they had to paint any rocks.

Seriously, I hope not!!!!

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

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[daleo]

11. He wants one last look at Mosul

Before he orders it destroyed, like Fallujah. In both places Halliburton contractors were killed, which is inexcusable.

[Moderator]

12. Duplicate

Please continue discussion here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1095930