In Iraq, a scramble for troops

[RamboLiberal]

http://csmonitor.com/2003/1003/p11s02-cods.html

In the next few weeks, the Pentagon has a tough and politically sensitive decision to make.

If the Iraq coalition - mainly the United States and Britain - does not soon have firm commitments of enough international troops to make an additional division, then it will be necessary to mobilize more National Guard and Reserve troops. This may leave American forces stretched too thin to meet unpredictable global contingencies. It may also stir reaction from families at home, who are increasingly distressed about the fate of their loved ones serving ever-longer assignments in an often-hostile environment.

At the moment, there are about 144,000 American and 14,000 British troops in and near Iraq. There are also two international divisions, one under British command, the other under Polish. Some of the international elements are quite small - for example, the 180 Mongolians who are being used to guard petroleum pipelines.

For the Pentagon, the most immediate problem is that the 101st Airborne Division is scheduled to be rotated home in February or March. Unless it can be replaced by an international division, it will be necessary to start the training and orientation of American replacements soon. Some Reserve troops already have been alerted.

[GOPFighter]

1. Hmmm, nice planning, Commander-in-Chief!

I guess this is what we get when we put a spoiled rich-kid in charge of the most powerful nation on earth. We gave the keys to a sports car to a brash irresponsible brat and he's driving it over the cliff.

[saigon68]

3. I never gave the Criminal anything

He is basically a Liar, Thug and War Criminal.

[neverforget]

2. Bush couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag. Everything

this doofus touches turns to shit. We need more international troops in Iraq. So what does he do? Goes to the UN and belligerantly begs! It's like this guy wants to fail......

[DuctapeFatwa]

4. Israel also has a substantial number of troops that can be deployed

Most likely in Iran, but they could easily be sent to Iraq or Syria.

The Israeli army exists to protect US oil interests, and has been built up expressly for the purpose of occupying the region.

The "scramble for troops" is somewhat less than frantic, as there are also large numbers of low income Americans available for basic cannon fodder purposes.

[karlschneider]

5. Israeli troops on the ground in Iraq? Oh, yeah, that would just please

the shit out of the Arab/Muslim world...
:eyes:

[DuctapeFatwa]

11. The regime's goal is to seize oil, not please the rest of the world

Arab or otherwise.

The regime has been very candid about their military and economic objectives in the region.

[karlschneider]

13. But are they actually reckless enough to....uh,

never mind...
:grr:

[reprobate]

7. Can we say WWIII?

[meisje]

14. no

[smallprint]

6. Thank God for the Mongolians

For a minute there I thought we were going to be in trouble.

Whew! Everything's OK now.

[pfitz59]

8. Mongols conquered Baghdad in the 13th century!

Killed almost 1 million people. I'm sure the Arabs are happy to see their return! Maybe we need to recruit some Goths, Visigoths and Vandals to round out the coalition of looters and pillagers!

[smallprint]

10. Actually, I think we DID recruit Vandals...

Remember all those news reports, right after Baghdad fell, of US troops encouraging people to loot, even blasting open doors of govt buildings so looters could get in? Well, we sure got our vandals...

As for Goths... I'm not so sure. Maybe a few of the soldiers are Smiths fans...
:evilgrin:

[Noordam]

9. The 6 month clock is ticking down.

" 101st Airborne Division is scheduled to be rotated home in February or March. Unless it can be replaced by an international division, it will be necessary to start the training and orientation"


Excusssssse me it is more than the 101st. There are NG and Reserve troops that will hit their ONE YEAR date around this time.

Almost ALL of the 140,000 in Iraq will have to rotate home in Feb./Mar.

[rocktivity]

12. Brrrrr

Suddenly, I feel a draft...


rocknation