Defense memo: A grim outlook // Rumsfeld's memo

[ze_dscherman]

WASHINGTON — The United States has no yardstick for measuring progress in the war on terrorism, has not "yet made truly bold moves" in fighting al-Qaeda and other terror groups, and is in for a "long, hard slog" in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a memo that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld sent to top-ranking Defense officials last week.

Despite upbeat statements by the Bush administration, the memo to Rumsfeld's top staff reveals significant doubts about progress in the struggle against terrorists. Rumsfeld says that "it is not possible" to transform the Pentagon quickly enough to effectively fight the anti-terror war and that a "new institution" might be necessary to do that. (Related item: Rumsfeld's memo)

The memo, which diverges sharply from Rumsfeld's mostly positive public comments, offers one of the most candid and sobering assessments to date of how top administration officials view the 2-year-old war on terrorism. It suggests that significant work remains and raises a number of probing questions but few detailed proposals.

"Are we winning or losing the Global War on Terror?" Rumsfeld asks in the Oct. 16 memo, which goes on to cite "mixed results" against al-Qaeda, "reasonable progress" tracking down top Iraqis and "somewhat slower progress" in apprehending Taliban leaders. "Is our current situation such that 'the harder we work, the behinder we get'? " he wrote.

More: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2003-10-22-defense-memo-usat_x.htm

Rumsfeld's memo: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/executive/rumsfeld-memo.htm

[maxrandb]

1. But I thought

Everything was rosey over there in our 51st state? WTFO. Could this be some "top" DOD officials leaked this memo in an effort to get the truth out?

Karma's a bitch

[aquart]

5. The article prints the memo with NO provenance?

Where did this sucker come from? Why was it leaked? Who stand to gain?

[maxrandb]

6. Don't know

But it is odd that something like this would come out right at the precise time the administration is on the "oh happy days" offensive about how great things are in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ooops sorry, they have all but forgotten about Afghanistan haven't they. At least the "liberal" media has.

The only other thing I could think of with this "secretive" bunch is that this was leaked on purpose for some reason. God knows what, but I am glad my kids are not of draft age. But the Bush twins definitely are of draft age.

[Cocoa]

10. I'm suspicious too...

somehow this looks like it's made for public consumption. Maybe the message is that Rummy, et al are serious about the war, to counter the reports of petty infighting?

[fishnfla]

2. suggestion

punch this subject up--this is Rumsfeld's memo. Change your thread title:)

[ze_dscherman]

4. Done

Thanks!

[tom_paine]

3. Draftees will soon be heading over to Imperial Freedomstan

After the 2004 "election" in which the "winner" is already known.

Baby-Doc Bush, our Lame Duck Fuhrer*

[donotpassgo]

7. "It is pretty clear the coalition can win in Afghanistan and Iraq..."

I thought we won in Afghanistan and Iraq? Mission's accomplished, right? We brought peace and freedom to those countries?

[alfredo]

8. They are not acting dumb

:kick:

[diamond14]

9. WOW !!! memos leaking out of the bush* cabal FAST....

it's almost a tidal wave of leaks now....

GO leakers...real American Patriots...people who care about America and are refusing to cooperate with bush*...bush* values are NOT American values...

the high-level bush* criminals haven't really woken up yet, because they have never shown much brilliance...but I expect a mass exodus of RATS jumping a sinking ship....


come to DC and SF this weekend...keep up the pressure...encourage more honest government employees to LEAK....

info on this weekend's March....
http://www.InternationalANSWER.org

[leetrisck]

11. This article was on C-Span first this AM

Noticed at the time it was USA Today - no NY or Washington paper had it. Trying to figure out the leak - someone wanted it leaked and maybe it was Rummy, I don't know. Very strange indeed. C-Span asked the callers if they agreed or disagreed with the memo - was actually funny hearing the Repukes disagree with it - hard for them to face the truth that Rummy gets out there every day and lies to the world.

[VolcanoJen]

12. Dupe... locking

Please continue discussion by posting in the original, earliest LBN thread on this topic, which can be found here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=178103

Thanks!
VolcanoJen
DU Moderator