|
Edited on Tue Sep-02-03 03:17 PM by goobergunch
no summer vacation for troops in Iraq, Kuwait, or Afghanistan
kept on high alert every waking moment as cost continues to grow
more involved than pre-war rhetoric would lead to believe
282 lost as of 8/29 and nearly 1400 injured
today, a few more killed in roadside bomb attack
quickly approaching number killed (292) in Gulf War I
UN and mosque bombings
only a handful of people on deck of cards are still at large, but violence is increasing
Iraq is becoming a new stage for terrorists to strike at U.S.
Gen. Sanchez describes forces as terrorist magnet
While sons and daughters continue to patrol shooting gallery in Iraq, allied troops added at miserable pace (1 foreign soldier for 9 U.S. soldiers)
many countries (France) won't act without UN authorization, Turkey also reluctant
Does that come as a suprise? Since *ies bullied them in rush to war...
millions took to the streets to protest...according to polls, opposition was at 69% in Germany and 75% in France and 86% in Turkey and 87% in Russia pre-war
yet WH belittles need to unify world and scoffs at opposition
Are our troops paying the price for bull-headed rush to war?
Even as more intl troops arrive, Americans shouldn't think threat to troops is over
occupation to be divided between Brits, unid'ed force, and U.S. troops
U.S. troops will have to patrol Sunni Triangle (most dangerous zone) facing daily attack
So long as we have to carry overwhelming bulk, U.S. troops remain overburdened and under fire
troops stretched thin...requested study on 24 June on how this would affect military readiness...problems with Nat'l Guard, Reserves
RESULTS TO BE RELEASED TOMORROW is quantified evidence that this is straining forces to breaking point
According to advanced copy, if we rely primarily on active army while maintaining presence else, we can only maintain 38,000-64,000 in Iraq in long-term...at most, 67,000-106,000 with Nat'l Guard, reserves
cost could be up to $19 billion dollars
Adding two new division would cost up to $19.4 billion one-time and would add more to additional defense budget
Would also limit readiness to fight other threats
These statistics form more questions then answers.
Troop levels in Iraq must start declining by March 2004.
Army has already drafted a plan to rotate troops in and out of Iraq, but relies on foreign troops which are not yet forthcoming.
There are rumblings that * may swallow false pride and get new UN resolution...positive step, but too late
On 8 April, * said that vital UN role wanted...let's hope that reality begins to match rhetoric.
Our sons and daughters cannot be asked to fight this burden alone. The CBO report to be released tomorrow shows that we can't have all of these troops in Iraq forever. Every day frittered away by * is another day that troops face danger. Every month without allied aid means more grieving American families. For the sake of our servicemen, * should do now what it failed to do before the war...share both burden and decisions.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
