U.S. headed for disaster when efforts in Iraq collapse

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/2005/June/24/OPlist3.htm

Red flags flapping sharply in the wind signal our country is on the verge of a major political - and economic - setback.

We may now be only weeks away from a complete collapse of the Iraqi army and the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq in the face of overwhelming public pressure on Tony Blair.

That is a realistic projection based on the reports of two Washington Post reporters, whose dispatches from inside Iraqi Army units and U.S. units assigned to train and work with the Iraqi military have just been published.

What the Post reporters found was massive disenchantment on both sides: American forces bitterly disappointed with the Iraqi government forces, and Iraqi troops harboring similar feelings toward their American counterparts. Only a small percentage of all Iraqi troops are now estimated to be adequately trained to take over the defense of their country. Desertions are widespread.

[TahitiNut]

1. Blame-mongering is contagious. That's "leadership", huh?

Fraggings, desertion, $120K/year mercenaries roughed up, a "chain of command" that can't be trusted (by US or Iraqis), looting and pillaging by the people at the top ... a recipe for disaster, indeed.

[cynatnite]

2. I've heard rumors of widespread corruption in the Iraq govt, too

With all of this it does seem that something will break and I'm fearful the casualty figures will jump considerably.

There is no way this thing can hold much longer. I give it six months at the most. We'll either see a pullout of troops or even more major offenses.

:cry: I hate this. I hate this. I hate this.

[Swamp Rat]

3. The next phase of the takeover will be upon us soon.

Where is Cheney? Getting fitted for his Darth Vader suit?

[Old and In the Way]

4. The whole lot of them ought to be proving how swell things are

going by spending some quality time there. Say 6 months. If they all make it back alive in that timeframe, I'll believe them.

[TahitiNut]

5. This deserves attention.

:kick: