Listen for the caveats in the President's Iraq speech today

[bigtree]

"conditions on the ground"

"recommendations of the commanders"


Speech coming up any moment now . . .

[Windy]

1. As former military, view the speech from a perspective of common sense and safety

War is not black and white.

[bigtree]

2. I think there's still a dynamic there

. . . of a counterproductive element to our military presence and activity. I don't believe that every instance of 'safety and security' of the Iraqis and their government needs to be defended by our forces. Nor, do I believe that there is enough of a threat to the U.S. from 'terrorists' in Iraq to justify a continuing mission against them.

But, I believe we will hear those priorities highlighted as justification for the residual force.

[Windy]

3. 50,000 troops to remain from what I've read. We have that many or more

in peaceful Germany, England, Japan, Turkey, etc...

[bigtree]

4. we need to be mindful of the effect that military presence and activity in Iraq

. . . has had in galvanizing opinion (and violent resistance) against the U.S., our allies, and our interests elsewhere in the region.

[luvspeas]

5. One Caveat I heard...

"I don't believe that every instance of 'safety and security' of the Iraqis and their government needs to be defended by our forces."

He said that. He also said we are beginning a new era of diplomacy, that we would work to resettle Iraqi refugees, and that our military veterans and famiies will be taken care of. Are these the caveats you were referring to?

I want every soldier home today and I want peace for Iraqis. I'm not sure we can ever really offer that, being we are the Imperialist aggressors. I would not ever trust a country that did what we have done to them, but there are victories, and there are victories. There is definitely a change in tone here that will have far reaching effects and will lead more toward your desired outcome than ever before.

[bigtree]

6. and he made the reference to consulting with his "commanders on the ground"

But, his speech was straightforward enough to challenge any deviation from the course he's outlined as reneging on his pledge today.