Complete and Total Meltdown

I love the military. I loved every moment that I served my country. And though I've disagreed very strongly with the civilian leadership there during most of this administration, I hold the Pentagon in high regard and most of the people who work there.

So it hurts me to see three stories come out today, in quick succession, that weave together a picture of my military and Defense Department in a complete meltdown because of this president's failed policy in Iraq.

First, the Washington Post reported on the soon to be released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that finds, more or less, that Iraq is in chaos. In finding that Iraq has met only three of the eighteen benchmarks President Bush agreed in May to lay out, the Post reports:

"Overall," the report concludes, "key legislation has not been passed, violence remains high, and it is unclear whether the Iraqi government will spend $10 billion in reconstruction funds," as promised. While it makes no policy recommendations, the draft suggests that future administration assessments "would be more useful" if they backed up their judgments with more details and "provided data on broader measures of violence from all relevant U.S. agencies."

That's the key. In challenging the administration to back up their words with facts, the GAO is not so gently suggesting that everything the administration has claimed about success in Iraq is smoke and mirrors.

Facts matter. They especially matter to those with some sense of responsibility at the Pentagon and in the military. That became abundantly clear when McClatchy News reported that the military won't make a single recommendation to the president on what course to pursue in Iraq. The story, detailed by my friend and VoteVets.org Vice Chairman Brandon Friedman here, has two very key quotes:

Military analysts called the move unusual for an institution that ordinarily does not air its differences in public, especially while its troops are deployed in combat.

Jeffrey White, a military analyst for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy...said it suggests that the military commanders want to be able to distance themselves from Iraq strategy by making it clear that whatever course is followed is the president's decision, not what commanders agreed on.

In short, those on the ground aren't seeing progress, and don't want to suggest a policy that would be based on the premise that progress is being made. They're not seeing progress with their eyes, and they don't see it in the statistics or facts.

The result is a Department of Defense and military that is going to speak with multiple voices. If you're a soldier on the ground, that's not what you want to hear.

And finally, yesterday the Washington Post reported that the president was going to request another $50 billion for efforts in Iraq. Today, his own Defense Secretary Robert Gates said to FOX News, via his spokesman, "That's news to me."

The president, in losing control of the war in Iraq and clinging to what he wants to see, and not the reality, now has nearly a full-scale revolt in his own military that just isn't willing to go along for the ride anymore. The GAO surely interviewed a number of people on the ground for their report and got messages that didn't support the administration. The military can't come to an agreement on what to tell the president other than that this is his problem now. And the Secretary of Defense, who has strayed from the White House message a number of times, learns of administration war funding proposals from the Washington Post.

I take no joy in seeing this happen. Our troops are the best in the world. As they are fighting and dying in 130 degree heat, they've had to look to the East to see an Iraqi government that didn't care and went on vacation. Now, they look back to the West and see their department falling apart like a neglected Pinto, because this president is stubborn.

Maybe this president doesn't care because his administration is over. But I care. And I'm going to continue to care long after this president rides off into the sunset to clear brush for the rest of his life.

Comments

[dogman44]

Sorry about the misspelling of "racist". I was in a snit folks. archie, you're still a racist assho. You just keep telling that story about that "BIG" black guy. Fool.

[magen]

Once the military starts protesting this "war" publically and and in high numbers, its over.

Servicemen-Why should American soldiers die to protect republiCON power and American addiction to oil?

Human nature needs to run its course in Iraq leaving Moktada as ruler.

[Archie1955]

Dogman44 you must be kidding. My brother was in the U.S. army and stationed in Germany. He is white and he hadn't been on base very long before some black guys wanted to pick a fight. My brother luckily walked out of the door first and immediately turned around and let the BIG black guy have it, otherwise he would have been toast. The army subsequently moved him to another base because word got around that my brother was going to be wasted. So much for your stupid "working together" crap!

[823redhorse]

How many of you are going to show up in Washington,D.C. on September 17th for the march to Impeach Bush & Cheney?

[cynicaloptimist]

Saturday September 15

[TakeNoNeoConPrisoners]

No one ever mentions the Anthrax attacks that followed closely after 9/11. No one was ever arrested for these crimes and they are pretty much forgotten. Were the Antharax attacks another ploy by some sicko CIA agent, Penatgon general or neo con or oil exec operatives to heighten the fear in America and make it more plausible for the attack on Iraq? Thus the oil grab and billions in militray-industrial no bid contracts? Connect the dots, people.

Inquiring minds want to know.

[don3323]

As an American who loves his country I too am upset to see such complete dysfunction in the Pentagon, and Washington in general. I am counting the days until our most unworthy Commander in Chief in history packs up and goes, as long as he DOES go. He does not love our country, our Constitution or our brave men and women in uniform, despite his phoney assertions otherwise. Many things about our Mr Bush keep me awake at night (it's 0400 as I type here now). What cards has this shrewd and dishonest man got up his sleeve? How much more will he batter and wear out our military? What new pre-emptive strikes is he plotting? What surprise attacks might we sustain and not be ready for? He isn't acting like a man who plans to leave with dignity in Jan of '09. I keep having these recurring nightmares that the Marines will have to physically remove him at that time. And if he does go back to Texas, he'll be playing his fiddle and laughing maniacally while Washington and the rest of our world as we know it burn to smoke and ash. I feel like I'm losing my own sanity. Please tell me it's not going to happen. Thank you for your service, Jon, and your continuing the good fight. May there be peace on earth someday soon.

[aurbanec]

A forth component of your discussion might include the obscene graft and corruption that has plagued the situation from the onset. Many of us railed at the idea of no-bid contracts but where drowned out by the chorus chanting that no one could do it better....

It seems impossible to demand honesty from a government that holds the virtue in such low esteem.

[mpgarr]

This maybe totally cynical--but I have come to the conclusion that Bush's (and his cohorts) real goal was to weaken our country in every possible way that he (they) could think of doing so--

This war has not made us one iota safer---it in fact has put us in grave danger--if some real, unforseen threat surfaces--we have no real way of defending ourselves--at least if the threat requires the use of ground troops--we have simply gutted our military in terms of personnel and materiel---

In terms of domestic threats--the incompetent hacks that Bush appointed to run the various agencies---like FEMA and many others basically killed those agencies---no surprise since they were folks that by and large--expressed nothing but antipathy for government in any form--

They turned government agencies into the thing they always said they were--ineffective bureaucracies---

It is a sad state of affairs---

I predict this--that if there is a future for human society---the future generations will see something like this:

"The United States of America--a once great power--began a preciptious decline with when that nation's 43 President, George W. Bush assumed that postion. Decisions made by and actions taken by this President, primarily his decision to undertake a needless war in the middle Eastern nation knows as Iraq--eventually lead to the failure of that nation--much like the fall of another once great empire--Rome"

I really do think--George Bush did exactly what he was supposed to do---set about to help destroy this nation---that was his destiny and legacy and our downfall--

[ClevelandTom]

Hubris has been with us forever and that is what drove Bush and his neocon advisors.

I, for one, believe that the US can recover from the Bush administration but every American voter should carefully consider the foreign policy and diplomatic bona fides of the next president.

The last thing we need is another president elected simply because they seem like they'd be fun to have a beer with.

[sna]

you gotta be kiddin' - "every American voter should carefully consider the foreign policy and diplomatic bona fides of the next president" - sometimes its good to dream but not realistic.

BTW, one sentence in the post got me thinking: "Our troops are the best in the world."

What are the metrics for that 'best' as the USA surges mightily towards another failed war, the third in the last half century. Best armed, perhaps, but aren't those expensive non-productive toys meant to be mere tools to actually win WARS?

[Pneumaticus]

This adminstration's real objectives in Iraq seem to be 1) regain access to their petroleum for the U.S. oiligarchy, and 2) destabilize the Middle East for the strategic advantage of Israel. Never mind that weapons of mass destruction never existed (not to mention Judith Miller), or that Osama bin Laden and the 9/11 terrorists came from Saudi Arabia. The Bush adminstration has been systematically "privatizing" the U.S. military for their own mercenary missions.

[RickO]

"...military commanders want to be able to distance themselves from Iraq strategy by making it clear that whatever course is followed is the president's decision, not what commanders agreed on."

We often see throughout history that when a leader/dictator/whatever, decides to personally control the war, it's basically hopeless. Saddam did it with Iran, Hitler before him, these men being narcissistic and belicose but without any real capability other than their authority to give direction. One doesn't have to repeat the cliche definition of insanity here.

[BuzzingAlong]

"Maybe this president doesn't care because his administration is over.


IMO, George Bush doesn't care, not because his administration is over, but because he lack the capacity to care about anyone other that his rich white reich-wing friends.

[realpolitic]

As another did, I would like to think Eric Soltz for his important work on ending this war and getting honesty from this administration. Thanks for your service to our country, as well.

[realpolitic]

The present Secretary of Defense Robert Gates from the start seemed to honest for this administration. He came in speaking honestly to Congress and with some humility. No wonder he is already on the outside of the Bush team, who are used to arrogant dissemblers. He has not painted the 'all is rosy' scenario in Iraq and now admits he knew nothing of a possible presidential request for an additional $50 billion in supplemental funding for the war. Perhaps if he does not know, he should call Fox News to find out what is going on in the upper levels of the Bush administration.

[Camarosc35]

We have already learned that there will be no formal "Petraeus" report as initially heralded (so much for listening to his general on the ground). Here is a list of what I believe we will find out in a few weeks:

1. President will declare "Surge" successful.
2. He will ask for billions of more dollars to continue it.
3. He will link this conflict with the threat of Iran as a way of justifying the inevitable conflict.
4. Congress will authorize these funds.
5. The "Surge" will continue with additional funding.
6. A war with Iran will begin.

Traditionally, in a time of war the public supports the current administration. However, it has grown weary from its current military engagement and the prospect of yet another could divide it instead. Will this improve the chances of a Republican candidate? How would a democratic president conduct such a war? It would bolster Republican chances and cripple a democratic presidency. The problem is that, no matter the political outcome, it will be soon overshadowed by a conflict that could easily become a regional one and threaten our, and our world"s, very existence. This is what we have wrought for we not only elected George W. Bush but, incredibly and sadly, reelected him. The greatest nation in the history of this planet also was the most short-lived. That we should live through the so-called legacy of such a man is bad enough, to abbreviate our history for it is far worse.

[progressivegreg]

Cam, it will also probably include numerous references to 9/11, war on terror, al-queda, fight over there so they won't follow us over here and blah blah blah..does anyone believe the madman in the whitehouse any more (except Julie that is)

[JulieSA]

Mr Soltz, You're behind on the news. The surge is showing some positive results. I fear that your views are influenced by politics rather than by facts on the ground.

[Kansas Evans]

You're kidding, right?

[Tommymac]

Um, did ya read the GAO report that was just released??????

Methinks YOUR views are rather influenced by your politics, Ms, Julie.

Have a GREAT day!

[JulieSA]

Yes, and I've also read what Democratic congressman Brian Baird said.

[xspotster]

This person keeps repeating the same tired administration talking points without offering any insight - He/she/it has no proof that the surge is working.

Just ignore.

[BuzzingAlong]

I would say that EVERYTHING is going just as planned by the Bush/Cheney/reich-wing republican cabal.

Lets add these good things up:
3,735 Plus Dead American Soldiers
27,662 Plus Wounded American Soldiers
2M Displaced Iraqis in Syria, Egypt, Jordan
2M Displaced Iraqis within Iraqworks of art
Historically significant structures, museums, irreplaceble works of art,
Little electricity
Lack of sanitation
Lack of medical care
No school for thousands of children

And the best thing about the destruction of Iraq:
The rich thuggish friends of Bush/Cheney have pocketed billions of our tax dollars through fraud, theft and colusion.

[yellowdogSC]

Julie,

CORRECT! We CAN"T call THE SURGE a failure!

We can"t judge results yet. There"s still ONE SOLDIER in transit. Currently he"s out chasing Zeno"s tortoise. (No, not JAY Zeno.)

As long as there is one soldier with his bags partially unpacked, THE SURGE isn't over yet.

I'll thank ALL of you to remember that.

(There's a STRONG rumor of a SURGE soldier waiting in an airport somewhere in rural Kansas.)