Tonight, September 13, 2007, President Bush gave an approximately 17 minute speech on Iraq. It is what was not said that is key to the Iraq Crisis. President Bush gave a speech that is hauntingly familiar. We were presented with the same tired rhetoric President Bush has given us for the last four years. What we did not hear is the fact that Prime Minister Maliki of Iraq has not stepped forward to take the leadership role in Iraq (and Mr. Maliki has no intention of taking the responsibility of real Leadership). The United States Military has performed valiantly over the last several years. Prime Minister Maliki should in effect be charged with "War Crimes" in the loss of those of our troops that have died in Iraq, nearly 3800 American Service men and women. Iraq has been and continues to play the United States as the "unwitting fool" in this ludicrous war. Iran is no friend of Iraq, take a moment to think about the Iran-Iraq war of the early 1980's. What the Bush Policy has in affect accomplished for the Iranians is to give President Ahmadinejad a trump card in gaining significant influence in the ultimate Political outcome in Iraq. The Bush Policy and the United States Military presence in Iraq only gives Iran and President Ahmadinejad a "Pass" in facing the responsibility that Iran has in being a part of the solution in the ultimate stability of the entire region. General Petraeus is the "crutch" for President Bush. The nonsense President Bush talked about with regard to a 2,200 reduction in a Marine group in Anbar Province and the ultimate "possible" reduction of some 4 or 5 Brigades is absurd. The United States should begin an immediate and orderly withdrawal of all of our troops. Parallel with this immediate withdrawl of United States Troops, The United States should establish a Military presence outside (Bases) of Iraq, within tactical range. Furthermore, an immediate and long overdue Political resolution to the reconstruction of Iraq, with the inclusion of Iraq's neighbors, Iran & Turkey. There can be no security in the Region without the involvement of Iran. For those that doubt what I write, ask some of the "Brains" in our "Think Tanks". I am certain that those in the State Department would agree with what I write in this essay. The saddest part of this entire mess is that I do not forsee any real change in Mr. Bush's Policy. The Democrat's are incapable of leading and are to this point even more inept than President Bush. How Many more of our Military will die needlessy before the end of Mr. Bush's term in January 2009? Opinions are valuable, let me know your thoughts..................
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