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U.S. forces drawn deeper into Iraqi crackdown

PETER GRAFF

Reuters

Latest comment posted at 11:57 AM EDT 28/03/08

U.S. launches air strikes in Basra for the first time, and battles Shia militants in Baghdad ...Read the full article

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  1. Andy Garrett: McCain / Powell 2008 from West Palm Beach, United States writes: This will last through the weekend, maybe early next week, then the Iranian backed subversives will
    flee back across the desert. Then things can calm down and the rebuilding continue in Iraq.
  2. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Do whatever it takes to end the carnage!
  3. Eye Sore from Dog Pound, Alberta, Canada writes: May 1, 2003, President Bush aboard the USS Lincoln (miles off the coast of California): '... major combat operation in Iraq have now ceased.'

    Five years later...the real Battle of Iraq is set to begin... Indeed it was being
    jump-started even as the president was boasting of how The Surge had, in
    the end, worked as intended.

    What a deluded (and deluding) fool!
  4. Gold Standard from Canada writes: This is going to be messy and probably the beginning of the end of the US occupation if things get worst. I can't see this coming out good. Its time to leave.
  5. Allan Eizinas from Simcoe, Canada writes: .
    The PBS series called 'Frontline' has recently produced a two part, 5 hour documentary called 'Bush’s War'. It can be watched on line on the Frontline web page.

    It carefully, accurately and with documentation follows the interaction of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Powell, Wolfowitz et al as they do the political power dance, stab each other in the back and get themselves into this quagmire and the Afghanistan killing fields.

    It is well worth watching.

    These two American expeditions and the Canadian expedition was, is and will continue to be a major mistake.
  6. Syed Abbas from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Andy Garrett: Greetings

    ' ..... This will last through the weekend, maybe early next week, then the Iranian backed subversives will flee back across the desert. Then things can calm down and the rebuilding continue in Iraq...'

    Mission accomplished once again? Have you ordered Champaigne? Where is the party? Are we invited?
  7. Repeatedly Censored from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: '... caught off-guard by the strength of the opposition... supposed that this operation would be a normal operation... forces drawn deeper into... ' -- Are we being presented the same cheap old movie once again? With liberators being showered with flowers down mainstreet Basra and all? Slow learners, very slow learners. There's some bleeding around the Petraeus patch...
  8. jamie yavis from Canada writes: Too bad Bush and Chaney weren't there in person to lead their army. It would be a great moral boost if they walked the talk instead of just delivering their verbal diarrhea.
  9. Andy Garrett: McCain / Powell 2008 from West Palm Beach, United States writes: Syed: We'll have a big Canada Day party at the cottage in Parry Sound. Of course you are invited. You
    bring the champaign, Paul Jones (PJ) will bring the Moosehead. Folks: As George said 'major' combat operations
    earlier; these are 'minor' combat operations.
  10. Pax Canadada from Canada writes: It's Okay folks. The country burns but the oil pipelines are back to normal after one day.
  11. Howie Morenz from Canada writes: It'll get hotter now that Sadr's back in action. Anyway, Iraq keeps the Americans busy thinking they are 'world shakers'...but best of all, Iraq keeps those pesky Americans out of other parts of the world...Send more Americans to Iraq!
  12. Paul Thompson from Canada writes: I don't know Syed Abbas, from the tone of his postings it would seem Andy is on something a little or a lot stronger than champagne.
  13. Craig Scott from Republic of Newfoundland, Canada writes: You know I respect everyone's right to fight to defend themselves. I have always had a problem with these fighters that cover their faces with maskes to hide their identity.

    If they really felt they were fighting a just cause they would be proud to show their faces.
  14. The Wight from Canada writes: Andy Garrett:

    You keep on playing those semantic games to convince you all is well. Most of us change our mind when presented with contrary evidence, but some of us are a just a bit more ideological, I guess.

    Hint: when the deck chairs start to slide, ignore the orchestra still playing and head for the boats.
  15. james mccain from Canada writes: pax canadada says it all.

    don't worry about the collateral damage, keep that oil flowing.
  16. Repeatedly Censored from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: Craig Scott from Republic of Newfoundland, Canada writes: '... these fighters that cover their faces with maskes to hide their identity. If they really felt they were fighting a just cause they would be proud to show their faces.' -- When I see members of anti-riot/terrorist squads (Britain, Spain, France, Canada...) hiding their identity... am I to assume they are ashame, thinking the cause they are fighting for is evil?
  17. The Wight from Canada writes: Craig Scott:

    'If they really felt they were fighting a just cause they would be proud to show their faces.'

    You really don't get this concept of a war of insurgency, do you?

    There is no such thing as just. There is just win or lose.

    When you're opponent is the biggest, baddest military the world has ever seen, you fight tangentially, not directly. Fighting directly gets you killed and loses you the war. Being able to strike anywhere at anytime and to look like anyone is a HUGE advantage in this type of campaign. They would have to be idiots to remove the masks and partially negate that advantage.
  18. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ....surge on!!!!...
  19. Simon Croswell from Toronto, Canada writes: The Americans are addicted to killing. What would they do if they ever ran out of bullets to pump into babies?
  20. james mccain from Canada writes: craig scott - if they proudly show their faces their doors are kicked down in the middle of the night and, if there is 'any' lack of cooperation the entire structure is spray gunned and concussion grenades follow.
    i think this is the main reason for covering your face. wouldn't you?
    it IS their country.
  21. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes: Bombing is the way to win 'hearts and minds'. Without a doubt. Swimming success. Where is my champagne?
  22. frederick duquette from Edmonton, Canada writes: Its curious to speculate whether the same regional and ethnic tensions would have emerged had the US not invaded and Saddam died in office. The first Gulf War seriously damaged their infrastructure and the years of sanctions made Iraq very unstable.
  23. Syed Abbas from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Andy Garrett:

    ' ...This will last through the weekend, maybe early next week...'

    ' ....Syed: We'll have a big Canada Day party at the cottage in Parry Sound ...'

    Hey, already a delay. You said it will be over early next week. Now you need till July?

    Sounds old story. War no good that ends in quick win. Bad for business. Drag it on. Yea, milk the system baby.

    Paul Thompson is right. You need something a little or a lot stronger than champagne.
  24. guy tozer from Saskatoon, Canada writes: It's a civil war, and past time the invaders got out!
  25. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ...just heard on the CBC that Maliki has backed down and given them 10 more days to surrender....those who do will be given money....is there no limit to American largesse?.....
  26. No Left or Right Just Neutral from Canada writes: It looks like the same 5 guys are used for the photo op for the Iraqi baddies. They managed to bring the oil a dollar up!!

    2 million barrels flowing a day. That's two million dollars more per day for just a little bit of media razzle dazzle!

    surge on....
  27. Bubbles McBubbles from Trawna, Canada writes: Andy Garrett: McCain / Powell 2008 from West Palm Beach, United States writes: 'As George said 'major' combat operations
    earlier; these are 'minor' combat operations.'

    I seem to recall General Westmoreland saying something similar about the TET offensive when it started.
  28. Ed Long from white Rock, Canada writes: In Gulf War I, Bush Senior reportedly did not give Gen Stormin' Normen Schwarzkopf the okay to turn left and head for Baghdad when Big Norm stormed across Iraq because of fears that the country would fall into anarchy and sectarian violence if Sadaam was removed.

    Hmmmmmmm .... did Junior ever listen to his father?

    The devil you know is better than the devil you don't.

    Is Iran backing Sadr's people? Could be an ugly dimension justifying a broadening of the conflict.
  29. Lemmy Nothor from Exiled in Barcelona, Spain writes: Well, the US wanted oil, they can't leave because they still didn't get their money's worth, and the others are preventing them from leaving by blowing up the pipelines every other day.....

    Plus, every day, the price of oil goes up, Chavez and Iran are smiling............
  30. Syed Abbas from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Ed Long: Hi

    ' ...Is Iran backing Sadr's people?...''

    Iran is backing both Maliki and Sadr.

    No matter which side prevails, it is a win-win for Iran.

    But if the fighting continues, it is a win-win-win for Iran.
  31. Andy Garrett: McCain / Powell 2008 from West Palm Beach, United States writes: Syed: that is when I'll be in Canada at my cottage and I assume you have a few days of holiday. You are the one who wanted to party, and that is when it is convenient. The winter tourist season is over here so no point in coming down to WPB.
  32. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes: Truth? Anyone? Anyone at all . . .

    Tonkin Resolution/Reichstag Fire/and 9/11?

    Serendipity? Coincidence?

    Truth? Does it matter?
  33. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:

    Bush quieted the Sunni insurgents by just putting them on the payroll.
    As long as they get paid, they keep their guns buried out behind the yurt.

    He also continues to bankroll the Kurds. At least the ones who aren't launching forays into Turkey.

    Why doesn't he just try to buy off either the Maliki Shia insurgents or the Al Sadr insurgents? Or both?

    He's already poured $1 trillion down this sewer, destroying his own economy in the process.
    He can either put them all on the payroll, forever, or he can continue to pay the $50 billion or whatever the monthly Operation Iraqi Freedom bill is, forever. Or more likely, both.

    Wouldn't it have been a lot easier and cheaper to just have bought off Saddam in the first place?
    $1 - $3 trillion could have paid a lot of bribes, not just in Iraq but probably Syria and Lebanon too.

    But what would that have done for his patrons in the oil industry and the arms industry? Nothing.
    Oil would still be $28 per barrel, the price it was when George The Decider took office.

    You can pay George's pals now, or you can pay George's pals later. But you are going to pay. Or your children will.
  34. Ken DeLuca from Arnprior, Canada writes: It's a fresh wind that blows against the empire...

    Like Rome and UK before them, the Americans must withdraw
  35. Syed Abbas from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Andy Garrett:

    ' ...Syed: that is when I'll be in Canada at my cottage and I assume you have a few days of holiday. You are the one who wanted to party, and that is when it is convenient. The winter tourist season is over here so no point in coming down to WPB...'

    My apologies. I could not resist a below the belt jab.

    But many thanks. Most likely will be in the US where I spend most of my time these days.

    Americans. Even when you disagree with them they are polite and take it in stride.

    Last year was in San Diego. Told a Republican colleague that I worked on McGovern '72 and Washington State Governor's 2004 campaigns and sympathies lay with the Democrats.

    Loser! he deadpanned.

    Could not help laughing. How can you not like these guys.
  36. Brent Wilkins from Canada writes: Why do you hate freedom?
  37. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes: Thomas - well reasoned and thought out post - thank you.

    w/ bush43 there is no $20/barrel oil left but plenty of the $110/barrel oil - it is everywhere.

    Who is the winner (mission accomplished) - follow the money.

    The world may boo him but bush43 and his cronies clap. . .
  38. Just In from Canada writes: Thomas D'Arcy McGee >>> Don't worry, friends of Haliburton are doing just fine. Mission accomplished.
  39. The Oracle from Caiman Islands, Canada writes: Not like Vietnam, no way, nope, inconceivable,
  40. The Oracle from Caiman Islands, Canada writes: Mr. Wilkins, Do you consider the Patriot Act freedom?
  41. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: George Bush mentioned in a speech yesterday that 'normalcy' was returning to Iraq. He used words like 'remarkable rebirth' and 'victory', while Baghdad and Basra bristled with explosions, protests, rocket smoke, killing, and burning. Why doesn't someone grab him by the scruff of the neck and slap him silly. The Moe Howard of politicians....Slap, slap....Wise guy...ehhhh.
  42. Pickman's Modem from Canada writes: The Oracle from Caiman Islands, Canada writes: inconceivable
    -------

    Never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!

    -Vizzini
  43. Eris Korenyx from The Heart of Hell, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya writes: The surge, the surge, the surge, the surge
    Is wooooooorrrrrrking!

    The surge, the surge, the surge, the surge
    Is FUN!

  44. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:

    Alberto Bayo -

    George Bush is 'The Moe Howard of politicians'????

    That, sir, is a vicious slur on the memory of Moe Howard.

    And indeed, on the memories of all the stooges.

    You should apologize.

    George Bush, indeed!
  45. Chris E. from vancouver, Canada writes: 'Its curious to speculate whether the same regional and ethnic tensions would have emerged had the US not invaded and Saddam died in office.'

    Saddam's sons Uday and Qusay were going to take over the Hussein dynasty. The family was a de facto absolute monarchy on the model of the Saudi Arabian royal family, with extended family placed throughout the national governing structure. Uday was a psychopathic murderer.
  46. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Thomas D'Arcy...you sir, are correct, and I offer my most humble apology for the comparison between George Bush and Moe Howard....Moe offering the more important contribution to humanity. I always liked Curly the best. Cheers!
  47. Thomas D'Arcy McGee from Canada writes:
    Albert

    Aplogy accepted.

    Nyuk, nyuk.
  48. LJ Brody from Canada writes: The headline says Americans are being 'drawn' into the fighting??

    How about.....Americans started the whole war...they were the ones that actually initiated the fighting and consequently bear legal and moral responsibility for ALL of the carnage Iraq is experiencing, including what is happening right now in Basra

    Typical cowardly americans though, they are hiding in helicopter gunships and using missiles that slaughter indiscriminately...what scumbags.

    Those Iraqis need some good anti-aircraft weapons..
  49. Freddie B from Woodbridge from Canada writes: Just protect the oil. Let the religion of peace people blow themselves up.
  50. Meng W. from Toronto, Canada writes: I wonder how Obama, McCain or Clinton will do after one of them take over Bush's mess. Admit defeat to 'terrorists' and leave and leave America with another Vietnam? Or maybe stay there and gets slowly chewed away and go the way of the Romans?

    Personally I prefer the latter, but I won't mind the first either. Its a lose-lose situation for the yanks. The question is what will become of the US after they finish up in Iraq one way or another?
  51. Freddie B from Woodbridge from Canada writes: Meng W. from Toronto, Canada writes: I wonder how Obama, McCain or Clinton will do after one of them take over Bush's mess. Admit defeat to 'terrorists' and leave and leave America with another Vietnam? Or maybe stay there and gets slowly chewed away and go the way of the Romans?
    The Romans are still around. They just shooting innocent unarmed civilians like the chinese do.
    The US will be around long after you.
  52. Jorly fuster from Canada writes: i think it's funny how many people think the next president of the United States is going to be Obama or Clinton. Let me remind you the last two election in the states were close but the republicans still won. it is highly possible Mcain will be the next president.
  53. Brian W from Burlington, Canada writes: Where do these people get ski masks in the Middle East? I wouldn't imagine there are many sporting goods stores in Iraq right now, especially one that deal in winter apparel.
  54. Brian W from Burlington, Canada writes: Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ....surge on!!!!...

    Your parents must be so proud.
  55. J. Kenneth Yurchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: Brian W: They get their ski masks the same place we get ours (Hockey logos optional) Made in China. (Or maybe India)
  56. The Economic Hitman jr. from Vancouver, Canada writes: Iraq is a case study in how not to produce a war. Sun Tzu is spinning in his grave.

    The vulgar upside is that, when it's permissible, Iraq will experience unprecendented economic growth; however, its only because the entire country needs to be rebuilt. It goes without saying that the human cost is priceless.
  57. J. Kenneth Yurchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: Hoo Boy Michelle, are you ever going to get an earful. All the Conservative hacks on this site will be screaming that the media are all Pinko Liberal paid agents. all the Liberal Hacks will be saying 'no, no they're all closet Conservatives'

    Good Luck with that final project! :-)
  58. The Truth from Regina, Canada writes: Carpet bomb that city until it is flat.
    Someone asked where they get the ski masks from. From the 'Terrorists R Us' store of course.
  59. Wandering Willy from Victoria, Canada writes: If the US leaves, Iran is going in and they will have no qualms about taking over the whole ME. The only real solution would be to take out Iran or let that area of the world consume itself.
  60. jeff franklin from Canada writes: Thank You Mr. Chretien for keeping C.F.'s out of this debacle.

    Unlike our current portly P.M., who appeared on USA FOX NEWS. Fully eyelinered, perfectly coiffed and psychically reassured. Our CRAPturist P.M. bemoaning the fact of C.F. non participation in Iraq Part Deux.

    How many C.F. Body Bags from Iraq would have appeased our Toadyesque PNAC lovin', kow towing wanna be Texan P.M.?

    Has the size of Stephen Harper's belly led to an early onset of dementia for our Rapturous P.M.?

  61. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes: jeff - very good.

    Have you heard or ever seen the harper - 'ode to me' the CONs 'wall of LOVE' - doesn't everyone love photos of pudgy little opposite oracle boy!
  62. Raymond P from Canada writes: Is the Globe photo for this article a member of the Shia militia or Blackwater? Although the article mentions masked Shia gunmen, it's hard to tell. There have been reports of Blackwater personnel dressing up as locals in order to better fit in.
  63. Dr Demento from Canada writes: Chris E. from vancouver, Canada writes:

    'Uday was a psychopathic murderer.'

    Just like George Bush, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld . . .
  64. Craig Cooper from Toronto, writes: I love the way the terrorist in the photo is wearing American BDU pants.

    These Islamic pea-brains would be naked and living in caves if it wasn't for the West.
  65. Catherine Medernach from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Iran has been meddling in Iraq from day one. The reason that the US did not pursue Saddam following the war over Kuwait because the Saudis were concerned about the expansionist policies of Iran. In the Muslim world the Shiites are the minority and considered worse than other infidels and worthy of death. However, there are fundamentalist Shiites as well as Sunnis and that is the basis of the current conflict in Iraq. They want the country to be a theocracy and using Sharia law.
    The push by fundamentalists is having an impact in many countries. In Nigeria 12 of 36 states have implemented Sharia law which is against the constitution of the country. They have banned the building of any non-Muslim places of worship and destroyed many existing churches. Is that also because of the US and their interest in oil? Wake up and smell the coffee!
  66. Dana Cruickshank from Canada writes: LJ Brody, disgusting comment
  67. Winston Churchill from London, Canada writes: I hope the guy in the picture isn't the best the militia has. If so, it won't be much of a fight. Black facemask is scary, no doubt, but look at the way he's holding and pointing his machine gun. In that posture, he'd start shooting sparrows, commence shooting at the sun, and end by shooting his chums standing behind him.
  68. carol c from Canada writes: 'These Islamic pea-brains would be naked and living in caves if it wasn't for the West.'

    You, sir, are an utter goober. While Europe was in the midst of the dark ages, those Islamic pea-brains were coming up with things like the arch, geometry, numbers, poetry and literature. It's more true to say that if the Muslims weren't more enlightened than the west during the dark ages we'd still be living in castles with teeny tiny windows.
  69. Anti Fascist from Canada writes:
    Time for the British SAS to rev up their car-bombing campaign again!
  70. The Truth from Regina, Canada writes: Winston Churchill,

    You've shot an RPK machine gun before have you?
    I would have thought the recoil wouldn't be that bad in light of the weight of the gun. It certainly won't be recoiling up to the sky if the guy has any kind of arm strength.
  71. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes:

    Illegal, immoral, unwinnable.

    $100 Million per DAY cost to US. 9 Trillion dollar debt. $500 TRILLION in outstanding derivitive instruments.

    OBL and $2 boxcutters bankrupted the USA - both morally and financially.

    .
  72. Anti Fascist from Canada writes:
    For you war-mongers who don't understand the connection:

    When the USA installed Saddam Hussein as dictator/despot if Iraq all the intelligentsia and government fled to Iran.
    In Iran they were the government in exile.
    When the USA blew away their puppet and looted the country, the Government in Exile came back from Iran.
    Of course there are connections to Iran!

    Foolish warmongers!
  73. David sims ferterty from Canada writes: Dutch Parliament Member Makes Anti Muslim Film

    Folks watch the short film by Geert Wilders.

    Its completely refreshing and one hundred percent accurate.

    Its fair and just and completely diffuses the Muslim Menace and its attempt to organize the Caliphate.

    Google 'Geert Wilders' he is a hero.
  74. Michelle Hampson from Canada writes: Thanks J. Kenneth Yurchuk,
    It's interesting you say that. When I interviewed the editor of the Chronicle Herald, he said that he received a letter from a reader accusing him being 'Nothing but a mouthpiece for the Harper government' and he received a phone call from a high status government official in Ottawa saying that the Herald was the most anti-Harper newspaper in the country.
    And hey, would you be interested in an interview? This won't be published, it's just for fun... and 25% of my journalism mark!
  75. Anti Fascist from Canada writes:
    The only people Jesus Christ beat on were the money changers, and they are the ones who started this war.
  76. crime of the century from This is not America, Canada writes:
    'U.S. launches air strikes'

    Real democracy in Iraq is just around the corner, once this nasty phase of purging the natives, I mean insurgents, is complete. The US Blood for OIL program is right on target. Things are getting better in Iraq everyday, anytime now the people of Iraq will be living the good life, give or take several years. At least the oil is still flowing, thats a good thing, isnt it?
  77. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: David sims ferterty from Canada ...you sir, are a persistent and nefarious hate monger...only a person with zero self-esteem would derive any comfort from putting down other people....
  78. Synchronicity Tour from Canada writes: crime of the century from This is not America, Canada writes:
    'U.S. launches air strikes'

    Real democracy in Iraq is just around the corner, once this nasty phase of purging the natives, I mean insurgents, is complete. The US Blood for OIL program is right on target. Things are getting better in Iraq everyday, anytime now the people of Iraq will be living the good life, give or take several years. At least the oil is still flowing, thats a good thing, isnt it?
    ---------------
    As the kids say its all good.
  79. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: Anti Fascist from Canada....the very God that these Neocons claim to worship, will be hard pressed to forgive their sins which transcend the entire 10....
  80. Virginia Troy from Calgary, Canada writes: David Sims ferterty talks about the 'Muslim menace'.

    2003 isn't that long ago to have forgotten how events have unfolded. Saddam may not have been Mr. Rogers exactly (although Ronald Reagan liked him well enough in the 80's when he was fighting the Iranians), but he was no Muslim menace. The Shiites who now control Iraq have done so only because the Americans helped them get there.

    So if you're worried about a 'Muslim menace', I suggest you ask the Americans what on Earth were they thinking.
  81. Catherine Medernach from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Synchronicity Tour from Canada - you've got that right - they are reproducing at a rate roughly 7x what we are. Muslim men are allowed more than one wife and all of those wives have children- if they don't they divorce them. Between bin Laden and his father they sired 80 children - and that doesn't take into account the children of bin Laden's 52 siblings! Islam is the fastest growing religion in Canada today as well as in Europe.
  82. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes: neocons = 666

    bush43 is the antiCHRIST
  83. Richard Stanczak from Corunna, Canada writes: I must [partially] agree with LJ Brody. The headline of this article is very misleading. The 'US Drawn Deeper into Iraqi Crackdown'. ????

    How about 'US Violates Ceasefire with Mahdi Army' or

    'US Forces Join Iraq Civil War' or 'Mission Accomplished'.

    I rarely comment on Iraq war articles as Canada has no interest in it, besides that of a horrified bystander, and it is utterly pointless to attempt to educate or argue with the war supporters. This is a terrible fiasco that the Iraqi people did not deserve.
  84. agent sixtynine from Canada writes: Send them all to paradise. Your virgins await.
  85. Byron Rottweiler from Canada writes: Chris E writes that Saddam and family 'was a de facto absolute monarchy on the model of the Saudi Arabian royal family'

    And yet the Saudis are still friends of the US. What's your point? The Saudis have funded Islamic extremists for decades, and in fact are the major source of funding for Hamas.

    Yet George W. Bush kissed King Abdullah recently. That's a fact. Something is dreadfully wrong with US policy, as it has been for many years.

    Catherine Medernach writes theorizing about the decision not to topple Saddam during the first Gulf War. Wanna know what George HW Bush said about it?

    'While we hoped that popular revolt or coup would topple Saddam, neither the U.S. nor the countries of the region wished to see the breakup of the Iraqi state.* We were concerned about the long-term balance of power at the head of the Gulf. Trying to eliminate Saddam, extending the ground war into an occupation of Iraq, would have violated our guideline about not changing objectives in midstream, engaging in 'mission creep,' and *would have incurred incalculable human and political costs

    Catherine, Bush Senior was just one hell of a lot smarter and wiser than Bush 43. Haven't you all figured that out yet? (well, not Andy Garrett, but then Andy hasn't figured out much, except maybe how to crack open a -belch!- Moosehead. 'hiccup....gawd I luv George Bush. My hero!')
  86. crime of the century from This is not America, Canada writes:
    "Oil exports from Basra of more than 1.5 million barrels a day provide 80 per cent of Iraq's government revenue."

    Evidence the blood for oil program is working as expected, of course the money will find its way out of the pockets of the "oiligarchs" to help the people of Iraq anyday now.
  87. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes:
    Only a few DED - dead - innocent Iraqi citizens. What is 1.3 MILLION dead?

    How do I love thee, let me count the ways . . .

    White phosperous bombs? Nuclear weapons? Abu Gharib?

    How to Win Friends and Influence People - indeed! . . . In deeds.

    .
  88. frederick duquette from Edmonton, Canada writes: Chris E.:

    Interesting speculation, but I would counter with history and Elizabethan tragedy: Can Lear divide a Kingdom between siblings and expect unity? These brothers would have stoked civil war and exploited ethnic tensions to defeat the other, invited Iran or the U.S. or both to their battle, just as the Pharisees/Sadduces invited Rome into Judea to support their boy in the civil war that erupted between Queen Salome's sons 2100 years ago.
    U.S. intervention into an Iraqi civil war was inevitable, Bush merely accelerated the timetable.
  89. Byron Rottweiler from Canada writes: David Sims writes

    'Its completely refreshing and one hundred percent accurate.
    Its fair and just'

    Sure David. If you hate everything Muslim, I'm sure it's very refreshing. All we need to do to solve the world's problems is crush Islam, right?

    Geez, should be a walk in the park compared to taming Basra....(rolls eyes)
  90. Bill Tweezer from Canada writes: Maliki's deadline passsed today, hes making another deadline and so and so on. No one runs that country. Its up for grabs thats why the fighting continues. How can Maliki fight the "outlaws" to the end when he cant even follow a deadline. What a farce. His deadlines are about as meaningful as bush's mission accomplished.
  91. crime of the century from This is not America, Canada writes:
    Raymond P from Canada writes: Is the Globe photo for this article a member of the Shia militia or Blackwater? Although the article mentions masked Shia gunmen, it's hard to tell. There have been reports of Blackwater personnel dressing up as locals in order to better fit in.

    How would the G&M know? Blackwater insurgents, I mean freedom fighters, would never ever admit to this.
  92. Ben SGT/USMC from United States writes:

    Virginia Troy from Calgary, Canada writes:

    "So if you're worried about a 'Muslim menace', I suggest you ask the Americans what on Earth were they thinking."


    We were thinking that the video quality of Saddam's hanging was very poor. One might expect that the audio alone of his neck snapping at the end of an American rope would be jazzed up to at least 5.1 surround effects.

    We were also thinking that "they" would have released the footage of a dead Bin Laden by now, but I guess the time is not right for that quite yet. (I'd give it a few more months, if you know what I mean.)

    We were thinking that of the dozens of permanent US Military bases
    in Iraq, that there would be a Hooters restaurant in one of them...Hell, you can buy a Harley Davidson tax-free in Iraq....but celebrate with some decent wings, beers, and some hot (unveiled) chicks? Guess we're gonna have to wait a bit on that one too.



  93. Bill Tweezer from Canada writes: I wonder what americans think when they hear stories like this.

    President Bush said Friday that the flare-up in violence in oil-rich southern Iraq and parts of Baghdad presents "a defining moment in the history of Iraq"

    How many times in canada do we hear that, i would really like to know what america thinks. How did you elect this individual twice?
  94. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: Synchronicity Tour from Canada....that virus of which you speak seems to have infected your brain and has transformed you into a hate-spewing maniac...or just maybe you were born that way....
  95. Synchronicity Tour from Canada writes: I was just thinking that I am still alive in my final 4 pool. I just need Louisville to win it all. Also I wonder who OBL has for his final 4.
  96. William Ross from Victoria BC, Canada writes: Excellent news I am looking forward to cleaning out the vipers nest in Basra and have maliki and Hakim take care of things - so much for sadr the next issue that should seal the victory is if they can get the Sunni's on board in the gov't it was a stupid thing to do when they boycotted the elections ... very stupid ... but at least they are taking care of business now. After all both Clinton and Obama want to withdraw from Iraq in an orderly fashion and focus on Afghanistan which in turn will help us to get out so we should all be support the yanks right now if we know what is good for us that is.
  97. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes: how many muslims in the world? 4 BILLION?
  98. carol c from Canada writes: 'Hell, you can buy a Harley Davidson tax-free in Iraq....but celebrate with some decent wings, beers, and some hot (unveiled) chicks? Guess we're gonna have to wait a bit on that one too.'

    Let me guess, they can take your right to swill watery beer, eat spicy meat, and drool at a women's breast when they pry it out of your cold, dead, saliva! VIVA FREEDOM!
  99. Vancouver Island Voice from Canada writes: "bring in the napalm" unbelievable. Why stop there? Bring on the nuclear weapons. It's the way WWII ended.

    The whole plan was to keep the "war on terror" off American soil. I wonder how many of us would join a militia if our countries were invaded? our natural resources stolen? our governments replaced?
  100. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: Ben SGT/USMC from United States....it's obvious that you have sought comfort in the word of fantasy to escape the spectre of an imminnent cutting and running....this is going to be so vietnam...
  101. Richard Stanczak from Corunna, Canada writes: Some of these comments are unbelievable. People in Canada wonder how the people in the Middle East can be so hateful and violent. Read some of the posts in the G&M comments and wonder no more. These posters are every bit as racist and hateful as the worst of what is coming out of the Middle East.

    At least there is some history in the Middle East that they have experienced some level of attack/interference from the Western countries. Can the Western countries even begin to claim anywhere near that level?

    Oh right, 9/11 changed everything.
  102. Bill Tweezer from Canada writes:

    "It's going to take awhile, but it's a necessary part of the development of a free society," Bush said at a White House news conference with visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

    This is part of the development of a free society????
  103. Synchronicity Tour from Canada writes: Hey Zando: I am only writing the truth unlike what the anti American, anti Christian hate mongers spew.
  104. jay bow from ny, United States writes: yeah - destroy the nutjobs!! win the battle!! win the war!! dominate the scum of the earth murderers. one day - this place will be free of radicals and we will all be safer
  105. Steve . from Western Canada, Canada writes: It's gonna be a long summer for the US troops in Iraq.
  106. Interested Observer from Vancouver, United States writes: OBL is DED dead - Dec 2001.

    Who is your bogey man now?
  107. Ben SGT/USMC from United States writes:

    I love this "I wonder what an American thinks" stuff!

    " Bill Tweezer from Canada writes: I wonder what americans think when they hear stories like this." ..."How did you elect this individual twice?"

    Easy! Went to the voting precinct, and used the touch-screen thingy and touched the square next to G.W. Bush...on two different occasions.

    (In my case, NOT the box next to Al Gore, or John Kerry, and boy that thought sends shudders up my spine more today than it did back then... President Al Gore? OMG!)

  108. Spear Small from Canada writes: Virginia Troy from Calgary, Canada writes:

    "So if you're worried about a 'Muslim menace', I suggest you ask the Americans what on Earth were they thinking. "

    Ah, this is an easy answer for me: democracy and freedom.
  109. Bohemian Grove Club Member from Canada writes: Bill Tweezer: I think what Bush is saying is that this is the Iraq government's time to shine and stop the violence which its own people are causing. I know blame Bush, blame Bush fact is this is not his fault if Iraqis want to kill one another. When will people put the blame where it belongs on the people shooting rockets and killing their own people? At what point will you people hold the Iraqis responsible for the violence they do and the destruction they do to their own country?
    • Posted 28/03/0