70 years after WWII..140,000 troops in Europe/Asia.. Iraq -0 troops

[paulitician]

No Foreign Entanglements. Boy have we strayed from that wise concept. Now we're stuck in the miserable permanent state of war. But like i said, we're bankrupt and falling apart. So this Empire-Building era will come to an end. Its end is inevitable.

 

[BlindBoo]

Idiot....Bush left the WH in 2009. The total withdraw of US forces was in 2011, that is 2 years yet a scumbag like you blames Bush.

The "war" was over when Obama stole the WH, but Obama failed to keep any US combat forces in Iraq to maintain the peace and keep out AQ terrorists and Iran....both are now operating inside Iraq thanks to Obama. Oh wait, it's 2014 and you will blame Bush. ...fucking idiot.

Back in the 1940s they understood in order to maintain the peace and help Germany and Japan nevermind their neighbors to rebuild, the US had to keep troops there.

Today we have idiots in charge that don't care about finishing the job and keeping the peace, winning elections is more important. Just look at their idiot supporters on this board....

Actually after Germany surrendered all eyes turned to the east to look at the Red army with great suspicion and apprehension.

The occupation of Iraq was vastly different the the occupation of Germany and Japan.

President Bush simply couldn't get the job done so he punted and agreed to the withdrawal of US forces by the end of 2011. That is the hard cold fact of the matter. The Shiite's in Iraq allied with Iran. Iran was calling the shots when Iraq refused to allow US troops immunity as they knew no US president would allow our troops to be subjected to Iraqi law.

It was 3 years after Bushes term was up, not 2.

President Obama was elected president. President Bush signed the agreement to remove all US force by 2012. Those are the hard cold facts that you apparently don't like and want desperately to blame those fact on anyone but Mr. Bush. Good luck with that.

 

[BlindBoo]

Every thinking person knew that the Iraqi army could not be trained in two years. The result was the army threw down their weapons and fled.

If Obama did not intend this to happen, he is too incompetent to lead anything. He is too incompetent to listen to his own commanders.

Two years? Bush choose to invaded them in 2003.

The Bush administration's single biggest mistake in the first few months after Saddam Hussein's ouster—the order, in May 2003, to disband the Iraqi army.

It was a move that put 250,000 young Iraqi men out of a job, out on the streets, angry, and armed—and all but guaranteed the violent chaos to come.

Who disbanded the Iraqi army?

 

[1776]

You lying sack of shit, Bush projected a withdraw of most US troops but was working on a SOFA to keep a small force there to train the ISF and keep the peace.

Obama undermined the SOFA talks by sending Biden and low balling the troop numbers so that Iraq would reject the offer.

Blaming Bush for what Obama did shows you are insane and scum.

Idiot....Bush left the WH in 2009. The total withdraw of US forces was in 2011, that is 2 years yet a scumbag like you blames Bush.

The "war" was over when Obama stole the WH, but Obama failed to keep any US combat forces in Iraq to maintain the peace and keep out AQ terrorists and Iran....both are now operating inside Iraq thanks to Obama. Oh wait, it's 2014 and you will blame Bush. ...fucking idiot.

Actually after Germany surrendered all eyes turned to the east to look at the Red army with great suspicion and apprehension.

The occupation of Iraq was vastly different the the occupation of Germany and Japan.

President Bush simply couldn't get the job done so he punted and agreed to the withdrawal of US forces by the end of 2011. That is the hard cold fact of the matter. The Shiite's in Iraq allied with Iran. Iran was calling the shots when Iraq refused to allow US troops immunity as they knew no US president would allow our troops to be subjected to Iraqi law.

It was 3 years after Bushes term was up, not 2.

President Obama was elected president. President Bush signed the agreement to remove all US force by 2012. Those are the hard cold facts that you apparently don't like and want desperately to blame those fact on anyone but Mr. Bush. Good luck with that.

 

[paperview]

FLASHBACK: [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif] December 2008 [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] President Bush and Iraq Prime Minister Maliki Sign the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement [/FONT]
Prime Minister's Palace
Baghdad, Iraq

In Focus: Iraq

8:03 P.M. (Local)
PRIME MINISTER MALIKI: (As translated.) I'd like to welcome the President of the United States, President George W. Bush. I would like to welcome you here as a guest. You have stood by Iraq and the Iraqi people for a very long time, starting with the -- getting rid of the dictatorship, helping the Iraqis to fight terrorism.
Your visit today to Iraq, Mr. President, comes after the signing of the agreement between the two countries, which represents -- (audio drop) -- foundation and draws a road map that will govern and guide the relationship between the two states.
I believe that Iraq, we have performed and have done great work in a cooperative and integrated way in fighting terror. We have succeeded in Iraq, and we hope that efforts also around the world will succeed in defeating terrorism. Today Iraq is moving forward in every field. Through the new Iraqi political system we are working very hard through this, as well as developing the Iraqi economy, and reconstruction of Iraq. We are doing all of this in order for Iraq to restore its rightful place among nations and among the world, and away from the previous reckless policies that focused on wars with the previous regime.

The various political institutions have taken a very strong leadership position and the agreement was ratified, was approved by our political system, our parliament, and various institutions of the Iraqi government. They have approved and ratified the SOFA agreement and the withdrawal of American forces. We believe that these efforts culminated the height of real understanding and cooperation and friendship between Iraq and the United States. Now remains the part of implementing such an agreement. Now we are in the process of forming the proper committees that will carry out all elements of the various two agreements that were signed -- and I'm referring to the various fields, military, scientific, educational, commerce, as well as economic fields.

President Bush, you have played a very supportive role in achieving and concluding this agreement and prior to the actual date of starting to implement this agreement, in January 1, '09 we already start working through the United Nations Security Council we are in the process of drafting a resolution that will make it very clear that Iraq no longer represents a threat to world peace and security. And also a resolution that will set the basis for the protection of Iraqi financial capabilities and bring Iraq back to its rightful place among world communities.
Once again I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you, Mr. President. Once again I wish you a very joyful stay here in Baghdad and a safe trip back home.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your kind invitation and your hospitality. I also want to thank the presidency council for their hospitality, as well. And I'm looking forward to some food. (Laughter.)
I am also looking forward to signing the joint statement here affirming two landmark agreements that solidify Iraq's democratic gains, that recognize Iraq's sovereignty, and that puts the relations between our two countries on a solid footing today and a solid footing tomorrow. They cement a strategic partnership between our two countries, and they pave the way for American forces to return home, as the war in Iraq approaches a successful end.

The Strategic Framework Agreement formalizes, as it says in the agreement, formalizes "a relationship of friendship and cooperation" between our two countries in the economic, diplomatic, cultural, and security fields. Under this agreement, we will work together to bring greater stability to Iraq and the region, as well as promote trade and investment between our nations. We will work to strengthen democratic institutions.

I'm sure you can remember what life was two years ago. When we were working together during that period such an agreement seemed unimaginable. Chaos and violence were consuming Iraq. The terrorists were seizing new ground, and the Iraqi people were beginning to divide the Iraqi people along sectarian lines. But you were determined, and I was determined to do something differently -- not to allow Iraq to fall into civil war.

And our plan is working. You notice I say "our plan." Today, violence is down dramatically. Al Qaeda is driven from its safe havens. Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds are sitting together at the same table to part -- to peacefully chart the future of this

country. There is hope in the eyes of Iraqis' young. This is a future of what we've been fighting for -- a strong and capable democratic Iraq that will be a force of freedom and a force for peace in the heart of the Middle East; a country that will serve as a source for stability in a volatile region; a country that will deny a safe haven to al Qaeda. As a result of these successes, Mr. Prime Minister, the American people are safer.
We're also signing a Security Agreement, sometimes called a Status of Forces Agreement. The agreement provides American troops and Defense Department officials with authorizations and protections to continue supporting Iraq's democracy once the U.N. mandate expires at the end of this year. This agreement respects the sovereignty and the authority of Iraq's democracy. The agreement lays out a framework for the withdrawal of American forces in Iraq -- a withdrawal that is possible because of the success of the surge.

These agreements result from careful consultations with the Prime Minister and the officials of Iraq, as well as our diplomats and our military commanders. They represent a shared vision on the way forward in Iraq.
The American people have sacrificed a great deal to reach this moment. The battle in Iraq has required a great amount of time and resources. Thousands of our finest citizens have given their lives to make our country safer and to bring us to this new day.

We also praise the thousands of the coalition forces that came, and the sacrifices that those countries have made. And the Iraqi people have sacrificed a lot. They've suffered car bombings and suicide attacks and IEDs, and desperate efforts by terrorists to destroy a young democracy. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have stepped forward to defend this democracy, and many have paid a dear price.
With these agreements, Mr. Prime Minister, we're honoring the sacrifices that I just described in the best possible way -- by building a freer, safer, and more hopeful world. By signing these agreements we're showing the people of Iraq the United States of America keeps its word. And we are showing the people of the Middle East that America stands firmly for liberty and justice and peace. And we are leaving the next President with a stable foundation for the future, and an approach that can enjoy broad bipartisan support at home.

There is still more work to be done. The war is not yet over -- but with the conclusion of these agreements and the courage of the Iraqi people and the Iraqi troops and American troops and civilian personnel, it is decisively on its way to being won.
Shukran Jazeelan.

(Audience interruption.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Okay, everybody calm down for a minute. First of all thank you for apologizing on behalf of the Iraqi people. It doesn't bother me. And if you want some -- if you want the facts, it's a size 10 shoe that he threw. (Laughter.) Thank you for your concern, do not worry about it.
Q (As translated.) A question, Mr. Prime Minister and others, you all talked about the various gains that will come as a result of signing this agreement. But just quickly I have one question about the withdrawal of American forces. Is this going to be an accelerated process that will happen quickly and perhaps prematurely?
PRESIDENT BUSH: First of all, we're here at the Iraqi -- at the request of the Iraqi government. It's an elected government. There are certain benchmarks that will be met -- such as troops out of the cities by June of '09. And then there's a benchmark at the end of the agreement.
As to the pace of meeting those agreements, that will depend of course upon the Iraqi government, the recommendations of the Iraqi military, and the close coordination between General Odierno and our military.
These are very important agreements. And the government of Iraq worked very hard to get them through the parliament.
Jennifer.



Q (Inaudible.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: So what if a guy threw a shoe at me?
Q But you are also very (inaudible) about progress -- (inaudible). Do you consider this a victory lap?



PRESIDENT BUSH: No, I consider it a important step in -- on the road toward an Iraq that can sustain itself, govern itself and defend itself.
But let me talk about the guy throwing the shoe....

http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/12/20081214-2.html

Oh, those days...

 

[1776]

paperview is an idiot spammer.

 

[BlindBoo]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k80nW6AOhTs]Jane you Ignorant slut - YouTube[/ame]

Obama had nothing to do with Bushes signing the SOFA that kicked US forces out by 2012. Had the Iraqis changed their minds President Obama would have gladly let more troops remain to help advise, train and keep the peace. Maliki and the Shiites don't want peace with the Sunnis.

You lying sack of shit, Bush projected a withdraw of most US troops but was working on a SOFA to keep a small force there to train the ISF and keep the peace.

Obama undermined the SOFA talks by sending Biden and low balling the troop numbers so that Iraq would reject the offer.

Blaming Bush for what Obama did shows you are insane and scum.

Idiot....Bush left the WH in 2009. The total withdraw of US forces was in 2011, that is 2 years yet a scumbag like you blames Bush.

The "war" was over when Obama stole the WH, but Obama failed to keep any US combat forces in Iraq to maintain the peace and keep out AQ terrorists and Iran....both are now operating inside Iraq thanks to Obama. Oh wait, it's 2014 and you will blame Bush. ...fucking idiot.

It was 3 years after Bushes term was up, not 2.

President Obama was elected president. President Bush signed the agreement to remove all US force by 2012. Those are the hard cold facts that you apparently don't like and want desperately to blame those fact on anyone but Mr. Bush. Good luck with that.

 

[Kosh]

WOW the far left will still blame Bush no matter how much Obama screws it up.

 

[Claudette]

Personally I think we should remove all US troops from Europe. Anything happens over there than they can defend themselves.

Through two WW's I think we've shed more than enough blood in Europe.

We should leave troops in South Korea because of the threat of NK.

 

[BlindBoo]

WOW the far left will still blame Bush no matter how much Obama screws it up.

Oh come on now, President Obama soundly defeated McCain/Palin before President Bush agreed to remove all our troop by 2012, but still, even as a lame duck, it was Bushes call. The Civil war in Iraq was not caused by Obama. That division started early in the occupation.

 

[RoshawnMarkwees]

No Foreign Entanglements. Boy have we strayed from that wise concept. Now we're stuck in the miserable permanent state of war. But like i said, we're bankrupt and falling apart. So this Empire-Building era will come to an end. Its end is inevitable.

You pseudo-isolationists need to remember that Washington talked about avoiding foreign alliances in 1797. In today's electronic world people can't even be sure they're not dealing with someone from other side of the world when they reply post on an internet forum. Get it?

 

[RoshawnMarkwees]

WOW the far left will still blame Bush no matter how much Obama screws it up.

Oh come on now, President Obama soundly defeated McCain/Palin before President Bush agreed to remove all our troop by 2012, but still, even as a lame duck, it was Bushes call. The Civil war in Iraq was not caused by Obama. That division started early in the occupation.

You partisan sheeple know no bounds.
When the Iraq invasion resulted in the kindergarten teacher being removed from the classroom chaos erupted. In spite of backwards pseudo-liberal democrat sheeple protesting Iraq like it was still 1968, Bush replaced the kindergarten teacher with a friendlier-to-us version and then obama, in appealing to his own 1960's anti-Vietnam mindset and appeasing his backward constituency of 1960's anti-Vietnam voters, removed the second kindergarten teacher from the classroom and his move has resulted in more chaos. This is on obama.

 

[BlindBoo]

WOW the far left will still blame Bush no matter how much Obama screws it up.

Oh come on now, President Obama soundly defeated McCain/Palin before President Bush agreed to remove all our troop by 2012, but still, even as a lame duck, it was Bushes call. The Civil war in Iraq was not caused by Obama. That division started early in the occupation.

You partisan sheeple know no bounds.
When the Iraq invasion resulted in the kindergarten teacher being removed from the classroom chaos erupted. In spite of backwards pseudo-liberal democrat sheeple protesting Iraq like it was still 1968, Bush replaced the kindergarten teacher with a friendlier-to-us version and then obama, in appealing to his own 1960's anti-Vietnam mindset and appeasing his backward constituency of 1960's anti-Vietnam voters, removed the second kindergarten teacher from the classroom and his move has resulted in more chaos. This is on obama.

Maliki gets most of the blame.

 

[bendog]

Oh come on now, President Obama soundly defeated McCain/Palin before President Bush agreed to remove all our troop by 2012, but still, even as a lame duck, it was Bushes call. The Civil war in Iraq was not caused by Obama. That division started early in the occupation.

You partisan sheeple know no bounds.
When the Iraq invasion resulted in the kindergarten teacher being removed from the classroom chaos erupted. In spite of backwards pseudo-liberal democrat sheeple protesting Iraq like it was still 1968, Bush replaced the kindergarten teacher with a friendlier-to-us version and then obama, in appealing to his own 1960's anti-Vietnam mindset and appeasing his backward constituency of 1960's anti-Vietnam voters, removed the second kindergarten teacher from the classroom and his move has resulted in more chaos. This is on obama.

Maliki gets most of the blame.

Well, yes, but Bushii's neocons had already dismantled the Iraqi Army. So, civil war was inevitable. Malaki just never tried to build any national unity. And, looking even more broadly, the baath (the army) started out as a reformist group aimed at ridding their countries of colonial stooges. Saddam and Assad the Elder were corrupted. But there was a democratic underpinning to the Baathist movement. One can ask why we didn't try to tap into that? I think the answer is simply that anti-colonial movements were directly contrary to the interests of the neocons who led us into war. Wolfowitz, Cheney, Kristol ....

 

[paulitician]

Obama has ordered 'Military Advisers' to Iraq. So it looks like we'll be getting involved with this mess again. How sad.

 

[bendog]

I doubt it, as Sadr's Mahdi Army wants to kill all Americans, and he's actually not the most anti-American in the lot. I'm not sure why we sent "advisors." Possibly to set the stage for airstrikes, because you need forward observers to actually bomb people. See, e.g. Stevens and Libya.