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I try to go one step further to study local opinions on the war: its a good topic both at church and at local drinking establishments.
I've heard all kinds of opinions on the war ranging from: "We have no business being there and anyone who goes deserves what they get!" to "we should blow-em up and make 'em follow the U.S. Constitution!."
Maybe its the alchohol, but I guess the old adage en vino veritas still holds truth, except at church...its just grape juice.
The fact remains: we're engaged in the war in Iraq. Since we are there, we have to do a proper job. Anything less and we suffer many more losses than necessary, our reputation falls apart and we hand Iraq over to the chaos and civil war that is ensuing, right?
The original strategy, as proposed by Gen. Shinseki and former Secretary of State Colin Powell was to impose our will on post-invasion Iraq with larger numbers of troops, while training up the new Iraqi Army into an independent, self-policing organization.
There's been a great deal of political infighting about the troop surge and sadly the careers of some very honorable and capable men were ended, but they were right all along! And the new strategy recognizes this. Seems like we're on the right track as the Iraqi army is picking up the reigns.
Iraqi Army catches Baqubah Insurgents
Women in Iraqi Army Defy Insurgents
Iraq lead operation results in deaths of over 300 enemy combatants
What's important here is that the Iraqi's are gradually taking control of their own nation.
In the second article above, women are taking steps to fight for their country - a move that could marginally improve their status in a new society still governed by the principles of Islam.
How can we make them understand our use of tactics - as shown in the hummer video above - are necessary while still winning the hearts and minds?
I try to go one step further to study local opinions on the war: its a good topic both at church and at local drinking establishments.
I've heard all kinds of opinions on the war ranging from: "We have no business being there and anyone who goes deserves what they get!" to "we should blow-em up and make 'em follow the U.S. Constitution!."
Maybe its the alchohol, but I guess the old adage en vino veritas still holds truth, except at church...its just grape juice.
The fact remains: we're engaged in the war in Iraq. Since we are there, we have to do a proper job. Anything less and we suffer many more losses than necessary, our reputation falls apart and we hand Iraq over to the chaos and civil war that is ensuing, right?
The original strategy, as proposed by Gen. Shinseki and former Secretary of State Colin Powell was to impose our will on post-invasion Iraq with larger numbers of troops, while training up the new Iraqi Army into an independent, self-policing organization.
There's been a great deal of political infighting about the troop surge and sadly the careers of some very honorable and capable men were ended, but they were right all along! And the new strategy recognizes this. Seems like we're on the right track as the Iraqi army is picking up the reigns.
Iraqi Army catches Baqubah Insurgents
Women in Iraqi Army Defy Insurgents
Iraq lead operation results in deaths of over 300 enemy combatants
What's important here is that the Iraqi's are gradually taking control of their own nation.
In the second article above, women are taking steps to fight for their country - a move that could marginally improve their status in a new society still governed by the principles of Islam.
How can we make them understand our use of tactics - as shown in the hummer video above - are necessary while still winning the hearts and minds?
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