Female suicide bomber kills 16 in Diyala province, and 5 others died in bomb attacks in Baghdad.
Four more US soldiers died.
Rear Admiral Mark Fox admitted that, despite “substantial progress” (whatever that means), “the past four years have also been disappointing, frustrating and increasingly dangerous in many parts of Iraq.”
15,000 troops better unpack their bags, because they probably won’t be coming home as soon as they thought.
Prime Minister Malaki doesn’t want the US to set a timetable to withdraw, while Jordan’s King Hussein says the US shouldn’t withdraw without a timetable.
Iran may not attend the next international conference on Iraq scheduled for May 3-4 in Egypt, and an Iranian official warned that Iran’s relations with the Iraqi government may deteriorate because of the five Iranians seized by American forces back in January who are still being held in captivity.
John McCain continues to insist that he sees signs of progress in Iraq.
And David Broder insists the Democrats must compromise on Iraq because they are in a weaker position than President Bush, despite recent polls that indicate the public supports the Democratic Congress’ position, because Bush is the Commander in Chief. Really. That’s his argument.
I personally would like someone who can do this thing to drag up some of McCain’s old statements on Iraq to see if this is truly what he sees…I would think he would not see any improvement what so ever, if this is compared to other visits.
As far as female bombers, They are all getting tired of this constriction of not being safe and not having their country back too.
I think the Iraqi government and all the rest of the Arab world has got to see just who is behind this roughshodness in their country. I say that we should leave to see if they can make any political strides within their own government to make things work…as long as we call the shots there will not be any winning ever of anything,,,,,,political or military what so ever.
As far as Americans go, they will see improvement when the killing stops, and that especially of Americans int hat country.
Brenda, you are right that America can no longer play a positive role in the resolution of the Iraqi conflict. That can only happen with the active involvement of Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as Iraq’s other neighbors. Even then, the odds are against a happy ending. We have unleashed animosities and hatreds that are now spiraling out of control. Much like Northern Ireland and the Balkans, ethnic, tribal and religious differences have become magnified as a result of our misguided ocupation. I don’t know how you put that Genii back in the bottle at this point, but I know having our troops there isn’t the answer. No one trusts us, not even the Kurds.
Our policy, Democrats included, will be to retain as much control over resources/prices while rehabilitating our reputation through the rejection of current leadership. You will be disappointed if you think the hopes for speedy withdrawal are anything but a cynical play to placate American and global popular sentiment. Bush set a fire that can’t be put out by withdrawing or not withdrawing. We are responsible for it, you and I, no matter how we’ve voted. This tax season, remember where your withholding went. We should recognize that and move from there. The Democrat’s leadership will have to realize this, so maybe we all shouldn’t be as disappointed that they don’t come thru and play it like they couldn’t do more.
Unfortunately for the Iraqis, they are now our Palestinians – whipping boys of a policy of stalemate dictated and necessitated by dependency on the resources of the occupied territory.
Six more months, six more months, mix more months.