View Single Post
jyl jyl is online now
Registered
 
jyl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nor California & Pac NW
Posts: 24,863
Garage
Rumsfield's Parting Thoughts

Rumsfield's memo to Bush, shortly before he was fired.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/world/middleeast/03mtext.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Excerpt:

"The situation in Iraq has been evolving, and U.S. forces have adjusted, over time, from major combat operations to counterterrorism, to counterinsurgency, to dealing with death squads and sectarian violence. In my view it is time for a major adjustment. Clearly, what U.S. forces are currently doing in Iraq is not working well enough or fast enough."

The memo goes on to list numerous options. The general thrust is to begin pulling US troops out - closing 90% of bases by mid-07, withdraw forces from cities and patrolling, moving troops to Kuwait, cease providing security to some areas of the country, drawing down Coalition forces - while providing more resources to the Iraqi forces - transfer equipment, embed more trainers.

The memo also suggests talking down American expectations about what will be accomplished in Iraq.

"¶Announce that whatever new approach the U.S. decides on, the U.S. is doing so on a trial basis. This will give us the ability to readjust and move to another course, if necessary, and therefore not “lose.”

¶Recast the U.S. military mission and the U.S. goals (how we talk about them) — go minimalist."
__________________
1989 3.2 Carrera coupe; 1988 Westy Vanagon, Zetec; 1986 E28 M30; 1994 W124; 2004 S211
What? Uh . . . “he” and “him”?
Old 12-02-2006, 11:14 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #1 (permalink)