In Iraq: Scapegoats Wanted - Defense Secretary Need Not Apply
Speculation is rising that American generals in Iraq will soon be cited for mistakes of strategy that have cost lives and apparently worsened the situation on the ground. Specifically mentioned is General John Abizaid, the man who replaced General Tommy Franks, the man credited with the successful invasion of Iraq and blamed for the war after the war.
Fueling this speculation are a variety of magazine and journal reports that are obviously being “sourced” from the White House. It is common knowledge that the Generals have been asking for more manpower for several years and that this war has been micro-managed by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the most arrogant defense chief in the last five decades.
So, will some of the Generals be replaced? No question that after the election, there will be changes. The only hope is that the man who is leading the chain of command will recognize his mistakes of judgment and vision and his absolute intolerance of input. Rumsfeld should quit. This is Donald Rumsfeld’s war, and it is astounding to anyone watching the daily dispatches to comprehend why he is still in office. His very presence is a morale problem for our brave forces and the gut and courage they have to deal with every day.
There will be a search for scapegoats when the election is over. The Generals may be misguided, but they have certainly been stifled by their commander who reports to the Commander-in-Chief.
Months ago this issue would have been viewed as partisan political war. That has changed. The reign of the Defense boss has been villified by Democrats and Republicans. No one can claim partisan infighting anymore.
If we are to somehow succeed or find a careful way out of Iraq, the nation will need a fresh view to extricate us from the mess or change tactics.
A final note: The comments by the Iraqi Prime Minister, who has been propped up by our military might that he is “not America’s man in Iraq”, are an undeniable blow to the President’s commitment to him. His comments were designed to bolster his support for the wave of anti-Americanism in Iraq. But in the end, the public here will lose more confidence in the war effort.
