Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label Iraq War Sept. 2007 Petraeus Report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iraq War Sept. 2007 Petraeus Report. Show all posts

Sunday, November 25, 2012

“Where the hell is Olivia Pope when you really need her?” Jamaica Observer Style Observer By Sharon Leach


“Where the hell is Olivia Pope when you really need her?” Jamaica Observer Style Observer By Sharon Leach Sunday, November 18, 2012 http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Where-the-hell-is-Olivia-Pope-when-you-really-need-her_13007341

“E-mails are the spawn of Satan.”

“Similarly, the more important a position or office a man holds, the more likely he is to do some dumb shit.”

“I think what happens in a public figure's personal life should be just that: personal. Not in the public arena. I don't care what anyone wants to say: … What good purpose, other than the cruel sport of ho-shaming, can the public picking apart of these people serve for the figures, their families?

This and much more from: “Where the hell is Olivia Pope when you really need her?” Jamaica Observer Style Observer By Sharon Leach Sunday, November 18, 2012 http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Where-the-hell-is-Olivia-Pope-when-you-really-need-her_13007341

See also: Kevin Dayhoff The Tentacle General (Petraeus) Chaos http://tinyurl.com/abc78l8


“General Chaos” by Kevin E. Dayhoff November 21, 2012 http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41

On Monday, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a statement in which he said that the “recent allegations” swirling-around high-ranking military officers are “not a distraction.”

[…]

It was just days after the election when it was publically revealed that CIA Director David Petraeus was resigning his post because he had conducted an extra-marital affair with Lt. Col. Paula Broadwell, his biographer, from late 2011 until last summer… http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=5475



Kevin Dayhoff The Tentacle General (Petraeus) Chaos http://tinyurl.com/abc78l8
*****

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Who is Holly Petraeus? by Adriana Velez at CaféMom.com


Who Is Holly Petraeus? The Scorned General's Wife Isn't All She Seems


As the Petraeus sex scandal continues to spiral, there's one person I keep wondering about: David's wife of 37 years, Holly Petraeus. How is she taking this scandal? Is she furious, heartbroken -- is she surprised? Did she ever suspect her husband was fooling around?

You've seen the photos of Holly: A grandmotherly woman with a gray bob and swept bangs, almost always smiling, glasses perched on her nose. She reminds me of oatmeal cookies -- sweet, wholesome, and a little old-fashioned. But dainty? Forget it. Behind that kind smile is a woman made of iron. She's an Army wife. Not just an Army wife, but a four-star General's wife who's managed to forge her own path and identity.

Holly is what they call military royalty. Her father is retired four-star General William Knowlton, formerly the superintendent of the United States Military Academy when Petraeus was a cadet there. He also served as a NATO commander. Holly's ancestors fought in the Civil War, Spanish American War, and the Indian Wars.

*****

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Or this General Betray Us?: McCain Asks When Clinton Will Apologize to Petraeus




Or this General Betray Us? McCain Asks When Clinton Will Apologize to Petraeus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXcXzoHjqhE&feature=related


*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

20080406 Politics versus Petraeus

Politics vs. Petraeus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR8p0bro9RM

Added: April 06, 2008

Politics vs. Petraeus. The latest video from the Republican National Committee

I still wonder… see:

20080324 McCain asks when Clinton will apologize to Petraeus

March 24, 2008

Hat Tip:

http://www.memeorandum.com/080326/p10#a080326p10

Brianinmo / BLOGS FOR JOHN McCAIN:

McCain Asks When Hillary Clinton Will Apologize to Gen. Petraeus - Video — Here is Sen. John McCain on March 24, 2008 asking when Sen. Hillary Clinton will apologize to Gen. David Petraeus for her remarks last year ridiculing the idea that “The Surge” strategy in Iraq was working.

****

Courtesy of “Blogs for McCain

McCain Asks When Hillary Clinton Will Apologize to Gen. Petraeus - Video

http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/mccain-asks-when-hillary-clinton-will-apologize-gen-petraeus-video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXcXzoHjqhE

Here is Sen. John McCain on March 24, 2008 asking when Sen. Hillary Clinton will apologize to Gen. David Petraeus for her remarks last year ridiculing the idea that "The Surge" strategy in Iraq was working. McCain also said both Clinton and Obama are advocating a policy of "disaster and defeat" in Iraq.

UPDATE: For reference, here is Hillary Clinton's statement to Gen. David Petraeus on Sept. 11, 2007:

Hillary Calls Petraeus Report Unbelievable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0isifAC8IQ

Sen. Hillary Clinton told GEN Petraeus Tuesday in the Senate Armed Services Committee testimony that his testimony required the "willing suspenion of disbelief." After naming it a failed policy in Iraq, Petraeus pointed out that she knows Congress...

_____

Monday, March 24, 2008

20080324 McCain asks when Clinton will apologize to Petraeus

McCain asks when Clinton will apologize to Petraeus


March 24, 2008


Hat Tip:

http://www.memeorandum.com/080326/p10#a080326p10

Brianinmo / BLOGS FOR JOHN McCAIN:

McCain Asks When Hillary Clinton Will Apologize to Gen. Petraeus - Video — Here is Sen. John McCain on March 24, 2008 asking when Sen. Hillary Clinton will apologize to Gen. David Petraeus for her remarks last year ridiculing the idea that “The Surge” strategy in Iraq was working.

****

Courtesy of “Blogs for McCain

McCain Asks When Hillary Clinton Will Apologize to Gen. Petraeus - Video

http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/mccain-asks-when-hillary-clinton-will-apologize-gen-petraeus-video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXcXzoHjqhE

Here is Sen. John McCain on March 24, 2008 asking when Sen. Hillary Clinton will apologize to Gen. David Petraeus for her remarks last year ridiculing the idea that "The Surge" strategy in Iraq was working. McCain also said both Clinton and Obama are advocating a policy of "disaster and defeat" in Iraq.

UPDATE: For reference, here is Hillary Clinton's statement to Gen. David Petraeus on Sept. 11, 2007:

Hillary Calls Petraeus Report Unbelievable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0isifAC8IQ

Sen. Hillary Clinton told GEN Petraeus Tuesday in the Senate Armed Services Committee testimony that his testimony required the "willing suspenion of disbelief." After naming it a failed policy in Iraq, Petraeus pointed out that she knows Congress...

_____

Discussion: The Impolitic, Sister Toldjah, Comments from Left Field, Hot Air, Macsmind, Stop The ACLU, Forum: News/Activism and No More Mister Nice Blog

Discussion:

Libby Spencer / The Impolitic: Hillary and McCain — I'm back to work today so just a short post at the moment.

Sister Toldjah: McCain to Hillary: When will you apologize for Petraeus remark?

Tas / Comments from Left Field: I Can Has Accountability?

Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: Video: McCain demands apology to Petraeus from Hillary

Macranger / Macsmind: McCain to Hillary - Apologize to General Patraeus

Jay / Stop The ACLU: (Video)McCain: When Will Hillary Apologize to General Petraeus?

Blogs for John McCain / Forum: News/Activism: McCain Asks When Hillary Clinton Will Apologize to Gen. Petraeus - Video

Steve M. / No More Mister Nice Blog: D'OH! — I'm sure John McCain was saving this up …

All Related Discussion

RELATED:

Glenn Greenwald / Salon: What can and cannot be spoken on television

Reuters: Chavez says U.S. relations could worsen with McCain

Discussion: Hot Air and BLOGS FOR JOHN McCAIN

Saturday, September 22, 2007

20070916 Sister Souljah moments by Joan Vennochi

Sister Souljah moments By Joan Vennochi, Globe Columnist | September 16, 2007

Posted here on Soundtrack, September 22, 2007 because earlier yesterday, I saw a news clip of presidential candidate New York Senator Hillary Clinton, once again, refuse to denounce the New York subsidized MoveOn.org “Petraeus Ad,” in a barrage of double-speak…

Sister Souljah moments: BILL CLINTON invented the Sister Souljah moment. Is having one still a political requirement or more a political cliche?

Back in 1992, Clinton made headlines when he chastised rap artist and community activist Sister Souljah for saying, "If black people kill black people every day, why not have a week and kill white people?" His rebuke came in an appearance before Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition: "If you took the words, 'white' and 'black' and you reversed them, you might think David Duke was giving that speech," the then-presidential candidate said.

This so-called "Sister Souljah moment" - a calculated denunciation of an extremist position or special interest group - wrapped Clinton in a warm centrist glow just in time for the general election.

Now, Republicans are pushing Democrats, especially Hillary Clinton, to repudiate the "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?" ad unveiled by MoveOn.org, which represents the antiwar left.

In a scathing statement about Clinton's failure to reject the ad, Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona said, "If you're not tough enough to repudiate a scurrilous, outrageous attack such as that, then I don't know how you're tough enough to be president of the United States."

[…]

Read the rest here: Sister Souljah moments

Hillary's Sister Souljah Moment?

Seems presidential candidate New York Senator Hillary Clinton keeps having these “Sister Souljah Moments” or rather the lack of them.

Then again, an opportunistic Senator Clinton will say anything and stand for nothing except whatever it takes to win the presidency. No values, no morals, no ethics except to crassly promote an overbearing and burdensome big government agenda in which our quality of life and safety will be at risk.

Hillary's Sister Souljah Moment?

This video was loaded on to YouTube 4 months ago and yet in light of her steadfast refusal to denounce MoveOn.org’s ad which slimed General Petraeus...

After criticizing Don Imus, Senator Clinton recently accepted donations raised with the help of rapper Timbaland, whose lyrics contain the same language that Imus used. If Senator Clinton is serious about condemning Imus' remarks, she should return the money from those like Timbaland and Hugh Hefner whose views of women are no less sexist and small-minded.

####

Sunday, September 16, 2007

20070915 David Keelan: Rudy vs. Hillary and MoveOn.org

David Keelan: Rudy vs. Hillary and MoveOn.org

September 16th, 2007

Many thanks to David Keelan over at “Howard County Maryland Blog” for calling to our attention the Rudy Giuliani ad featuring yet another enigmatic critical stumble by 2008 presidential candidate, New York Senator Hillary Clinton.

If the Howard County Maryland Blog is not part of your regular reading, then you are missing out.

Meanwhile, watch this: “She Changed:”

This ad focuses on Senator Clinton's politically expedient positions on the War in Iraq, as well as her support for the ad attacking General Petraeus placed by MoveOn.org in The New York Times.
www.JoinRudy2008.com

Consider going to YouTube here and checking out the related videos and “More Videos From This Channel.”

Also see:

20070912 Comparing MoveOn.org’s NYTimes ad to ads about Sen. John Kerry in 2004

Iraq War Sept. 2007 Petraeus Report

Hillary Clinton Watch

Sen. Clinton Questions Gen. David Petraeus at Senate Hearing

Rudy On The Dems Failure To Condemn MoveOn.Org's Attack

Petraeus Hears Senate Panel's Take on Iraq

And for good measure:

19981216 President Clinton explains Iraq strike

Kerry John

####

Friday, September 14, 2007

20070912 Comparing MoveOn.org’s NYTimes ad to ads about Sen. John Kerry in 2004

Comparing MoveOn.org’s NYTimes ad to ads about Sen. John Kerry in 2004

September 12th, 2007


A number of folks have vigorously defended The General Petraeus New York Times Ad by regurgitating the Swift Boat Veterans’ ads about 2004 presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry.



To be certain, both Senator Kerry and General Petraeus testified in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.


But here is where the wheels come off the cart. As so eloquently memorialized by Col. Oliver North on August 27th, 2004, in a column titled, “Bring it in John,” he wrote:


On April 22, 1971, under oath, you told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that you had knowledge that American troops "had personally raped, cut off ears, cut off heads, taped wires from portable telephones to human genitals and turned up the power, cut off limbs, blown up bodies, randomly shot at civilians, razed villages in fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan, shot cattle and dogs for fun, poisoned food stocks, and generally ravaged the country side of South Vietnam." And you admitted on television that "yes, yes, I committed the same kind of atrocities as thousands of other soldiers have committed."


And for good measure you stated, "(America is) more guilty than any other body, of violations of (the) Geneva Conventions ... the torture of prisoners, the killing of prisoners."



In a compare and contrast of General Petraeus and Sen. Kerry, those of us who know history and witnessed the events of April 22, 1971 are quite surprised that liberals dare even mention the name Sen. Kerry in the same paragraph with General Petraeus.


References and related:

20040827 “Bring it on John” by Oliver North

20070912 Hatch on Move On by Don Surber

20070910 The General Petraeus New York Times Ad

20070730 NYTimes Op-Ed: A War We Just Might Win by O’Hanlon and Pollack

20070910 Petraeus Doesn’t Cook the Books Just the facts by Michael O’Hanlon

Thursday, September 13, 2007

20070913 Address by the President to the Nation on the Way Forward in Iraq


For Immediate Release

Office of the Press Secretary

September 13, 2007

Address by the President to the Nation on the Way Forward in Iraq

Oval Office

Video (Windows) /news/releases/2007/09/20070913-2.wm.v.html

Presidential Remarks

Audio

Fact Sheet: "Return On Success" Guiding Principle For Troop Levels In Iraq

9:01 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. In the life of all free nations, there come moments that decide the direction of a country and reveal the character of its people. We are now at such a moment.

In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival. Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are seeking to topple Iraq's government, dominate the region, and attack us here at home. If Iraq's young democracy can turn back these enemies, it will mean a more hopeful Middle East and a more secure America. This ally has placed its trust in the United States. And tonight, our moral and strategic imperatives are one: We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future and also threaten ours.

Eight months ago, we adopted a new strategy to meet that objective, including a surge in U.S. forces that reached full strength in June. This week, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testified before Congress about how that strategy is progressing. In their testimony, these men made clear that our challenge in Iraq is formidable. Yet they concluded that conditions in Iraq are improving, that we are seizing the initiative from the enemy, and that the troop surge is working.

The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is the foundation for all other progress. For Iraqis to bridge sectarian divides, they need to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. For lasting reconciliation to take root, Iraqis must feel confident that they do not need sectarian gangs for security. The goal of the surge is to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it. As I will explain tonight, our success in meeting these objectives now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home.

Since the surge was announced in January, it has moved through several phases. First was the flow of additional troops into Iraq, especially Baghdad and Anbar province. Once these forces were in place, our commanders launched a series of offensive operations to drive terrorists and militias out of their strongholds. And finally, in areas that have been cleared, we are surging diplomatic and civilian resources to ensure that military progress is quickly followed up with real improvements in daily life.

Anbar province is a good example of how our strategy is working. Last year, an intelligence report concluded that Anbar had been lost to al Qaeda. Some cited this report as evidence that we had failed in Iraq and should cut our losses and pull out. Instead, we kept the pressure on the terrorists. The local people were suffering under the Taliban-like rule of al Qaeda, and they were sick of it. So they asked us for help.

To take advantage of this opportunity, I sent an additional 4,000 Marines to Anbar as part of the surge. Together, local sheiks, Iraqi forces, and coalition troops drove the terrorists from the capital of Ramadi and other population centers. Today, a city where al Qaeda once planted its flag is beginning to return to normal. Anbar citizens who once feared beheading for talking to an American or Iraqi soldier now come forward to tell us where the terrorists are hiding. Young Sunnis who once joined the insurgency are now joining the army and police. And with the help of our provincial reconstruction teams, new jobs are being created and local governments are meeting again.

These developments do not often make the headlines, but they do make a difference. During my visit to Anbar on Labor Day, local Sunni leaders thanked me for America's support. They pledged they would never allow al Qaeda to return. And they told me they now see a place for their people in a democratic Iraq. The Sunni governor of Anbar province put it this way: "Our tomorrow starts today."

The changes in Anbar show all Iraqis what becomes possible when extremists are driven out. They show al Qaeda that it cannot count on popular support, even in a province its leaders once declared their home base. And they show the world that ordinary people in the Middle East want the same things for their children that we want for ours -- a decent life and a peaceful future.

In Anbar, the enemy remains active and deadly. Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheikhs who helped lead the revolt against al Qaeda was murdered. In response, a fellow Sunni leader declared: "We are determined to strike back and continue our work." And as they do, they can count on the continued support of the United States.

Throughout Iraq, too many citizens are being killed by terrorists and death squads. And for most Iraqis, the quality of life is far from where it should be. Yet General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker report that the success in Anbar is beginning to be replicated in other parts of the country.

One year ago, much of Baghdad was under siege. Schools were closed, markets were shuttered, and sectarian violence was spiraling out of control. Today, most of Baghdad's neighborhoods are being patrolled by coalition and Iraqi forces who live among the people they protect. Many schools and markets are reopening. Citizens are coming forward with vital intelligence. Sectarian killings are down. And ordinary life is beginning to return.

One year ago, much of Diyala province was a sanctuary for al Qaeda and other extremist groups, and its capital of Baqubah was emerging as an al Qaeda stronghold. Today, Baqubah is cleared. Diyala province is the site of a growing popular uprising against the extremists. And some local tribes are working alongside coalition and Iraqi forces to clear out the enemy and reclaim their communities.

One year ago, Shia extremists and Iranian-backed militants were gaining strength and targeting Sunnis for assassination. Today, these groups are being broken up, and many of their leaders are being captured or killed.

These gains are a tribute to our military, they are a tribute to the courage of the Iraqi security forces, and they are the tribute to an Iraqi government that has decided to take on the extremists.

Now the Iraqi government must bring the same determination to achieving reconciliation. This is an enormous undertaking after more than three decades of tyranny and division. The government has not met its own legislative benchmarks -- and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I have made it clear that they must.

Yet Iraq's national leaders are getting some things done. For example, they have passed a budget. They're sharing oil revenues with the provinces. They're allowing former Baathists to rejoin Iraq's military or receive government pensions. Local reconciliation is taking place. The key now is to link this progress in the provinces to progress in Baghdad. As local politics change, so will national politics.

Our troops in Iraq are performing brilliantly. Along with Iraqi forces, they have captured or killed an average of more than 1,500 enemy fighters per month since January. Yet ultimately, the way forward depends on the ability of Iraqis to maintain security gains. According to General Petraeus and a panel chaired by retired General Jim Jones, the Iraqi army is becoming more capable -- although there is still a great deal of work to be done to improve the national police. Iraqi forces are receiving increased cooperation from local populations. And this is improving their ability to hold areas that have been cleared.

Because of this success, General Petraeus believes we have now reached the point where we can maintain our security gains with fewer American forces. He has recommended that we not replace about 2,200 Marines scheduled to leave Anbar province later this month. In addition, he says it will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas. And he expects that by July, we will be able to reduce our troop levels in Iraq from 20 combat brigades to 15.

General Petraeus also recommends that in December we begin transitioning to the next phase of our strategy in Iraq. As terrorists are defeated, civil society takes root, and the Iraqis assume more control over their own security, our mission in Iraq will evolve. Over time, our troops will shift from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and eventually to overwatching those forces. As this transition in our mission takes place, our troops will focus on a more limited set of tasks, including counterterrorism operations and training, equipping, and supporting Iraqi forces.

I have consulted with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other members of my national security team, Iraqi officials, and leaders of both parties in Congress. I have benefited from their advice, and I have accepted General Petraeus's recommendations. I have directed General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to update their joint campaign plan for Iraq, so we can adjust our military and civilian resources accordingly. I have also directed them to deliver another report to Congress in March. At that time, they will provide a fresh assessment of the situation in Iraq and of the troop levels and resources we need to meet our national security objectives.

The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is "return on success." The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home. And in all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy.

Americans want our country to be safe and our troops to begin coming home from Iraq. Yet those of us who believe success in Iraq is essential to our security, and those who believe we should begin bringing our troops home, have been at odds. Now, because of the measure of success we are seeing in Iraq, we can begin seeing troops come home. The way forward I have described tonight makes it possible, for the first time in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult debate to come together.

This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of Iraqi leaders from all communities. At the same time, they understand that their success will require U.S. political, economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my presidency. These Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to begin building that relationship -- in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops.

The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States. A free Iraq will deny al Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will counter the destructive ambitions of Iran. A free Iraq will marginalize extremists, unleash the talent of its people, and be an anchor of stability in the region. A free Iraq will set an example for people across the Middle East. A free Iraq will be our partner in the fight against terror -- and that will make us safer here at home.

Realizing this vision will be difficult, but it is achievable. Our military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must succeed.

If we were to be driven out of Iraq, extremists of all strains would be emboldened. Al Qaeda could gain new recruits and new sanctuaries. Iran would benefit from the chaos and would be encouraged in its efforts to gain nuclear weapons and dominate the region. Extremists could control a key part of the global energy supply. Iraq could face a humanitarian nightmare. Democracy movements would be violently reversed. We would leave our children to face a far more dangerous world. And as we saw on September the 11th, 2001, those dangers can reach our cities and kill our people.

Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on Iraq, we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East. We should be able to agree that we must defeat al Qaeda, counter Iran, help the Afghan government, work for peace in the Holy Land, and strengthen our military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and extremists.

So tonight I want to speak to members of the United States Congress: Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East. I thank you for providing crucial funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made and the troop levels he has asked for.

To the Iraqi people: You have voted for freedom, and now you are liberating your country from terrorists and death squads. You must demand that your leaders make the tough choices needed to achieve reconciliation. As you do, have confidence that America does not abandon our friends, and we will not abandon you.

To Iraq's neighbors who seek peace: The violent extremists who target Iraq are also targeting you. The best way to secure your interests and protect your own people is to stand with the people of Iraq. That means using your economic and diplomatic leverage to strengthen the government in Baghdad. And it means the efforts by Iran and Syria to undermine that government must end.

To the international community: The success of a free Iraq matters to every civilized nation. We thank the 36 nations who have troops on the ground in Iraq and the many others who are helping that young democracy. We encourage all nations to help, by implementing the International Compact to revitalize Iraq's economy, by participating in the Neighbors Conferences to boost cooperation and overcome differences in the region, and by supporting the new and expanded mission of the United Nations in Iraq.

To our military personnel, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilians on the front lines in Iraq: You have done everything America has asked of you. And the progress I have reported tonight is in large part because of your courage and hard effort. You are serving far from home. Our nation is grateful for your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of your families.

Earlier this year, I received an email from the family of Army Specialist Brandon Stout of Michigan. Brandon volunteered for the National Guard and was killed while serving in Baghdad. His family has suffered greatly. Yet in their sorrow, they see larger purpose. His wife, Audrey, says that Brandon felt called to serve and knew what he was fighting for. And his parents, Tracy and Jeff, wrote me this: "We believe this is a war of good and evil and we must win even if it cost the life of our own son. Freedom is not free."

This country is blessed to have Americans like Brandon Stout, who make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe from harm. They are doing so in a fight that is just, and right, and necessary. And now it falls to us to finish the work they have begun.

Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win.

Good night, and God bless America.

END 9:18 P.M. EDT

20070913 Excerpts From The President’s Address To The Nation

EXCERPTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION

9:00 PM Thursday, September 13, 2007

As Prepared for Delivery

Tonight President Bush will address the Nation from the Oval Office to lay out his plan for the way forward in Iraq.

On keeping us safe here at home:

In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival. Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are seeking to topple Iraq’s government, dominate the region, and attack us here at home.

This ally has placed its trust in the United States. And tonight, our moral and strategic imperatives are one: We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future and also threaten ours.

On the success of the surge:

The premise of our strategy is that securing the Iraqi population is the foundation for all other progress. The goal of the surge is to provide that security and to help prepare Iraqi forces to maintain it. As I will explain tonight, our success in meeting these objectives now allows us to begin bringing some of our troops home.

On political progress:

Now the Iraqi government must bring the same determination to achieving reconciliation. This is an enormous undertaking after more than three decades of tyranny and division. The government has not met its own legislative benchmarks and in my meetings with Iraqi leaders, I have made it clear that they must.

Yet Iraq’s national leaders are getting some things done. For example, they have passed a budget. They are sharing oil revenues with the provinces. And local reconciliation is taking place. The key now is to link this progress in the provinces to progress in Baghdad. As local politics change, so will national politics.

On the principle of “Return on Success”:

The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is “return on success.” The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home. And in all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy.

On coming together as a Nation to support this mission:

Americans want our country to be safe, and our troops to begin coming home from Iraq. Yet those of us who believe success in Iraq is essential to our security, and those who believe we should bring our troops home, have been at odds. Now, because of the measure of success we are seeing in Iraq, we can begin seeing troops come home.

The way forward I have described tonight makes it possible, for the first time in years, for people who have been on opposite sides of this difficult debate to come together.

On an enduring relationship with Iraq that requires many fewer American troops:

This vision for a reduced American presence also has the support of Iraqi leaders from all communities. At the same time, they understand that their success will require U.S. political, economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my Presidency. These Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to begin building that relationship - in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops.

On why we must succeed:

The success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States.

Realizing this vision will be difficult - but it is achievable. Our military commanders believe we can succeed. Our diplomats believe we can succeed. And for the safety of future generations of Americans, we must succeed.

Whatever political party you belong to, whatever your position on Iraq, we should be able to agree that America has a vital interest in preventing chaos and providing hope in the Middle East. We should be able to agree that we must defeat al Qaeda, counter Iran, help the Afghan government, work for peace in the Holy Land, and strengthen our military so we can prevail in the struggle against terrorists and extremists.

So tonight I want to speak to Members of the United States Congress: Let us come together on a policy of strength in the Middle East. I thank you for providing crucial funds and resources for our military. And I ask you to join me in supporting the recommendations General Petraeus has made, and the troop levels he has asked for.

On the gains we are making in Iraq:

Some say the gains we are making in Iraq come too late. They are mistaken. It is never too late to deal a blow to al Qaeda. It is never too late to advance freedom. And it is never too late to support our troops in a fight they can win.

# # #

20070913 Townhall’s Today’s Opinions

Townhall’s Today’s Opinions

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Amanda Carpenter: Democrats Disregard Petraeus and Crocker Recommendations

Army General David H. Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker told Congress the President?s surge has started to make political reconciliation possible, but Democrat leadership is unwilling to give the Iraqi government more time and are intensifying calls for withdrawl.

Matt Towery: Public Opposition To Small Troop Reductions Raises Similarity To Carter Days

By a 43 percent to 36 percent margin, poll respondents said they'd be less likely to vote for the Republican nominee for president if a substantial number of troops "have not been withdrawn from Iraq by Election Day."

Suzanne Fields: Inspired by the Nazis

A few days before the sixth anniversary of 9/11, a young man ranting in Arabic accosted a rabbi walking home from his synagogue in an upscale neighborhood of Frankfurt, and stabbed him.

William Rusher: Only time will define the Republican nominee

With former Sen. Fred Thompson's official declaration of his candidacy, the race for the Republican presidential nomination has now assumed the shape that seems likely to characterize it right down to the finish line.

Donald Lambro: GOP looks for edge in early primaries

Republicans are having a field day in Michigan and Florida, accusing the Democrats' presidential front-runners of planning to boycott the states' early primaries next January.

George Will: Is Fred necessary?

Fred Thompson's plunge into the presidential pool -- more bellyflop than swan dive -- was the strangest product launch since that of New Coke in 1985.

Paul Weyrich: The Thompson Campaign

At last Fred D. Thompson is in the race. We shall soon learn whether Thompson lives up to expectations.

Cal Thomas: The non-candidate: God

There is one person who is definitely not running, but may be invoked as the ultimate adviser. That would be God.

Larry Elder: Oprah's Great Black Hope

According to Winfrey, she bases her support not on politics, but because Obama's candidacy sends a message of "hope."

Emmett Tyrrell: Campaigning with the Clintons and the Same Old Gang

It has happened again. Last Monday (Sept. 10) at 6:40 p.m., just as the network news programs were getting under way, the Clinton presidential campaign released some disturbing news.

Marvin Olasky: Emphasize Earning, Dump Dependency

Is international poverty best fought by distributing aid or by selling inexpensive products with names such as MoneyMaker?

Dick Morris and Eileen McGann: Iowa vs. America

In America, Hillary Clinton holds a solid and enduring 15- to 20-point lead over Barack Obama, who, in turn, enjoys a 2-to-1 advantage over John Edwards, who languishes in third place.

Ann Coulter: From the halls of Malibu to the shores of Kennedy

Democrats claim Gen. David Petraeus' report to Congress on the surge was a put-up job with a pre-ordained conclusion. As if their response wasn't.

Caroline B. Glick: Column One: Where America and Iraq converge

General David Petreaus and US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker's long-anticipated Congressional testimonies this week were edifying on two levels.

Hugh Hewitt: 9/11 Anniversary: What?s the Future for al Qaeda?

On the sixth anniversary of 9/11, Hugh Hewitt, host of the nationally syndicated ?Hugh Hewitt Show,? interviewed Pulitzer Prize winning author of ?The Looming Tower: al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11? Lawrence Wright about General Petraeus?s report on the Iraq war, the new bin Laden videotape and the global threat of al Qaeda.

Diana West: Compulsory Universal Health Insurance -- Neither a New Idea, Nor a Good One

In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt considered "mandatory universal health insurance" a high domestic priority. Critics at the time, including physicians, pharmacists, insurers and businesses, deemed mandatory health insurance authoritarian -- and even un-American.

Amanda Carpenter: Petraeus Responds to MoveOn.org

Army General David H. Petraeus told a group of reporters: ?Needless to say? and to state the obvious?I disagree with the message of those that were exercising the First Amendment right that generations of soldiers have sought to preserve for Americans. Some of it was just flat, completely wrong and the rest was at least more than arguable.?

John McCaslin: On the American dime?

He's a Democratic congressman indicted on 16 federal counts of bribery. He was videotaped by the FBI accepting $100,000 from an investor wearing a wire. His home was raided by federal agents who discovered $90,000 wrapped in aluminum foil in the freezer. Most recently, his congressional office was searched.

Rich Galen: Petraeus - Pia Pium

General David Petraeus, PhD testified before the appropriate House and Senate Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees over the past two days and, as expected by anyone who has ever been in the same room with him, bowled them over.

Chuck Colson: The Fertility Gap: More Christians on the Way

Every time you turn around, a presidential candidate whips out his Bible?or a position paper?to let us know how faithful he or she is. Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) says God "would be happy with the fact that" he's focused on people without health care. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) says we should "discuss religion . . . in the positive sense of what it tells us about our obligations towards one another." Republicans, also, are quick to point out how faith informs their policies.

Tony Blankley: The War On Terror Six Years On

As we start the seventh year since the Sept. 11 attacks, many in the United States and other countries seem largely baffled and conflicted about the nature of the world in which we live.

Austin Bay: The Petraeus-Crocker Testimony

"Are we fixed yet?" House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton's question -- asked after Gen. David Petraeus' microphone failed to work -- is something of a metaphor both for Washington and Baghdad.

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