Bush says Iraq 'surge' just started, urges patience
Bush discussed Iraq Tuesday in a town hall event in Cleveland.
Watch Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid say the troop increase is not working in Iraq.
CLEVELAND (CNN) - President Bush urged Congress on Tuesday to wait for a September report by top U.S. officials before making any decisions about the war in Iraq, saying the U.S.-led push to pacify Baghdad "just started."
"They just showed up, and they're now beginning operations in full," Bush told participants in a town hall-style event in Cleveland. "And in Washington you've got people saying, 'Stop.'"
Bush ordered nearly 30,000 additional troops to Iraq in January as part of a campaign to quell the country's sectarian warfare. But the Pentagon is slated to deliver an interim report this week showing Iraq has made little progress in meeting political benchmarks, and Republicans in Congress have begun to call for a change in U.S. strategy in the 4-year-old war.
The U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker are slated to deliver a more extensive report on the progress of the campaign in the fall.
"I believe that it's in this nation's interest to give the commander a chance to fully implement his operations, and I believe Congress ought to wait for General Petraeus to come back and give his assessment of the strategy that he's putting in place before they make any decisions," Bush said. "That's what the American people expect."
Wrong again, Oh Mighty Firstamericanfacistdictator! The American people expect you to gather your toys and go home, Jerk!
To the CNN moderator... wow, good job in sensoring those who wish to post supportive messages but allowing essentially public graffitti like the first post of this blog!
At least you're consistent in your leanings in the blogisphere as reporting in all other areas!
Harry Reid is a facist dictator! The American people expect you to gather your toys and go home, Jerk!
(Copying the first message of this blog to see if the CNN moderators will allow the same message to be posted about Harry Reid) 10 to 1 they won't!
September is less than 120 days away, so the proposed funding plan I keep hearing about wouldn't affect the president's surge strategy. If it turns out to work like a charm, Congress can change their policy in September and continue funding the Iraq effort.
One Question!
When will Bush be held ACCOUNTABLE?
It is the Iraqi government's inaction that has run out our patience stupid! Petraeus is irrelevant.
“I believe that it’s in this nation’s interest to give the commander a chance to fully implement his operations, and I believe Congress ought to wait for General Petraeus to come back and give his assessment of the strategy that he’s putting in place before they make any decisions,” Bush said. “That’s what the American people expect.”
And I believe the COMMANDER ie President had a chance to fully implement his operations over the past 6? Years and has FAILED DRASTICALLY! And I believe the Congress (OUGHT NOT -Bush's Slang English Not Mine) To Wait for the General that had more than ample time already to assess the Iraq Situation, Strategy, and 30,000 additional troops since January with still sign of PROGRESS !
And For Your Information MR. Worst President In the History Of The U.S. OF A. That is not what the American People or the other citizens world wide expect and if you would for just once open your ears and listen to your people and the world you'd know that your people and the world want – An END to the Iraq War NOW the same WANT they have been screaming in your ears since 2003!
Wake Up Mr. Bush !! The Fairy Tale is Over it's time to return to the Real World!
"President Bush urged Congress on Tuesday to wait for a September report by top U.S. officials before making any decisions about the war in Iraq, saying the U.S.-led push to pacify Baghdad “just started."
WOW, then I just have one question - WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST 4 something years???
I hope people realize that this SURGE only brings the troop level back up to what it was in Dec. 2005. You all know that right?? I'm sorry, HOW is this going to provide stability to Iraq?? It's not enough soldiers...they are spread TOO thin and are re-deployed TOO many times. He's breaking the army.
I am somehow troubled about President Bush's remark he wouldn't ask mothers and fathers to send their kids into war if it wouldn't be so important for the security of the United States.
What are his daughters doing? Why is Mr. Bush not sacrifying his kids, too, as the commander in chief – but just asking others? Obviously it is not so important. The British send their heirs of the throne to the military even the crown has no say about war or no war.
This is a fist in the face of the thousands of parents, spouses and kids who lost loved ones.
The one responsible for the mess is not going to join the "so important" crucade and willing to take the risk.
This is not responsible leadership.
It is always easy to be the decision maker knowing that it won't hurt yourself if the decision was wrong.
I have learned that leadership is leading by being in the first line – where did that go?
That reminds me on the saying: Don't be a coward, let me hide behind the tree.
I know all Sunni Muslims are not Al Quada, but all Al Quada are annoyed Sunni Muslims. Insurgents are all others. But what the hell is a "secret cell terrorist"?
Please give us a break and explain things the way they really are.
RN – Wisconsin,
Here in America it is an ALL VOLUNTEER military. As much as you would love to draft the President's daughters or have him command they enter the military – the laws of this land do not support your position. But since you're crying about President Bush's kids not serving in Iraq... I presume you would support drafting Chelsey Clinton (since Hillary voted for the war), Little Al Gore (since his father made supportive statements about the dangers of Saddam), and the kids of the other politicians that voted for the war??
Or are you simply a Bush hater looking for things to complain about?
Jon, Sacramento,
I know that there is no draft and I am not aware that there is a draft in the UK. So, why are the heirs of the throne joining the military? I don't care of what party, but giving some own into the decision, a leader takes, makes it more convincing for all the others. This war was based on lies – as already proved – and thousands of innocent US citizens were killed – more than in 9/11. Either the administration did lie to us or it didn't have control over its agencies. Both is bad and not worth to lead the country.
The world didn't become safer but a more dangerous place. If we would have a system where it would be required to sacrifice your own kids by making decisions of war the decisions would be more considered.
There is the news that the Secretary of Homeland Security feels in his guts that a terror attack would be imminent probably in this summer. So, why did all this great soldiers die?
All the decisions (not talking about other unlawful actions of the administration) of Mr. Bush put this great country in greater danger as ever before.
Leadership is being example for the others! Nothing else. I don't see that here.
I just see the facts.
Harry Reid is a washed up old man who needs to go home and stay there. He can take the rest of his friends with him. They won't be missed as they don't do anything but stir up trouble. What a miserable bunch these Democrats are. Well, what goes around comes around.
Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca
Well, Or could it be that your just a Clinton Hater and are seriously annoyed that your adoration for Bush is looking a bit misplaced – Given His wonton lack of support and acceptance worldwide and His Disgrace world wide as an incompetent and incapable Leader?
Ann Brunswick ME
Harry Reid is an Experienced Politician and his priority is the concerns of America and it's people.
A Far Cry from the Immature, Unexperienced, Molly Coddled School Boy Bush President.
Your picture in my view is a bit topsy turvy.
It was BUSH who stirred up the Mess not the Dems. If he hadn't stirred up the Mess than the Dems wouldn't have to be working so hard trying to clean it up! Of course we all know that is likely a futile effort...as when they even come close to making any headway Bush takes out his Veteo Pen which is permanently attached to his writing hand – To Make Sure he can continue reeking Havoc and Disaster through out the world. And so far he's done an Excellent Job of that!