throwweight
May 14, 2004, 07:17 PM
With appx six weeks left to go before we turn the tiller of political power over to the Iraqi Governing Council, we have many tasks to complete. Some are deadly, some are life affirming. All are of paramount importance.
First and foremost, we must apprehend or kill Muqtada al Sadr and as many of his followers as humanly possible. He and his minions are the largest visible challenge to democratic rule by Iraqis for Iraqis. Many fence sitters are watching to see if we have the intestinal fortitude to terminate his continuing disruption. We are best served by doing so swiftly and with extreme prejudice. The more homegrown assistance that we can get in this endeavour, the better as it will set a precedent for Iraqis cleaning their own house.
Second, we MUST eliminate Muhammed al Zaquowi(sp), the alleged mastermind behind many of the ambushes, IED's, hostage takings and murders of innocents including the late Mr. Berg. He must be captured and/or die in the most humiliating manner possible along with as many of his entourage as we can put in our crosshairs. This action must be coupled with the strongest diplomatic language (read IMMEDIATE THREAT OF DEADLY FORCE) to the Syrians, Iranians, Palestinians and any other Jihadists that we will not tolerate their continuing interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and that they WILL be hunted down and brought to heel unless they cease and desist. Leaded or unleaded; their choice.
Third, we MUST stop apologizing for the actions of rogue elements of our military who perpetrated indecencies upon Iraqi detainees and get on with the business of meeting out justice to those who are responsible. We will be judged by our actions, not our words. Self flagellation earns you nothing but scorn and a bloody backside.
Fourth, we must continue to engage the Iraqis as a people and encourage them to care for their infrastructure, their oil production, schools, hospitals, mosques, etc. Burning down the house to make an unwanted guest leave is short sighted at best. The sooner the Iraqi people begin the task of responsible governance, both in its imposition and enforcement, the sooner we will leave and the better for all concerned.
Lastly, we need to ensure that the UN, the French, Germans, Russians, etc. do not get the opportunity to use Iraqi oil and the wealth that comes from it to fatten their coffers ad line their pockets ever again. Those monies are for the rebuilding of Iraq, to be administerd by Iraqis for the benefit of Iraqis. We are at the cusp of bringing Iraq to it's full potential.
Let's not drop the ball.
First and foremost, we must apprehend or kill Muqtada al Sadr and as many of his followers as humanly possible. He and his minions are the largest visible challenge to democratic rule by Iraqis for Iraqis. Many fence sitters are watching to see if we have the intestinal fortitude to terminate his continuing disruption. We are best served by doing so swiftly and with extreme prejudice. The more homegrown assistance that we can get in this endeavour, the better as it will set a precedent for Iraqis cleaning their own house.
Second, we MUST eliminate Muhammed al Zaquowi(sp), the alleged mastermind behind many of the ambushes, IED's, hostage takings and murders of innocents including the late Mr. Berg. He must be captured and/or die in the most humiliating manner possible along with as many of his entourage as we can put in our crosshairs. This action must be coupled with the strongest diplomatic language (read IMMEDIATE THREAT OF DEADLY FORCE) to the Syrians, Iranians, Palestinians and any other Jihadists that we will not tolerate their continuing interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and that they WILL be hunted down and brought to heel unless they cease and desist. Leaded or unleaded; their choice.
Third, we MUST stop apologizing for the actions of rogue elements of our military who perpetrated indecencies upon Iraqi detainees and get on with the business of meeting out justice to those who are responsible. We will be judged by our actions, not our words. Self flagellation earns you nothing but scorn and a bloody backside.
Fourth, we must continue to engage the Iraqis as a people and encourage them to care for their infrastructure, their oil production, schools, hospitals, mosques, etc. Burning down the house to make an unwanted guest leave is short sighted at best. The sooner the Iraqi people begin the task of responsible governance, both in its imposition and enforcement, the sooner we will leave and the better for all concerned.
Lastly, we need to ensure that the UN, the French, Germans, Russians, etc. do not get the opportunity to use Iraqi oil and the wealth that comes from it to fatten their coffers ad line their pockets ever again. Those monies are for the rebuilding of Iraq, to be administerd by Iraqis for the benefit of Iraqis. We are at the cusp of bringing Iraq to it's full potential.
Let's not drop the ball.
