The mainstream media is aggressively reporting that an NIE (National Intelligence Estimate) delivered to the White House in July painted a bleak picture of internal events in Iraq. Hit the link above for a report by a USMC Major on the ground in Baghdad. Excerpts:
"Let’s lay out some background, first about the “National Intelligence Estimate.” The most glaring issue with its relevance is the fact that it was delivered to the White House in July. That means that the information that was used to derive the intelligence was gathered in the Spring – in the immediate aftermath of the April battle for Fallujah, and other events. The report doesn’t cover what has happened in July or August, let alone September."
The officer goes on to relate how in the meantime the Mahdi Army has been effectively emasculated in Najaf and Samarra was retaken with nary a shot. He cautions:
"The momentum is moving in our favor, and all Americans need to know that, so please, please, pass this on to those who care and will pass it on to others. It is very demoralizing for us here in uniform to read & hear such negativity in our press. It is fodder for our enemies to use against us and against the vast majority of Iraqis who want their new government to succeed. It causes the American public to start thinking about the acceptability of “cutting our losses” and pulling out, which would be devastating for Iraq for generations to come, and Muslim militants would claim a huge victory, causing us to have to continue to fight them elsewhere (remember, in war “Away” games are always preferable to “Home” games). Reports like that also cause Iraqis begin to fear that we will pull out before we finish the job, and thus less willing to openly support their interim government and US/Coalition activities." (Emphasis mine.)
Remind anyone of a certain presidential candidate and the VAVW??
hat-tip Captain's Quarters
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