As the Petraeus Report arrives

[thatcrazycajun]

Gen. David Petraeus: Objective military commander with knowledge of facts on the ground in Iraq...or tightly controlled propaganda stooge for the Bush Regime? Discuss.

Comments

[scifantasy.livejournal.com]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pullback15aug15,0,4840766.story?page=1&coll=la-home-center

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/15/AR2007081501281.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=13852120

I don't know about Petraeus (though I think a vaguely Greek last name like "Petraeus" is an absolutely fantastic name for a general), but it's pretty clear that his report is about as objective as the Justice Department...

[shelleybear.livejournal.com]

Bush had to look long and hard for someone to support his polices.
Like a terminal patient desperate for someone who will not say they are dying.

[mdlbear]

He's a Bush appointee. If he's willing to differ with King George he'd be the first one.

[redaxe.livejournal.com]

Given that the report's parameters include being approved by the White House, the money bet is that it'll be all about the surge succeeding, and needing more time. After all, it's not like the goal posts haven't been moved any time in th past six years (*looks back at the line of holes stretching to the horizon*) :-P

I just hope the Democrats who get to question him are alert, and can make him look like the fool he surely is, for supporting this nonsense.

Let's see the report first

[a-phoenix-afire.livejournal.com]

The Petraeus Report: Already History?
Not in reality. Only in the hopeful imaginations of those who want it dismissed before presented.
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An Early Clash Over Iraq Report
It might be if any republican's were quoted. As it is it's a puff piece, and not extremely well written either.
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Top general may propose pullbacks
The title and the first two summary paragraphs say exactly what those opposed to the war and those opposed to a 'premature' pullout would want to hear. The rest of the article is pretty matter of fact, and only states that troops might be moved from the stable areas to those still in need of stabilization.

IMO a pretty balanced report, even if it doesn't give those who are for immediate withdrawal any unexpected hope.
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I think we should wait, not only for the report, (written by an eminently qualified professional, no matter who reads it into the record), but also for the presentation from all parties involved, before passing judgements and writing them in stone.

I don't disagree with either side as to the delivery. The rational Dems want to hear it from the horse's mouth as do I, but the rabid ones like Mr. Biden make that a virtual impossibility. Mr. Bush, even if he wanted to let Gen. Patreus (that is such a cool generals name, as you said scifantasy) can't risk having the circus that would ensue, bury the message, and so the only viable answer is to send the most qualified and relevant politicians in to the political arena.

This kind of twisted dance will continue as long as the extremist partisans from both sides can get the press to shout their names on the front page any time they demigogue these important issues.