Bush asks Congress for even more Iraq troops

**Ray** · 12 Mar 07,, 17:53

Bush asks Congress for even more Iraq troops

Ewen MacAskill in Washington

Monday March 12, 2007

The Guardian

President George Bush has asked Congress for an extra 8,000 troops for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, on top of the 21,500 reinforcements announced two months ago. US military officials have hinted that there will be even more requests for troops for Iraq in May, when General David Petraeus, who took over as the American commander in Baghdad last month, submits a new strategic plan to Capitol Hill.

The latest request for an extra 4,700 combat support troops and military police is aimed at curbing an increase in violence in the past month. Thirty-one Shia Muslims returning from a religious festival were killed yesterday by a suicide bomb attack on their minibus in Baghdad.

The request for fresh troops for Iraq, although hinted at last week by Pentagon officials, will inflame Congress, where the Democratic majority as well as some Republicans are already opposed to the 21,500 reinforcements.

The 3,500 extra troops for Afghanistan, where US and British forces are expecting a Taliban spring offensive, will bring America's total in that country to its highest level yet. The new troops are to help train the Afghan army.

Mr Bush, who is on a tour of Latin America, sent the request for reinforcements from Air Force One to Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives. He told her: "This revised request would better align resources based on the assessment of military commanders to achieve the goal of establishing Iraq and Afghanistan as democratic and secure nations that are free of terrorism."

The cost of the latest deployments will be $3.2bn (£1.6bn), but the president told Ms Pelosi that he was cancelling other defence plans, so the total budget for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will remain unchanged at about $100bn.

Congress is this week due to hold the first in a series of votes on legislation to force the president to set a timetable for the withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq by September 2008, or face cuts in war funding. Ms Pelosi, responding to a threat by Mr Bush to veto any such bill, said: "With his veto threat, the president offers only an open-ended commitment to a war without end."

Senior US officers in Iraq said last week that they would welcome more troops for Diyala province, north of Baghdad, one of the hotspots in the war. Major General Benjamin Mixon said there had been a 30% increase in violence in Diyala, which he blamed in part on the arrival of Sunni insurgents seeking to escape the US security clampdown that began last month in the Iraqi capital and Anbar province.

The Iraq war is putting a huge strain on US forces, with tours of duty being extended and an over-reliance on national guard part-timers. The pull-out of Washington's coalition partners is exacerbating the problems. Tony Blair's decision to withdraw British troops from Basra could mean that more American troops may be needed to protect US supply lines between Baghdhad and Kuwait.

The new reinforcements will bring the number of American troops in Iraq to about 165,000. Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the national security council, said the extra military police were needed because Gen Petraeus anticipated a rise in the number of suspects detained as a result of the Baghdad clampdown.

In a diplomatic development at the weekend, US and Iranian representatives made a rare appearance at the same table when Iraq and its neighbours held a meeting in Baghdad to discuss security. Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, said she would attend a follow-up conference, which Iran is also expected to attend, to discuss ways of reducing the violence in Iraq and stopping it spreading.

Muhammad Ali Hosseini, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, described Saturday's meeting as constructive. The US ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, said it had been a good meeting, with "business-like exchanges".

Bush asks Congress for even more Iraq troops | The Guardian | Guardian Unlimited

Iraq and Afghanistan is a millstone on resources, but nevertheless it is too late to turn back the clock or even think of withdrawing troops.

Withdrawing troops maybe an emotional necessity for many, but the geopolitical and geostrategic requirements of the US does indicate that such a move could be counterproductive to the US interests and US prestige as a world leader.

That these two wars has been a heavy drain on the US, of that there is no doubt. If Bush claims that he is abandoning other defence requirement to balance the budget to finance the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, then it indicates to a great extent that these wars are taking a heavy toll on the overall defence preparedness of the US.

This war has so skewed the machinery that the US has had to do the impossible i.e. discuss Iraq with a country that it cannot stand the sight of - Iran!

Yet, having thrown the gauntlet, one has to go the whole distance. Islamist fundamentalists cannot be allowed to win under any cirumstances.

Every avenue has to be broached to defeat the fundamentalists and terrorists.

**highsea** · 12 Mar 07,, 18:30

The request comes at the expense of the Air Force, 2 F-35's that the AF requested as combat attrition replacements, and a delay on 5 frames in the EA-18 program.

But improving the situation in Iraq has to take priority.

**Pragnosis** · 13 Mar 07,, 00:46

Highsea,

I see that you're a defense professional. I am reasonably new to this forum and have offended a few people with past comments that I have made (none was intended). Can I ask what kind of rigorous training methods the U.S military use to control / condition the mind into the justification of combat operations?

From my point of view, the U.S is a true 'hyper power' and uses this power to further strengthen the US economy, it will do anything to maintain it's worldwide dominance, China are a huge concern to the US. Bush and his administration are an absolute disgrace to humanity for sending more troops to Iraq. This is rubbing the salt in the wounds of the U.S citizens, as this 'dictorship' (that supposedly excersises the ideology of democracy) is not taking a blind bit of notice to the views of the American people. To even contemplate sending another circa 10,000 troops is simply outrageous!

Certain individuals on this forum think that I'm an 'Idiot' for expressing my honest views with regards to this conflict. I try to think in terms as 'the big picture', I have undertaken vast amounts of research into how the world power structures operate and have come to the conclusion that there is an underlying agenda for all of this conflict. Whether you want to call this 'Conspiracy Theory' or whatever, there certainly are lot of questions of which have no answers. 70% of the worlds population believed that the initial invasion of Iraq was totally unjustified. Have you been informed on the potential attack of Iran? Iran has the worlds 3rd largest Oil reserves (Iraq 4th), and this seems to be the motive.

Now, many people have argued that this so-called 'Conspiracy Theory' is completely irrational because the cost of the war has far surpassed the potential profits of the oil. This is utter non-sense, in the fact that control over the middle eastern oil reserves will be of huge benefit for the U.S economy, much more so that if they hadn't have attacked. China are predicted to be the world's strongest superpower within the next 30 years. The U.S are going to try their damed hardest to prevent this from happening.

**xerxes** · 13 Mar 07,, 04:41

Originally Posted by Pragnosis

Now, many people have argued that this so-called 'Conspiracy Theory' is completely irrational because the cost of the war has far surpassed the potential profits of the oil. This is utter non-sense, in the fact that control over the middle eastern oil reserves will be of huge benefit for the U.S economy, much more so that if they hadn't have attacked. China are predicted to be the world's strongest superpower within the next 30 years. The U.S are going to try their damed hardest to prevent this from happening.

How is it completely irrational, considering the fact that Defense Secretery Paul Wolfowitz put into reading some ten years ago,

...

**highsea** · 13 Mar 07,, 05:22

Originally Posted by Pragnosis

Highsea,

I see that you're a defense professional. I am reasonably new to this forum and have offended a few people with past comments that I have made (none was intended). Can I ask what kind of rigorous training methods the U.S military use to control / condition the mind into the justification of combat operations?

Oh no offense taken, Pragnosis. I can't imagine that you offended anyone here on WAB, that is amazing! Are you sure you didn't misunderstand?

Anyway, to answer your question:

There is no training in the US Military, because none is required. We do it all with machines. The neural neutralizer has been quite effective in inhibiting neural activity, rendering the subject extremely suggestable. You may recall the early successes from the Tantalus Penal Colony. Individual skills can be downloaded directly into the brain via the data port that is surgically implanted in all US military personnel. Then the transmuter is used to impose our will unconditionally. We have found that this is the most efficient way to ensure total submission.

So far, we are only using these techniques on our own civilians to get them to volunteer for military duty (and then on the "volunteers" to turn them into mindless killing machines, of course), but we intend to extend the use of these devices to other countries, just as soon as we have conquered them. This way we can make them into mindless slaves like ourselves, because it wouldn't be fair if we were the only mindless slaves in the world, now would it?

We don't really need the oil from the Mid East- we already have anti-gravity inertialess drives and other advanced alien technologies (which we recovered from crashed spaceships in the New Mexico desert back in the 50's). When we get the oil back to the US, we just pump it back into the ground. We save a little out to burn in smokestacks and in little burners placed in the tailpipes of our SUV's, to make it look like we are really using it for energy.

You see, Pragnosis, the oil is only a ruse to misdirect our enemies from our true purpose (inventing that elusive 6th brand of caramel coated popcorn snack). So really, it's all about progess.

**tphuang** · 13 Mar 07,, 06:00

Originally Posted by highsea

Oh no offense taken, Pragnosis. I can't imagine that you offended anyone here on WAB, that is amazing! Are you sure you didn't misunderstand?

Anyway, to answer your question:

There is no training in the US Military, because none is required. We do it all with machines. The neural neutralizer has been quite effective in inhibiting neural activity, rendering the subject extremely suggestable. You may recall the early successes from the Tantalus Penal Colony. Individual skills can be downloaded directly into the brain via the data port that is surgically implanted in all US military personnel. Then the transmuter is used to impose our will unconditionally. We have found that this is the most efficient way to ensure total submission.

So far, we are only using these techniques on our own civilians to get them to volunteer for military duty (and then on the "volunteers" to turn them into mindless killing machines, of course), but we intend to extend the use of these devices to other countries, just as soon as we have conquered them. This way we can make them into mindless slaves like ourselves, because it wouldn't be fair if we were the only mindless slaves in the world, now would it?

We don't really need the oil from the Mid East- we already have anti-gravity inertialess drives and other advanced alien technologies (which we recovered from crashed spaceships in the New Mexico desert back in the 50's). When we get the oil back to the US, we just pump it back into the ground. We save a little out to burn in smokestacks and in little burners placed in the tailpipes of our SUV's, to make it look like we are really using it for energy.

You see, Pragnosis, the oil is only a ruse to misdirect our enemies from our true purpose (inventing that elusive 6th brand of caramel coated popcorn snack). So really, it's all about progess.

lol, one of the more amusing pieces I've read in the recent times.

**TheChosenOne** · 13 Mar 07,, 08:15

Crap, I have something implanted in my head! Omg...omg...I must find the nearest drill.

**TheChosenOne** · 13 Mar 07,, 08:19

IMO, keep sending them but ohhh how I wish that was feasible for even more troops. As long as some of those troops will replace me!

**LongshotSNN** · 13 Mar 07,, 09:19

highsea, you owe me a new keyboard. While you're at it, a new monitor as well.

I can't be bothered wiping up the Coke stains sprayed all over keyboard and monitor from laughing.

**Pragnosis** · 13 Mar 07,, 12:43

Highsea,

(This will probably annoy many people, but what the hell - Controversy is fun)!

Well, what a mature response! An arrogant and dismissive Military Professional hey? Can you not take the fact that you're indoctrinated by the U.S Military. I'm not sure of your role as a 'defense professional', and there are many of you guy's on this forum (so I'm obviously going to be ridiculed). Why did you not just answer the question that I asked in a mature manner, instead of the ludicrously childish response?

Do you believe that some of the techniques used to 'train' you might include a rather large portion of mind control? A technique adopted from a project conducted by the CIA in the 1950s (MKULTRA). Well, whether you believe it or not, it's a fact!

Obviously you're going to be informed (by your masters) that "Freedom & Democracy" are the reasons for invading Iraq, or else you wouldn't want to take part (unless you're a sadistic freak). Look at the absolute chaos that the U.S government's strategies have created in Iraq, an utter catastrophe in which many civillians are experiencing pure turmoil.

Respect would be appreciated in the next response and I will in-turn reciprocate.

**gunnut** · 13 Mar 07,, 22:45

Originally Posted by Pragnosis

Highsea,

(This will probably annoy many people, but what the hell - Controversy is fun)!

Well, what a mature response! An arrogant and dismissive Military Professional hey? Can you not take the fact that you're indoctrinated by the U.S Military. I'm not sure of your role as a 'defense professional', and there are many of you guy's on this forum (so I'm obviously going to be ridiculed). Why did you not just answer the question that I asked in a mature manner, instead of the ludicrously childish response?

Do you believe that some of the techniques used to 'train' you might include a rather large portion of mind control? A technique adopted from a project conducted by the CIA in the 1950s (MKULTRA). Well, whether you believe it or not, it's a fact!

Obviously you're going to be informed (by your masters) that "Freedom & Democracy" are the reasons for invading Iraq, or else you wouldn't want to take part (unless you're a sadistic freak). Look at the absolute chaos that the U.S government's strategies have created in Iraq, an utter catastrophe in which many civillians are experiencing pure turmoil.

Respect would be appreciated in the next response and I will in-turn reciprocate.

So anyone who doesn't see the world the way you see it is somehow wrong or brainwashed... Typical liberal socialist attitude. You are so self-righteous that you cannot contemplate that other people could have a different point of view.

May I ask what EU uses to indoctrinate the European population into accepting islamist rule? I understand the process is already underway. Millions of muslims flood the European streets every day. Any decent is quickly silences. Theo Van Gogh ring a bell? The Danish cartoonists in hiding because of the death threats?

Euros are sheeps waiting for slaughter. That comes from the domestication by the useful idiots infesting college campuses over the past few decades. It takes longer to domesticate farm animals than to brainwash ignorant European youths.

See, I too can be an ignorant liberal.

**Pragnosis** · 14 Mar 07,, 00:11

Hello Gunnut,

At no point in the previous post did I claim that "anyone who doesn't see the world the way I see it is somehow wrong or brainwashed", this is a rather large generalisation on your part. Also, I would prefer NOT to be labelled as a 'liberal socialist'. This is what I am talking about, why do you feel compelled to put somebody in a box and stereotype or label them? I am an individual with my own views, I am a religious pluralist and you're probably right, I am self-righteous. This is because I believe in myself enough to challenge the un-challengable as it were.

Now, when you ask a question like "May I ask what EU uses to indoctrinate the European population into accepting islamist rule?", do I detect a hint of nationalism here? I am not patriotic, I hate the European Union, it is controlled by Freemason's (this is also a well documented fact). The main reason Islamic extremists are allowed to 'flood' the streets is because our government in the UK want the general population to despise Islam (it's so obvious), it helps to fuel the already existing hatred among UK citizens in order to support a future world war against Radical Islam (which is well on it's way to commencement). If the police state of the UK wanted to rid the streets of Radical Muslims, then they would do it without any hesitation, immediately. However, it is a very useful tool for the government controlled media to use as heavy propaganda.

The UK is one big tabloid and the average IQ in UK is around 100, which does mean that the vast majority of the UK population are indeed 'sheep', and very stupid sheep at that! If you're attempting to insult me by slagging off Europeans, then you're way off. I agree with you whole heartedly. The American population is equally as indoctrinated as the average European citizen.

We live in a world of pound signs, numbers, seconds, images and words. These are constantly being manipulated in order to extract the most possible profit from every conceivable circumstance. The war in Iraq and Lebanon are of no exception.