Iraq: Endgame : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

DJW · 09-23-2012, 06:20 PM

From a new book on the Iraqi war, includes the "endgame" details of the final negotiations of America's role in Iraq and the consequences of the Obama Administration's failure to balance the politics (on both sides) with the military realities.

While Iraq has taken a backseat in the news cycle recently: this book suggests that is about to change. At least myself, I think of Iraq as being a bulwark against the growing middle east disaster. I think that could be coming to end?

The book: “The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq, from George W. Bush to Barack Obama,” by Michael R. Gordon and retired Lt. Gen. Bernard E. Trainor

Amazon

(No, I haven't read it (yet), to be released on Tuesday)

Here is an account of the story from the NYT. It's a little long, but worth the read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/wo...oc.semityn.www

James · 09-23-2012, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJW

At least myself, I think of Iraq as being a bulwark against the growing middle east disaster. I think that could be coming to end?

Was there ever a beginning? What impact has our forces occupying Iraq had anything to do with Iran building a nuclear weapon, Syria out of control, Afghanistan and Pakistan all messed up. Things have gotten worse over there IMHO.

But then on the other hand no planes have hit buildings since 9/11.

RGRider · 09-23-2012, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

But then on the other hand no planes have hit buildings since 9/11.

No, instead our embassies get attacked and Obama blames a filmmaker.

streetg · 09-23-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGRider

No, instead our embassies get attacked and Obama blames a filmmaker.

Well, OB has proven, again and again that he doesn't believe Americans deserve the respect of the truth, that on 911, a known symbolic day to the bad guys and US, no security measures were taken despite warnings.

Waffen · 09-23-2012, 08:50 PM

Edit.

Screw obama

W

HiAngle · 09-23-2012, 08:58 PM

So I guess I'm a little confused about the posts thus far.

1- Some of you think that the President of the US sets and establishes the force protection levels of embassies? Out of all the things that office is required to do, you think that's one of them and it's at the top of the "To Do" list? Interesting perspective and an even more interesting perspective on duties and responsibilities of that office. I guess we'll add "Sergeant of the Guard" responsibilities to the daily checklist.

2- You're all aware that Iraq is a sovereign nation and was a sovereign nation in 2010 and had a lot to say about what occurred within its borders? Specifically, they were NOT going to sign a SOFA agreement that protected US military. I suppose if we rolled out the Jedi Knight council and mind tricked them they might have changed their minds but even that's doubtful. Frankly, I can't imagine allowing us to continue to operate there if we could have been prosecuted in an Iraq court. But if you don't have skin in the game, maybe it's easy to not care about those "minor" details.

3- I thought a bunch of people, on both sides of the aisle, wanted out of Iraq? What am I missing? It would have an awesome decision if Obama was a Republican?

Personally, I don't give a crap if Iraq dissolves their government tomorrow. They don't pose a threat to the US. If and when they do, we can deal with them. But to suggest that we need to continue to dump money into a mission there and continue to bury our nations treasure is beyond me.

MadCity · 09-23-2012, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Waffen
Edit.

Screw obama

W

Thanks for that awesome contribution, even after an edit, to what is supposed to be an actual discussion. You contributed nothing.

Fred1369 · 09-23-2012, 09:59 PM

picky, picky.

James · 09-23-2012, 10:04 PM

I'm hoping Romney gets elected so he can send our young men and women over to Iran. Can't wait to watch this on CNN. I don't care what it cost.

RGRider · 09-23-2012, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

I'm hoping Romney gets elected so he can send our young men and women over to Iran. Can't wait to watch this on CNN. I don't care what it cost.

I s'pose you'd rather see Obama bow to them instead.

As long as you're fat and happy in the union nothing else matters.

Fred1369 · 09-23-2012, 10:09 PM

and the Repubs and Teabaggers will be waving their flags and increasing the military budget, damn the deficit.

RGRider · 09-23-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred1369

and the Repubs and Teabaggers will be waving their flags and increasing the military budget, damn the deficit.

Like Obama has been paying off his cronies connected to the 'green' movement. Damn the deficit, he's got another 'investment' to make. Even the feds are buying 'green' tech from the Chinese.