BCT Editorial – 11/29/06

This page was last updated on November 29, 2006.

Tough situation; Editorial; Beaver County Times; November 29, 2006.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject editorial.

“The situation in Iraq continues to go from bad to worse. In yet another disheartening development, the insurgency is now paying for itself.

“The New York Times reported that according to a classified U.S. government report, armed groups responsible for many of the insurgent and terrorist attacks across Iraq are raising $70 million to $200 million a year from illegal activities such as oil smuggling and kidnapping.”

[RWC] Note there’s no condemnation of the leaking and publishing of national security documents.

“The report also said there is little the United States or the Iraqi government can do about it.

“It’s just another reason to get U.S. military forces out of Iraq as soon as possible.”

[RWC] Gee, just 12 days ago a Times editorial said, “Let’s cool the Iraq debate until after a commission presents its recommendations.” I wondered how long the Times could hold its tongue. Not very long as it turns out. As if we didn’t already know, I guess we have confirmation how the Times will view any Iraq Study Group recommendation that doesn’t call for immediate retreat from Iraq.

“They’re not in a no-win situation. They’re in a can’t-win position - and President Bush put them there.”

[RWC] Hmm, I seem to remember Congress passing the Iraq War Resolution, with 39% of House Democrats approving and 58% of Senate Democrats. As a reminder, Democrats held the majority in the Senate when the resolution passed. President Bush is the Commander-in-Chief and the buck stops with him, but we went into Iraq with the support of Congress.