Agencies warn Bush that U.S. isn't defeating Iraq insurgents

Herb Ninja · 12-19-2004, 08:53 AM

Agencies warn Bush that U.S. isn't defeating Iraq insurgents
12-18-2004 | Source

WASHINGTON — The CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the State Department have warned President Bush that the United States and its Iraqi allies aren't winning the battle against Iraqi insurgents who are trying to derail the country's Jan. 30 elections, according to administration officials.

The officials, who agreed to speak only on condition of anonymity because intelligence estimates are classified, said, however, that the battle in Iraq wasn't lost and that successful elections might yet be held next month.

But they said the warnings — including one delivered this week to Bush by CIA Director Porter Goss — indicated that U.S. forces hadn't been able to stop the insurgents' intimidation of Iraqi voters, candidates and others who want to participate in the elections.

"We don't have an answer to the intimidation," one senior official said.

Nor have the United States and interim Iraqi government been able to find any divisions they can exploit to divide and conquer the Sunni Muslim insurgency, the intelligence reports say.

The elections are key to U.S. strategy in Iraq, and Bush and his team have insisted that they proceed as scheduled.

Bush and other top White House officials have steadfastly predicted the insurgency will fail, even as they have acknowledged lately that violence is rising.

"The terrorists will do all they can to delay and disrupt free elections in Iraq, and they will fail," Bush told cheering Marines last week in Camp Pendleton, Calif.

But several of the officials said a vital effort to woo Sunnis, who held privileged status under Saddam Hussein and are now leading the insurgency, hasn't borne fruit.

"It all boils down to the aura of the former regime. I think there are a lot of people sitting on the fence. They don't want to be seen as collaborating," one defense official said.

Zilos · 12-19-2004, 09:13 AM

Quote:

The CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the State Department have warned President Bush that the United States and its Iraqi allies aren't winning the battle against Iraqi insurgents who are trying to derail the country's Jan. 30 elections, according to administration officials.

Ouch!

Quote:

The elections are key to U.S. strategy in Iraq, and Bush and his team have insisted that they proceed as scheduled.

Bush and other top White House officials have steadfastly predicted the insurgency will fail, even as they have acknowledged lately that violence is rising.

"The terrorists will do all they can to delay and disrupt free elections in Iraq, and they will fail," Bush told cheering Marines last week in Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Sure that's what they say, but its more what they were hoping to happen, or should I say, wishing. I bet they've been worried like hell that everything would to hell on them. And if they proceed with the elections anyway, that's exactly what's gonna happen. What's stopping a big attack guring the elections?

Stephanie S. · 12-19-2004, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zilos

What's stopping a big attack during the elections?

I read that the polling places will be "protected" by Iraqi Security Forces, not U.S. Military, and for that I am thankful. I hope I am wrong, but I think that election day in Iraq is going to be the death of a lot of people, a LOT of Iraqi Citizens.

Lets' see. The 1st Cavalry division has 1,000 troops assigned to protecting a single 10-mile stretch of road linking Baghdad with Iraq's main airport. Still, every week insurgents manage to attack convoys on that road and the U.S. Embassy now transports staff via helicopter to the airport. How in the world Iraqi Security forces are gonna secure and protect 9,000 polling places is beyond me.

I think its a massacre waiting to happen. I think I am being realistic, not a pessimist.

peace

MickityMike · 12-19-2004, 07:11 PM

Man, to me it says a hell of a lot about the nature of the "insurgents" when one of the few things the pro- and anti-war camp can both agree upon is that there will most likely be broad massacres of civilians on Iraq's election day.

Herb Ninja · 12-19-2004, 10:36 PM

When will Bush learn that "staying the course" isn't going to bring about victory, indeed were losing every day that we continue to stay the course - losing our strong, bright, and able men and women. I can't go a day without hearing about one or more of our troops in Iraq being killed by the resistence. Its about time we cut our losses and leave, too much has already been lost. Peace, HN-

MickityMike · 12-19-2004, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herb Ninja

When will Bush learn that "staying the course" isn't going to bring about victory, indeed were losing every day that we continue to stay the course - losing our strong, bright, and able men and women. I can't go a day without hearing about one or more of our troops in Iraq being killed by the resistence. Its about time we cut our losses and leave, too much has already been lost. Peace, HN-

What will happen in Iraq then, and it might it have an effect on the US later?

12-19-2004, 08:53 AM	#1
Herb Ninja Seasoned Activist Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,443 Grams: 5,910.70 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 3 Posts Stock Portfolio Total Value: 0.000 Gain/Loss: 0.000%	Agencies warn Bush that U.S. isn't defeating Iraq insurgents Agencies warn Bush that U.S. isn't defeating Iraq insurgents 12-18-2004 \| Source WASHINGTON — The CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the State Department have warned President Bush that the United States and its Iraqi allies aren't winning the battle against Iraqi insurgents who are trying to derail the country's Jan. 30 elections, according to administration officials. The officials, who agreed to speak only on condition of anonymity because intelligence estimates are classified, said, however, that the battle in Iraq wasn't lost and that successful elections might yet be held next month. But they said the warnings — including one delivered this week to Bush by CIA Director Porter Goss — indicated that U.S. forces hadn't been able to stop the insurgents' intimidation of Iraqi voters, candidates and others who want to participate in the elections. "We don't have an answer to the intimidation," one senior official said. Nor have the United States and interim Iraqi government been able to find any divisions they can exploit to divide and conquer the Sunni Muslim insurgency, the intelligence reports say. The elections are key to U.S. strategy in Iraq, and Bush and his team have insisted that they proceed as scheduled. Bush and other top White House officials have steadfastly predicted the insurgency will fail, even as they have acknowledged lately that violence is rising. "The terrorists will do all they can to delay and disrupt free elections in Iraq, and they will fail," Bush told cheering Marines last week in Camp Pendleton, Calif. But several of the officials said a vital effort to woo Sunnis, who held privileged status under Saddam Hussein and are now leading the insurgency, hasn't borne fruit. "It all boils down to the aura of the former regime. I think there are a lot of people sitting on the fence. They don't want to be seen as collaborating," one defense official said. __________________ "Truth is treason in an empire of lies." -Ron Paul

12-19-2004, 07:11 PM	#4
MickityMike Orwellian Jackboot™ Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,689 Grams: 5,431.75 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Stock Portfolio Total Value: 0.000 Gain/Loss: 0.000%	Man, to me it says a hell of a lot about the nature of the "insurgents" when one of the few things the pro- and anti-war camp can both agree upon is that there will most likely be broad massacres of civilians on Iraq's election day. __________________ I'd be delighted to live in a country where happily married gay couples had closets full of assault weapons. - Glenn Reynolds

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

New To Site?	Need Help?
Advertising Register to Participate View Forum Leaders Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read

Hot Products:

Orange Krush - Legal Bud

Black Magic Solid Smokes

Vapir One Vaporizer

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)