"Stuck in Iraq, with no good options left" (Carl Hiaasen)

[hiaasenrocks]

Stuck in Iraq, with no good options left
By CARL HIAASEN
Sun, Jul. 22, 2007

From the Better-Late-Than-Never-Department:

The Pentagon has asked Congress for $1.2 billion to expedite the production of 3,900 specially armored trucks for
Lawmakers are expected to approve the funding even as they try to pressure President Bush to set a schedule for withdrawing U.S. ground forces. The mine-resistant transport vehicles cost $1 million each and, with any luck, some might actually be delivered before the fighting is over.

This is the story of the war in a nutshell -- misbegotten, misrepresented and mismanaged.

Stoned on his own delusions, the president still talks of installing a functioning democracy in a country throttled by civil war and aflame with ancient religious grievances.

Newly doubt-ridden Republicans in Congress speechify about a ''new direction,'' but do nothing. Democrats call for a staged withdrawal, but can't muster the votes to make it happen.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi government remains paralyzed and rudderless. Car bombs continue to explode in open markets, killing and maiming innocents by the score. The Shiites and Sunnis keep on kidnapping, torturing and executing each other.

CONTINUED: http://www.miamiherald.com/424/story/177167.html

[bklyncowgirl]

1. He's right of course, there are no good options.

Bush, Cheney and anyone else who got us into this mess should burn in hell.

[Demeter]

2. Getting Out Now Is The Best Option We Have (For Everyone's Sake)

since getting out years ago is no longer available....