Zbigniew Brzezinski- "Victory or defeat (in Iraq) is a false choice"

[bigtree]

The real choice in Iraq

Zbigniew Brzezinski

{snips}

The administration's rhetorical devolution speaks for itself. Yet, with some luck and with a more open decision-making process in the White House, greater political courage on the part of Democratic leaders and even some encouragement from authentic Iraqi leaders, the U.S. war in Iraq could (and should) come to an end within a year.

"Victory or defeat" is, in fact, a false strategic choice. In using this formulation, the president would have the American people believe that their only options are either "hang in and win" or "quit and lose." But the real, practical choice is this: "persist but not win" or "desist but not lose."

>>>>The requisite first step to that end is for the president to break out of his political cocoon. His policymaking and his speeches are the products of the true believers around him who are largely responsible for the mess in Iraq. They have a special stake in their definition of victory, and they reinforce his convictions instead of refining his judgments. The president badly needs to widen his circle of advisers.

>>>>Democratic leaders should stop equivocating while carping. Those who want to lead in 2008 are particularly unwilling to state clearly that ending the war soon is both desirable and feasible. They fear being labeled as unpatriotic. Yet defining a practical alternative would provide a politically effective rebuttal to those who mindlessly seek an unattainable "victory." America needs a real choice regarding its tragic misadventure in Iraq

full article: http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/09/opinion/edzbig.php



couldn't have said it better myself . . . http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5514428

[Trevelyan]

1. Goes into my PNAC file - I thought Brezinski in The Grand Chessboard

wanted this Iraqi mess (and Iran and Syria and Venezuela). What happened to his America should be willing and able to fight in 10 theatres of war at once long before bush the lesser and repeated by junior?

http://www.StopTheLie.com is a good site about PNAC and what they are doing to destroy America.

[Al-CIAda]

2. Yes, he appears to be in full CYA mode.

[Nikki Stone 1]

6. And part of the CYA is blaming the people around Bush--like Babs did

Babs also told Junior's staff that they were doing a bad job and should resign.

[bigtree]

4. shocked me with his firmness about a clear withdrawal

without hedging about winning or victory. Whatever crap he may have supported in the past, this represents another crack in the establishment against Bush's blundering in Iraq. Good for Zbig.

[Democrats_win]

3. "persist but not win" --That would be terrible. Of course no one knows.

[bigtree]

5. I think he's describing diplomatic efforts after withdrawal

by Arab neighbors to bring the parties together. He didn't outline any further military role.

[400Years]

7. Zbig wanted this war

do not place your trust in this man.

[bigtree]

9. I would like to see your references on this

From what I've gleaned, he was an advocate of inspections. He rejected the notion of an immediate threat from Hussein in favor of the 'growing danger' standard which relied on the diplomatic measures the UN was engaged in before Bush cut them off. He has spoken up on immediate withdrawal more than this once and I think he has always been opposed to the way Bush has handled the prospect of any threat that may have been percieved from Hussein before the invasion.

But, I would be interested to see some of the basis for your blanket statement that he wanted this war. I don't know enough about Zbig to place 'trust' in him, but I welcome his blunt apprasial that concludes with a call for unambiguous withdrawal from Iraq.

[400Years]

10. He's a long time player

In his book The Grand Chessboard he outlined the justifications for a major U.S. invasion of Eurasia arguing that now is the right time in history. As well, he wrote the introduction for a book that has served as the guide for the whole New World Order agenda. That book is called The Crisis of Democracy. He may be critical of Bush but he's no friend of freedom, liberty, and the self determination that should be a basic right of people around the world. He's really just another Kissinger.

[bigtree]

11. That's pretty much how I see him also, with the caveat

that he's no Kissinger. Freedom, liberty, democracy? Fine ideals, but best not imposed by a great nation which thinks it knows what's best for the rest of the world. I'm no fan of those leader's clubs. Too much muddle, too much jingoism in their do-goodness.

[The Magistrate]

8. Mr. Brzezinski Is A Sound Strategist, Sir

His analysis of the situation is an excellent one.

[Voltaire99]

12. "...GREATER political courage on the part of Democratic leaders"

Even greater than the visionary boldness they've already shown?! Are we ready for...that much courage?