Not waiting for Washington, Marines in Iraq already expanding adviser teams

[ECH1969]

What was a recommendation during a Senate hearing this week from the top U-S commander in the Middle East is already in practice in Fallujah and elsewhere.

Marine Colonel Larry Nicholson says he's been able to shift some Marines and soldiers out of combat positions and onto teams advising Iraqi army units.

Central Command chief John Abizaid (AB'-ih-zayd) told senators this week he'd like to expand the teams but isn't sure it can be done without upping the overall U-S troop level in Iraq.

Nicholson told reporters at the Pentagon today via videoconference from Fallujah that he hasn't needed more forces. He says his "principal mission" is developing Iraqi security forces, and this is the best way to do it.

http://www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=5697328&nav=2FH5

[atreides1]

1. We'll I'm waiting

[NOLADEM]

2. Bush seems determined to make this an Un-Vietnam

Now, it seems to be Vietnam in reverse. In Vietnam, first it was advisors and then quagmire. Now, it is first the quagmire, then the advisors.

Long live the chimp.

Ugh.