Gates: U.S. won’t have to wait long to learn if new Iraq strategy working

[sabra]

http://news.bostonherald.com/politics/view.bg?articleid=181595

Gates: U.S. won’t have to wait long to learn if new Iraq strategy working
By Assocaited Press

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a House panel Wednesday that the U.S. should know in a few months if the Iraqi government is making progress toward peace and whether the United States ”is going to have to look at other alternatives and consequences.”

In stark contrast to predecessor Donald H. Rumsfeld, Gates also said there was no doubt the Army and Marine Corps needed to be larger if they are to deal with future wars and give troops enough rest between combat tours.

”We need the full range of military capabilities,” including ground combat forces to battle large armies and nimble special operations troops to scout out terrorist threats, Gates told the House Armed Services Committee.

”We don’t know what’s going to develop in places like Russia and China, in North Korea, in Iran and elsewhere,” he said.

[KoKo]

1. UhOh! "Bring it ON" seems to be the word here. n/t

[TexasLawyer]

2. insurgents waiting it out

It may look like a roaring success over the short term, because the insurgents will lie low while the "surge" is underway.

I predict that life in Baghdad will go right back to hell when--and if-- the US reduces its patrols.

Great way to run out the clock, Georgie.

[Solly Mack]

3. Oh, I think there have been more than enough consequences for Bush's lies

None for Bush mind you...

[theaudacity]

4. This surge is a sick political ploy to leave an even more unappealing decision to the new dem prez.

maybe a troop surge can hold iraq together with bailing wire for the next 712 days, but after that the Democratic administration that follows will have some lose-lose choices to make.

[youngdem]

5. In fact, I can tell you now.

NOT WORKING.

See, that WAS quick.