Think Progress

Bush makes surprise trip to Baghdad

By Judd Legum on Jun 13th, 2006 at 9:26 am

Bush makes surprise trip to Baghdad

to meet with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He’ll be staying for five hours.

Comments
114

114 Responses to “Bush makes surprise trip to Baghdad”

Zippy the Other Pinhead says:

gee, if Baghdad was making as much friggin’ progress towards being safe as the wingnuts are saying, you’d think the Bushniks wouldn’t have to keep sneaking in and outa the place, wouldn’t ya?

Mission Accomplished indeed…
June 13th, 2006 at 9:30 am
Randy says:

Zippy,

Can you at least be honest for a change and admit that you want the United States to go down in defeat in Iraq? Its obvious you don’t support our President, our troops or our country. At least have the guts to say how you really feel.
June 13th, 2006 at 9:35 am
Jay Randal says:

Well since Bush is in Iraq, he should remain there and never return to the United States! Let him proclaim himself the King of Arabia and good riddence to him > lol.
June 13th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Jonathon says:

Just how much money is this trip going to cost us? Is it really worth sending the President of the United States to Baghdad for a 5-hour visit? Have these people never heard of teleconferencing? Just. Damn.

If Dubya needs to meet with al-Maliki, perhaps al-Maliki should come to Dubya?

Oh, wait…. we’d end up paying for that too. :(
June 13th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Subway Serenade says:

By all means, let him stay there and play preznit…Oh wait, that would make Cheney,,,oh wait, Cheney already is…Damn.

Goper’s Lament (Hard To Be A Republican)
June 13th, 2006 at 9:39 am
Leigh says:

Randy, I believe Zippy is just saying the obvious: whether cabinet officer or President, America’s leaders have to sneak into Baghdad. This becomes very apparent when one realizes the great lengths they went to–remember, today was supposedly video conference day–to hide the President’s plan.

Which obviously means that if it isn’t safe for the President to openly go to Iraq, the country isn’t safe for any American.

And before you dump on me, my grandson served in Iraq. Have any of your family members?
June 13th, 2006 at 9:43 am
Evil Spaniard says:

Now I understand the brand new deployment of 75000 troops only in Baghdad. I guess tomorrow they will return to their true headquarters someplace else…
June 13th, 2006 at 9:44 am
Jay Randal says:

Well post 7 if Bush needs 75,000 troops to guard him, he must the Emperor now?! The US is building a huge palace, whoops I mean embassy there, so he can remain as the monarch of Iraq > in fact lets send his Dad, his Mother Babs, Jeb Boy, and all their children over there! Bye Dubya Dunce Decider > lol.
June 13th, 2006 at 9:50 am
john says:

First of all Randy (the previous opinion), Why don’t you tell me how this war isn’t lost already. If you think we can still “win” this idiotic war, Then you must think it was morally justified in the first place. This war was lost from the first misleading rhetorical talking point spewed out by Bush even before we went in. Because it was a lie. If bush gets away without any accountability as to why we went in, I believe there will be no turning back from this long campaign to consolidate executive power. And eventually we will find ourselves in the same situation as the Iranians.
June 13th, 2006 at 9:55 am
Ken Daves says:

Okay Iraqis, you have 5 hours. Please save our country by arresting this man and holding him until a war crimes tribunal may be set up to deal with him.

Please, follow the law and stop him. Save yourselves, save us.
June 13th, 2006 at 9:56 am
Tobey Tall says:

2#

Can you at least be honest for a change and admit that you want the United States to go down in defeat in Iraq? Its obvious you donâ€™t support our President, our troops or our country. At least have the guts to say how you really feel.

Yes i want your defeat in Iraq, You American murdering thiefs
No I actually hate your president along with 95% of our planet
and as for supporting your murdering thiefing troops go to hell they are the problem
They take a job thats basic job description is to kill and destroy property dont winge back when they get shot at …….They are also not real fighting men but cowards that shoot inncoent women and children go to hell america

THIS IS HOW I FEEL, at least Im honest
June 13th, 2006 at 9:57 am
lib4 says:

This is a pretext to a “drawdown” of troops in Iraq right before the election

MARK my words….

Rethugs arent dumb.,……they know Iraq is killing their poll numbers…they will pull out 50k troops by late fall…and withdraw a sizable amount to Baghdad.

The RW blogs and pundits wont call it “cutting and running” though

It will be called VICTORY…….
June 13th, 2006 at 9:58 am
Randy says:

#6

I, for one, appreciate the service your grandson has volunteered for. I think what liberals tend to forget is that your grandson and all of our fighting men and women protect our freedoms everyday around the world. Can’t we at least show some support for them during this time of war? And no, no one from my family has signed up to go to Iraq but that doesn’t make me any less patriotic either.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:00 am
Godfry Daniel says:

Wow, can Bush really reorganize al Qaeda in 5 hours?
June 13th, 2006 at 10:00 am
WC says:

#2

Randy,

Not long ago, Don Rumsfeld was asked something like this after one of his visits to Iraq:

“If things are going so great in Iraq, why do you need increased security to protect you on your visit?”

Condi Rice was with Rumsfeld at the podium. He looked at her for an answer; neither of them could provide one. They both had dumbstruck looks on their faces.

Maybe you can answer for them.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:01 am
Zookeeper says:

CNN & MSNBC are hammering on the “very dangerous helicopter ride” over Baghdad. Oh my god, this is a 5 hour photo op, to prove GWB has balls.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:02 am
Tobey Tall says:

I hope Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Asks Bush to leave as he did Tony Blair three weeks ago

Now Blair has been asked by the elected ruler of Iraq to leave by the end of the year. By what conceivable right does he refuse?
But you will never find out cause your media

SOURCE
June 13th, 2006 at 10:03 am
Zookeeper says:

‘314 – Yes, he’s their greatest recruiter.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:03 am
thinkaboutit says:

History will judge GWB and his “War on Terror”. The manipulation of evidence, the lack of planning, the squandering of billions. The end doesn’t justify the means. Our military and the Iraqi government has been playing catch up for the last 3 1/2 years. We were sold the idea of a cake walk in the park and be out in 6 to 9 months. Bush and friends didn’t attempt to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqis until it was too late. “Democracy is untidy” (rummy) and “stuff happens” are not the leadership skills we deserve.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:04 am
WC says:

Oh, and Randy…you’ve got about 10 posts on the NSA whistleblower thread from yesterday that were addressed to you. You didn’t answer them. Care to respond & discuss?
June 13th, 2006 at 10:05 am
Zookeeper says:

Oops, #18 is for #13.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:05 am
Ken Daves says:

I want bush to go down to defeat in Iraq. He was never elected, and never had the support of the people. All claims otherwise are based on the fallacy that he was given a “mandate” and ignore the fact that he has stolen a fake mandate.

The US will not go down to defeat in Iraq. If we reverse course, we can take down this fake shit leader and restore the US image.

This is not complicated stuff, except where liars try to muddy the waters. I urge people not to take the bait.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:06 am
pablo says:

can somebody locate that fake turkey? it’s not a true photo op w/o it…
June 13th, 2006 at 10:09 am
Randy says:

#9

Do you want me to go through the list of democrats who voted for the war using the same intelligence that Bush and our allies had? Bush’s problem was that he waited too long to invade Iraq. He should have done it six months sooner. You would have rather waited until after Saddam attacked Israel directly or invaded Kuwait again I suppose. The bottom line is that the WMDs were moved out of Iraq. We will find them, trust me. I expect your apology when that news hits the wire.

http://www.nysun.com/article/26514
June 13th, 2006 at 10:12 am
onthefence says:

I think what liberals tend to forget is that your grandson and all of our fighting men and women protect our freedoms everyday around the world. Canâ€™t we at least show some support for them during this time of war? And no, no one from my family has signed up to go to Iraq but that doesnâ€™t make me any less patriotic either.

Comment by Randy â€” June 13, 2006 @ 10:00 am

How are they protecting our freedom in Iraq? How was Iraq a threat to our freedom? They’re not and it wasn’t – in fact we are LESS SAFE now because of our reckless foreign policy.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:13 am
Drew Mackenzie says:

Motive?
June 13th, 2006 at 10:14 am
pete says:

When was the last time President Bush visited New Orleans or the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
June 13th, 2006 at 10:16 am
Manuel says:

The Bush empire strikes back !!
Let’s wait for the Return of the Jihad.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:16 am
Ron says:

it requires more brawn than brains for the US military to occupy Iraq.

might makes right

if you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, you must baffle them with bullsh*t.

George Bush is hardly a master criminal.

It won’t matter what the US does anymore in Iraq, it isn’t going to work.

How long will the US military be in Iraq? How long does it take to pump 400 billion barrels of oil until it is gone? twenty million used per day in the US. let’s see here, um, ah, that makes it about twenty thousand days or 54 years and nine months. That’s all, it’s not forever, so relax.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:16 am
onthefence says:

#24 Randy – you are muddying the waters again, why are you so worried about Israel? Israel has fought two wars against coalitions of Arab governments and soundly defeated them both times, they have all o four best weapons and we give them more aid than any other country, they are more than capable of defending themselves. Also, what do either of those examples have to do with protecting ourselves from terrorists? Again your argument has rung hollow for a couple years now, how much longer are you going to keep up the facade?
June 13th, 2006 at 10:18 am
cgreen says:

given time zone differences, was bush’s 5 hrs up before this was announced?
June 13th, 2006 at 10:18 am
Marie says:

This is part of the “set up” to draw down a “significant” number of troops before the end of October. This won’t be called “cut and run” – it will be part of the strategy of victory. For now, Bush is in Iraq checking up on the construction progress of the $580 million embassy in the green zone, while making photo ops with the new PM. He is shoring up his base after weeks and weeks of losing ground.
This can’t be seen as anything more than political machinations.
This is a good day for the White House: Rove is scot-free, Bush is making photos, Florida has escaped a hurricane – all is right in his world.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:19 am
Tracy says:

The press corps being left on the bus going to Camp David…now that was funny!
June 13th, 2006 at 10:19 am
WC says:

Forgive me, Randy, if I’m just a little pissed at George Bush and this “war” in Iraq. Two weeks ago our community laid to rest a 22 year old soldier who went to the same high school I attended. He had been married barely a year to his high school sweetheart, and his only daughter was born days before he was buried. Here’s the funny part: he didn’t join the military to protect America or to rid the world of terrorists; he joined to prove to his family and friends that he could “make it on his own.” In an interview his wife said that his tour would have been over soon and that he did not plan on signing back up. However, given the history of this “war” in Iraq, our government would have had other plans for him.

And how does George Bush want to honor him? By letting more of our men and women needlessly die.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:21 am
unbelievable says:

So he’s on a plane for what 5 hours each way to meet for just 5 hours?

Come on Georgie – spend the night. Prove how much Democracy is flourishing there.

He should have been forced to bring the family along on an outting…
June 13th, 2006 at 10:21 am
Beh says:

Wait, I don’t get it, how exactly are my freedoms being protected? Invading a soveriegn nation which posed absolutely no threat to us, who was not involved in 9/11 and had no WMDs does what to insure my liberty? If anything, it jeopardizes the freedom of America. Bush is just that show off kid that pokes a bee’s nest with a stick and then runs while the other kids get stung. I love my country and I have served my country. I used to work in the WTC and was there that fateful day. But with every fiber of my being, I hate George Bush. He is the worlds worst terrorist. He has the blood of the nearly three thousand dead Americans and tens of thousand Iraqi’s on his greedy little hands. He actually enjoys 9/11 more than the widows that Ann Coulter accuses. He revels in his perverted glory. Without 9/11 he is nothing but a coked up beady eyed frat boy with a Daddy complex. He absolutely gets off on 9/11. And like all Christian, Right Wing hate mongers, he hates the very people who were killed. The chant ” God Bless America” and hate New Yorkers. The clammer to support troops but won’t spend a dime on body armor. George Bush is an abomination.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:24 am
Democrat Soldier says:

#13 – “And no, no one from my family has signed up to go to Iraq but that doesnâ€™t make me any less patriotic either.”

I agree. Just because you don’t want to serve our country by joining the military and fighting for our freedoms does not mean you are any less patriotic than those that have.

I disagree in comparing support for the war equals support for our troops. Are you saying that you fully supported every action in which our troops were sent??? How about the calumny that was “Black Hawk Down”? Based on your logic, you MUST support the engagement in order to support the troops.

For what it’s worth, I didn’t become a liberal until my last year in the Army and I saw how much Pres. Bush (Sr.) was denigrating the actions of our Democrats who served our country.

What conservatives tend to forget is that our nation was built upon ALL Americans being given the same freedoms, and not just the ones currently in political power. Conservatives were the ones to tie support for the troops with support for the President. rather amusing when a few short years ago, a Republican congressman said “You can support the troops and not support the President.”

I guess that is an inconvenient truth.

Being a liberal means
June 13th, 2006 at 10:26 am
Geoff says:

leave the green zone Mr. Bush.

otherwise you didn’t even visit Iraq.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:33 am
WC says:

The bottom line is that the WMDs were moved out of Iraq. We will find them, trust me. I expect your apology when that news hits the wire.

http://www.nysun.com/article/26514

Comment by Randy â€” June 13, 2006 @ 10:12 am

Well, all I can say is, damn. Somebody was asleep at the switch. Given that we “know where the weapons are” according to Rumsfeld, we certainly weren’t paying attention.

OK. So we all know where this is heading. I know the answer already, but I don’t want to spoil the fun just yet. I hope you’ll play along, Randy. Here goes…

So they were moved out on civilian aircraft. Here’s what I don’t get. We have commercial satellites that have taken still pictures of my house, which I can view on any number of sites on the Internet, most of the free of charge. I can see my deck, my driveway, my sidewalk. I can see every part of my city.

Our military no doubt has satellites that can monitor troop and vehicle movement in real time. Word has it that the resolution is so good that they can pick out a license plate number on a vehicle from hundreds of miles in space.

Now tell me, Randy, why we couldn’t (or didn’t) track the movement of these WMD’s?

Oooo! Ooooo! Pick me! Pick me! I know the answer!

Because if there were no WMDs in Iraq, that would have destroyed Bush’s rationale for invading!

Thanks for playing!
June 13th, 2006 at 10:34 am
WC says:

Oh, and Randy, you’d better send Curt Weldon a note. He’s making an ass of himself by claiming that the WMDs are still in Iraq.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:35 am
pete says:

Randy,

I think what you and other conservatives tend to forget is that being a liberal does not mean being stupid, a coward or a pacifist. Thirty years ago, I volunteered to serve and was disqualified for a physical condition. So, I don’t have personal military experience to draw from. But, my father and his brothers all served in world war 2, in europe and the pacific. I respect the sacrifice and service of our servicepeople.

I can tell a sucessful plan from a pig, no matter how much lipstick Bush puts on it. This war is a pig. In the attack, our military performed exceptionally. But in the post-combat phase, they have been left without a plan, without training and without equipment for the job. That is on Rumsfeld, Cheney and Bush. They are criminally negligent. Our kids are being killed for it, our readiness is being degraded due to it, our treasure is being squandered on it, and our reputation among the respectable nations of the world is being pissed away.

I support the troops because they are our kids, our parents, our siblings and our friend. They are us.

But I oppose this war. I oppose Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and all who are responsible for getting us into this god-forsaken mess. They didnt’ think past shock and awe. They never do. They sold the war on lies. I don’t believe that all Congressmen saw all the intelligence the President saw, they saw only what he showed them, the same cherry-picked nonsense from his 2003 SOTU. Then they ran the war in the clumsy clodhopper brainless way they run the budget, the economy, Katrina relief and everyhting else they do. Even their tax cuts don’t work as advertised.

This war will be our ruin.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:38 am
Ron says:

fact of the matter is, and the handwriting is on the wall, the US government is broke. It borrowed another 94.5 billion dollars to continue to finance this war. the world financial leaders are not buying into this mess, and the US leaders know it.

It can’t go on like it is, there is no more money to keep it going. It has to be at the 540 billion dollar mark with no end in sight.

the jig is up. George the Dunce can schmooze all he wants, but the oil companies will need to come up with some fast cash if thems oil companies want to continue in the oil business.

It’s going to take cash from here on out, not a promissary note. money talks while the fur flies.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:43 am
pablo says:

when laura ingraham said (to David Gregory) “Yeah. David, David to do a show from Iraq means to talk to the Iraqi military to go out with the Iraqi military, to actually have a conversation with the people instead of reporting from hotel balconies about the latest IEDs going off. It is very difficult in Iraq. People are struggling…”

isn’t there some sort of ribbon-cutting ceremony at a rebuilt school in the sunni triangle that w can attend? seems he’s not leaving the balcony in the green zone during this dog-and-pony show…
June 13th, 2006 at 10:44 am
WC says:

So heâ€™s on a plane for what 5 hours each way to meet for just 5 hours?

Come on Georgie – spend the night. Prove how much Democracy is flourishing there.

He should have been forced to bring the family along on an outtingâ€¦

Comment by unbelievable â€” June 13, 2006 @ 10:21 am

Well, for my part I want to see him dress up in one of those cute soldier outfits and shown on all the evening news broadcasts holding an assault weapon straight up in the air. That flight suit just didn’t get it going for me…
June 13th, 2006 at 10:47 am
Jerad says:

Why are we still in Iraq? It isn’t like we are still in Korea or Germany. Oh wait…

Anyways, we need to be in Iraq. Sure the reasons were shallow, but protecting Iraq Oil for future American use is very important sad to say. Of course we didn’t need to gt Iraq Oil if we could only drill our own in America. Sadly, liberals feel it is only ok to “wreck” other countries environments. If the drilling isn’t in America, then it’s ok for some reason. I will never understand I guess….
June 13th, 2006 at 10:51 am
Curlew says:

I”m hoping for the worst while he’s being a cowboy in Baghdad.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:52 am
Tracy says:

“Hereâ€™s the funny part: he didnâ€™t join the military to protect America or to rid the world of terrorists; he joined to prove to his family and friends that he could â€œmake it on his own.â€”

That’s not funny that is sad because he SHOULD have joined to protect America.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:52 am
Keith H. says:

Hand that sorry, cowardly, corporate ass-kissing P.O.S. a butter knife and send him out on patrol.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:54 am
Tim says:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – When will we see news about a trip to Iraq by any member of the Bush Administration that doesn’t include the phrase “surprise visit”?
June 13th, 2006 at 10:58 am
Ron says:

Tracy, do you already wear a uniform? If not, please join a branch of the US military now, today. Don’t hesitate, just join. Put your money where your mouth is.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:01 am
Tobey Tall says:

For all you ringht wing nitz that say Iraq has hidden their WMD read this report from the UN issued 1st june

UN releases report on Iraqâ€™s chemical weapons programme
1 June â€“ Responding to a request from Iraq, the United Nations commission monitoring weapons of mass destruction in the country today released a detailed account on chemical arms there

Of the total of some 3,850 tons of chemical warfare agents produced, approximately 3,300 tons of agents were weaponized in different types of aerial bombs, artillery munitions and missile warheads.

In the period from 1981 to 1991, Iraq weaponized some 130,000 chemical munitions in total. Of these, over 101,000 munitions were used in combat, according to Iraq, in the period from 1981 to 1988.

Iraq declared that some 28,500 chemical munitions remained unused as of January 1991; about 5,500 filled munitions were destroyed by coalition forces during the war in 1991, while another 500 filled munitions were declared destroyed unilaterally by Iraq. â€œThese last two figures were partially verified by United Nations inspectors,â€ the report states.

The bulk of the destruction of some 22,000 filled munitions occurred under the supervision of the UN inspectors in accordance with Security Council resolution 687 (1991) â€“ the â€œceasefire resolutionâ€ which ended the war â€“ in the period from 1991 to 1994. During the collection of chemical weapons for destruction after the 1991 war, Iraq stated that it was not able to locate some 500 chemical munitions.

THE ONLY REASON AMERICA INVADED IRAQ WAS BECAUSE THEY HAD DESTROYED THEIR WEAPONS ALREADY WITNESSED BY THE UN ……Lets hope other countries in future keep the 3800 tonnes of sarin and use them against coward chicken shit invaders

America had also completely bombed the Iraqi air force and army for 1 year before the war even started……….that was not mentioned on your news

Also America knew that Isreal has destroyed 3 possible nuclear sites in 1982
The world Knew there was no WMD

and in my view that makes you the lowest of the low
June 13th, 2006 at 11:01 am
Mroom says:

I think if the President had any integrity, he’d stay for a few days, tour, meet with troops & try to get a feel for the situation first hand. It’s not as if he has anything more important to do.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:02 am
Democrat Soldier says:

#46 – “I will never understand I guess”

No, you won’t. Have you kept up with the estimated amounts of oil available in ANWR?

“Low and high ANWR yearly development rates ranging from 250 to 800 million barrels per year are postulated for each of the three USGS estimates, forming 6 cases.

Projected ANWR peak production rates range from 650,000 to 1.9 million barrels per day across the 6 cases.

For the mean resource case (10.3 billion barrels technically recoverable), ANWR peak production rates range from 1.0 to 1.35 million barrels per day.

Even with nearby production infrastructure, 7 to 12 years would be needed for lease sales, permitting and environmental reviews after approval for leasing. It is projected that initial ANWR production could occur around 2010 if leasing approval occurred within the next few years. (Based on a 2000 study.)

The imported refiner acquisition cost in 2020 is projected in EIAâ€™s Annual Energy Outlook 2000 reference case at $22.04 (1998 dollars). At this price, the potential ANWR oil recovered would have a value between $125 and $350 billion (in 1998 dollars.)”
http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/analysis_publications/arctic_national_wildlife_refuge/html/execsummary.html

So, lets say we do allow drilling in ANWR starting in 2007. That would mean it would take 7-12 years before the first barrel made it into the American market: 2014-2019. And that’s going to alleviate our current oil problems. . . . . How?!?!?

By the time any oil from ANWR was available, we will most likely have a viable alternative (fuel cell, ethanol/methanol, natural gas) and it would be superfluous.

Don’t worry. You’re not the only ignorant conservative. We have great patience for ignorance.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:03 am
redneck hick says:

I think what liberals tend to forget is that your grandson and all of our fighting men and women protect our freedoms everyday around the world.

That’s right, if our troops weren’t fighting and dying in Iraq who knows what freedoms we might lose. We might have no fly lists, homeland security watch lists, warrantless wiretapping, data mining of our personal phone calls. Heck, we might even be barred from attending our President’s town hall events!
June 13th, 2006 at 11:04 am
Juan C says:

Its obvious you donâ€™t support our President, our troops or our country.

Comment by Randy
What is your definition of: 1) obvious, 2)support, 3) president (it is not written with capital letters, it is just a job), 4) troops, 5) country? When you define those concepts, then you will be able to discuss something instead of drowning in tears because you are part of the few lunatics that support that ass. You are a war criminal, take a long look in the mirror.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:09 am
MrTimPA says:

As others have said – if Iraq was so safe (wasn’t there some right-wing nut indicating the murder rate in DC was higher than Iraq?) – Bush would have announced his visit – would tour the countryside to personallly see the progress. That he snuck in and is only spending a few hours there speaks volumes.

Oh, I forgot – perhaps Bush just wanted to be in Baghdad for the few hours they actually have electricity. (Of course, I’m sure the heavily fortified “green zone” has it’s own generators, etc)
June 13th, 2006 at 11:11 am
WC says:

I think if the President had any integrity, heâ€™d stay for a few days, tour, meet with troops & try to get a feel for the situation first hand. Itâ€™s not as if he has anything more important to do.

Comment by Mroom â€” June 13, 2006 @ 11:02 am

Except, perhaps, get back to Crawford and clear some more brush. Or make signing statement #762, adding one more law to the list that he doesn’t have to obey. Or go fishing to see if he can land an 8 pound perch since that seems to be the best times of his presidency.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:14 am
Juan C says:

no one from my family has signed up to go to Iraq but that doesnâ€™t make me any less patriotic either.

Comment by Randy

That just makes you a noisy, big mouth, fearing-god, coward.
The war you are defending is not protecting you from anything. US lives in constant fear, because of a war you invented. Protecting your freedom? From who? Are Dunkin Donuts being shut down there and replaced by Arabian Pitas? Read, listen and inform yourself. Stop watching TV, frat boy.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:20 am
MrTimPA says:

#58 – WC – now now, you’re picking on “The Decider” – that’s unpatriotic! *laugh* I will give him credit tho – he’s very good at photo-ops. Supporters will tout his brave trip to Iraq and not say a thing about how he had to keep the trip secret, sneak in, etc.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:20 am
Tobey Tall says:

Bush is their in Baghdad to plead the Iraq nation not to join the Shanghai corp as like IRAN ( america has been shafted)

Iran welcome in China’s new sphere
Rowan Callick, China correspondent
June 13, 2006
IRAN’S controversial President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is flying to Shanghai tomorrow to take part in a summit that will seal China’s plans to lead an Asian rival to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
The Shanghai Co-operation Organisation – whose meeting has forced the shutdown of much of the city this week – is celebrating its fifth anniversary, and is preparing to expand its membership well beyond the present China, Russia and four strategic central Asian states: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui refused at a briefing yesterday to disclose the countries that wished to become observers or full members, beyond saying: “A lot of countries in Asia and other continents have applied, demonstrating the SCO is broadening its influence.”

Other leaders who will attend the summit include the presidents of Pakistan and Mongolia – formal observer states, like Iran and India – and Afghanistan.

Most of the members share a huge potential – and, in China’s case, an appetite – for increased energy production. India is sending its Oil and Gas Minister.

In the past, they have also shared a focus on combating Islamist terror. But Iran’s participation in this summit and its eagerness to become a full member appear to point the organisation in a different direction: a corral of countries capable of countering Western influence.

Mr Li, while claiming the organisation was “very transparent”, was unable to disclose items on the agenda. He said he had not been briefed on whether China, Russia and Iran would discuss separately the current international controversy over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “To China, this is one of the most important diplomatic events of this year. The organisation is developing and getting stronger,” he said.

President Hu Jintao will chair the summit.

The group’s foreign and defence ministers and parliamentary speakers have already held meetings this year, as the pace of enmeshment accelerates. The organisation’s members have begun holding joint military exercises, most recently in March in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and next year in Russia.

Such exercises are “crucial for combat against the three evil forces”, said Mr Li – separatism, terrorism and extremism.

Last week SCO secretary-general Zhang Deguang told journalists in Beijing, when questioned about the participation of Iran: “We cannot abide other countries calling our observer nations sponsors of terror. We would not have invited them if we believed they sponsored terror.”

The SCO’s charter speaks of creating “a new international political and economic order”.

David Wall, a research associate for Cambridge University’s East Asia Institute, wrote recently in The Japan Times that the SCO states’ “only common denominators are a communist past or present, and autocratic to ruthless dictatorial governments”. He said it had become “an important multilateral institution of global geopolitical significance”. At last year’s summit, Beijing and Moscow initiated discussion about the fate of American bases in central Asia. The resulting statement said: “As the active military phase in the anti-terror operation in Afghanistan is nearing completion, it is time to decide on the deadline for the use of temporary infrastructure and for their military contingents’ presence” in member countries.

Uzbekistan has since asked the US military to leave but Kyrgyzstan continues to host a base.

Through the SCO, China has developed connections that will ensure at least some of the massive oil and gas reserves in central Asia flow east and not west. It has extended loans and made growing investments in the “-stan” economies, as part of its careful cultivation of the region, and is stepping up its purchases of Iranian oil, this year reaching 13per cent of all its oil imports.

Mr Hu and President Saparmurat Niazov of Turkmenistan, a country not yet in the SCO, recently signed an agreement on a pipeline to take gas to China via Uzbekistan.

A gas pipeline is also being built from Kazakhstan to China. And China is building a railway linking Uzbekistan to its own western Xinjiang province, passing through Kyrgyzstan.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:25 am
WC says:

#61

:)
June 13th, 2006 at 11:27 am
Zookeeper says:

Juan C, I talked to my sister, a church lady living in Texas, last night. We never talk about politics, but GWB came up when I said something about be anxious to have GWB gone. She said she supports GWB. In what way, I asked. She said — completely.

That’s your definition, Juan. If you don’t support GWB completely, blindly and insanely, you don’t support GWB.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:27 am
madashell says:

Can you at least be honest for a change and admit that you want the United States to go down in defeat in Iraq? Randy

Can you state exactly what it is we would win???? The right to build McDonald’s and Wal-Marts in Iraq??? The Iraqi people DO NOT WANT US THERE. We are not even fighting a real MILITARY, damn it.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:31 am
MrTimPA says:

#64 – so only blind and insane people support GWB? That really does an injustice to blind people – we already know only the insane support GWB. Oh, and I love this comment:

“The preceding comment was brought to you by Snark & Co. All rights reserved.” :)
June 13th, 2006 at 11:35 am
katy says:

She said she supports GWB. In what way, I asked. She said â€” completely.
Comment by Zookeeper â€” June 13, 2006 @ 11:27 am

zookeeper – did you ask “WHY?”
that is the question i’d like answered…
June 13th, 2006 at 11:35 am
WC says:

#48

Oh yes. How dare anyone even consider taking the $40,000 in bonuses and $70,000 for education that the Army is currently offering. They should join simply for the comfort of knowing that they will be protecting our country. So sad that they have to be bribed. What is wrong with today’s youths?
June 13th, 2006 at 11:35 am
Juan C says:

#64 Dont mean to mess with your family dynamics, but it is very likely (because my sisters really dont care about their political, social and economical environment, they just want to dance and be happy -whatever that means) that the reason she thinks that, is precisely because you never talk about politics.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:36 am
madashell says:

Tracy, do you already wear a uniform? If not, please join a branch of the US military now, today. Donâ€™t hesitate, just join. Put your money where your mouth is.

Comment by Ron â€” June 13, 2006 @ 11:01 am

Yeah, Tracy. I have a 24-year-old niece over their, has been stop ordered TWICE and maybe a THIRD TIME, we don’t know yet. Even if they disharge her, they will OWN her for FIVE more years, barring she doesn’t do drugs or get pregnant….

so Tracy, what the hell is your excuse?
June 13th, 2006 at 11:37 am
cizzle says:

yup! gotta check up on his investment.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:39 am
Paige says:

What did Stephen Colbert say about this administration?

That they: Produce the most powerful photo ops in the World! So true and that is exactly what this Camp David-wear your LL Bean outfits Stunt was all about. So is this whopping 5 HOUR trip to Iraq. Why not give Bush himself a weapon and send him into the red zone if this war is so ‘noble’ and that ‘democracy in Iraq’ means so much to him? Why not give the troops who are on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th tour a break Mr. President. Go hop in a humvee with your green flightsuit costume on and take out the tairsts and the ‘Saddamists’ and the ‘rejectionists’. Go out and there and see that you’re right…there’s no civil war going on, there’s no insurgency, the Iraqis get more than 5-8 hours of electricity each day, the Iraqi people love us like you say they do, there was no massacre,stop by and see the troops at the Trauma Center in the hospitals to prove to Ann Coulter they’re faking it and just greedily looking for book deals, that Employment is rising rapidly, that Oil production is booming, that the streets are safe, that the troops have all the equipment they need, go show us that there aren’t any journalists risking their lives and that they are like Laura Ingraham said…only reporting from the balconies of their air conditioned hotels in the green zone, go show us that the tairsts are in ‘their last throes if you will’, show us that all the car bombings are just Hollywood produced Media stagings from Univeral Studios, go prove for Fox News that Zarqawi’s death made things so much better, show us that children and babies aren’t being killed and blown to bits, that Haliburton didn’t allow the Iraqi people and US Troops to drink/use toxic water, that the Iraqi troops are enormous and eager to fight, go show us that the Iraqi people are better off now than they were before you invaded their country, show us that your No Bid Contracting friends aren’t ripping off the American people and the Iraqi people, that nobody is being tortured,that the government is in control, that the troops really want to be there and stay there…. now, go on, Mr Bush…go out and there and prove all of this to us! Go unbury those pesky WMD’s..’they’re in the Tikrit region, around Baghdad, north, south, east and west somewhat.’ Call Rummy if you get lost, he knows where they are. So does Curt Weldon. Or call on Geraldo from Fox News, he can draw you a map in the sand.

You’ll be there for 5 hours..you can get a few of these things accomplished. Just come back another time soon and finish the rest. Take all the time you need. Nobody is interested in this War ending or for you to have an actual plan. After all, your the biggest supporter of this war the one who is spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer money to fight it. Go show us it’s all going to a good cause. Go on now..the humvee is waiting. I know, I know, it’s 178 degrees outside..just take off your green flightsuit costume and put on a tank top and shorts…you’ll be FINE. If you get thirsty, stop by the Halliburton refreshment stand. Go. The perfectly protected humvee is waiting. So are the 72% of US Troops that didn’t mean it when they said that they wanted out of Iraq between now and 1 year. They are elated you here to join them. Maybe a few soldiers can take it easy for a few hours while you fight the War that you started. I’m sure they’d appreciate it. Just think of all the photos you can bring back for us and especially for the Republicans up for re-election in November!! Maybe next time, you can bring them all with you. Maybe send all the Chickenhawks in your party to the shooting range before they arrive. They’ll need a little know how. As for you, well, you’re just going to have to wing it out there. Good luck.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:40 am
madashell says:

one more thing, my niece also has PLANS for COLLEGE with the MONEY the ARMY PROMISED for THAT. I guess they’d rather she died than pay for that. After all, she has no dependents. and by the way, the likelihood of her EVER giving birth to a healthy baby becomes slimmer and slimmer the longer she is over there, why? DU – DEPLETED URANIUM.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:41 am
WC says:

#48

One more thing…joining for the reason he did does not make his sacrifice any less noble. It is doubtful that he put any less effort into his duties simply because his main reason was to “make it on his own.” People join the military for various reasons.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:42 am
Badmoodman says:

5 Hours in Baghdad? Pfffft, what this president really needs is one night in Bangkok.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:42 am
Zookeeper says:

zookeeper – did you ask â€œWHY?â€
that is the question iâ€™d like answeredâ€¦
Comment by katy

I said to her, give me your most important reason why you support GWB. She said, I’ll give you two. I braced myself.

#1 Clinton and the blue dress.
#2 Gay marriage.

I said to her, you’ve got to be shitting me. She said Clinton’s intern escapade was absolutely disgusting, and she could never trust anyone who could do something like that. I said, what, cheat on his wife? She said, no, the oral sex. I’m practically splitting my gut trying not to laugh, because many, many moons ago, when we were teens, I walked in on her going down on the boy from KFC.

I just didn’t move on to the gay marriage issue, because we’ve touched on it before. You know, the whole abomination in the eyes of god, and hate the sin, love the sinner bullshit. She’s going to be one surprised mama one day, because if her 14 year old son isn’t gay, I’ll kiss Santo right on the mouth.

That’s why we never talk politics, because we love each other so much, and even though she’s become a very narrow person, she’s very dear to me in so many other ways.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:48 am
WC says:

#73

madashell:

Best of luck to your niece. Please let her know that we support her and pray for her safe return.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:49 am
cizzle says:

#27, im pretty sure theres no oil in New Orleans or the Mississippi Gulf Coast
June 13th, 2006 at 11:49 am
jane troll says:

another good day for america = a bad, hate spewing day for the lefty kooks
June 13th, 2006 at 11:52 am
Zookeeper says:

#66 – I humbly apologize to all the blind people I have recently insulted. I was wrong, I meant only the hard of seeing.

â€œThe preceding comment was brought to you by Snark & Co. All rights reserved.â€
June 13th, 2006 at 11:52 am
Zookeeper says:

the reason she thinks that, is precisely because you never talk about politics.
Comment by Juan C

She found Jesus about 16 years ago, and has completely fallen for the crap her church shovels out, supported by the weirdest husband she ever had. I have illusions that I would have any effect on her beliefs.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:57 am
WC says:

#80

Looks like I’m going to have to apply for a trademark…
June 13th, 2006 at 11:58 am
Zookeeper says:

#81 – Make that I DON’T have illusions that I would have any effect on her beliefs.
June 13th, 2006 at 11:58 am
katy says:

Comment by Zookeeper â€” June 13, 2006 @ 11:48 am

w o w…

i can’t think of anything to say that would not offend…
i’ll leave it at that… :-)
June 13th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
Zookeeper says:

#82 – You should, your phrase has become popular. ;)
June 13th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
katy says:

but, zoo, maybe juan c (#69) is right…
she needs to be educated…
June 13th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
Zookeeper says:

iâ€™ll leave it at thatâ€¦ :-)
Comment by katy

That’s probably best. When talking to members of my family, I often find myself gaping like a fish out of water, and then saying nothing. It works out better that way. ;)
June 13th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
cizzle says:

#76 this is hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!
June 13th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
Tracy says:

#51

If you are or have been in the U.S. military…why did you join? I decided to be an architect instead of going to the U.S. Air Force as my brother did. I share alot of these comments with my brother and he joined to protect the U.S. I am sure that that vast majority here are not or have not been in the military either so do even attempt to put me on a pedestal. My comment about someone joining to prove that they could make it on their own to their family should not be the main reason they joined according to my brother as most military personnel will tell you.
June 13th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
lurker says:

Please tell us more about that B.J. she was giving that K.F.C.dude.
June 13th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Tracy says:

#70

What is yours? Are you currently in the U.S. military?

I have a brother-in-law in Afghanistan and two friends in Iraq right now so I know as much or more than you about having family and friends in harms way. They all are proud to be over there and they all say it would take them getting killed or mortally wounded for them to leave their comrades unless otherwise order by their CO.
June 13th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Tracy says:

#74

“One more thingâ€¦joining for the reason he did does not make his sacrifice any less noble.”

Absolutely.

“People join the military for various reasons.”

I still think that if your main reason for joining the U.S. military is anything other than wanting to serve and protect the U.S. like “proving a point”, making money for college, getting benefits, traveling, ect…, then you joined for the wrong reason. I have never heard from any of my military friends or family say that they joined for any other MAIN #1 reason other that to serve. The other benefits were just extras.

BTW do we really want people attempting to protect us when their main reason for doing so is because they were told to or gaining some personal benefit? Not me. Again I am not attempting to besmirch or belittle their actual sacrifice, just their motives.
June 13th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
God says:

Serve, so your president can self serve.
June 13th, 2006 at 1:08 pm
Juan C says:

it would take them getting killed or mortally wounded for them to leave their comrades unless otherwise order by their CO.

Welcome to the Matrix.
June 13th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
Juan C says:

Tracy. I am sorry for your relatives and friends. I really do but to put your life in danger for wrong causes, is not sacrifice. It is stupidity.
June 13th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Zookeeper says:

#90 – That ain’t happening!
June 13th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Tracy says:

#95

Well just make sure you don’t join the military for ANY reason. I wouldn’t want my friends or family to have to watch their back any more than they have to.
June 13th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
WC says:

#85

I’ll just give everybody a 30 day free trial offer!
June 13th, 2006 at 2:29 pm
Democrat Soldier says:

Tracy still can’t answer the question directed at him.

I guess when you can’t answer the argument, you have to attack the person behind the argument.
June 13th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
Tracy says:

#99

Which question have I not answered?
June 13th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Zookeeper says:

#98 – After 30 days, charge $1,000,000 for each usage.
June 13th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
roundup says:

Talk about a failed photo-op. Why didn’t w go for a mountain bike ride in the Sunni triangle? Or, get out of the Green Zone and try a nice overnight visit while staying at the Ramadi Inn? Why not give commander codpiece a set of desert fatigues and let him take a stroll down one of those famous “many-corners-turned-in Iraq”, say, in downtown Tikrit, to check on the “reconstruction” efforts?
June 13th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
JP says:

I wish he’d stay 5 years.
June 13th, 2006 at 8:29 pm
Michael Smith says:

Bush,

Don’t stay in the green zone with your yes-men for 5 hours. Go out onto the streets, be a man, and see what you have created. You don’t mind other men facing the calamity.

You big girl. No balls at all.
June 13th, 2006 at 9:44 pm
white collar warden says:

between gay marriage bashing, the secret Bush visit to Iraq and Rove getting off it’s an orgasmic frenzy for the right. too bad the coordinated media stunts won’t make Bush’s poll numbers move.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:16 am
Democrat Soldier says:

#100 – The question you have conveniently sidestepped was “WHY DIDN’T YOU JOIN THE MILITARY!”

All you have responded with is “I decided to become an architect”. Was it because you didn’t want to serve your country? Did you not want to die for oil? Did you not feel up to the challenge the military provides to everyone who joins? Are you incapable of taking orders from a higer ranking person? Are you too full of your own opinions to shut up and do what you’re told? Are you too weak to shoot a gun to kill if required?

Nope, all you did is state your decision, not your reasons. You have ignored and sidestepped the question, yet you’re more than willing to hound others by asking why they did or did not join the military.

Based on these actions you, sir, are a hypocrite.
June 14th, 2006 at 8:33 am
Tracy says:

#106

“Was it because you didnâ€™t want to serve your country?”

I decided that considering my eyesight wasn’t good enough to be a fighter pilot that architecture would be a better way to serve my country considering I have done multiple projects for the U.S. government as well as many U.S. Airforce and Army base projects including commissaries and BXs.

“Did you not want to die for oil?”

No.

“Did you not feel up to the challenge the military provides to everyone who joins?”

Yes. Are you?

“Are you incapable of taking orders from a higer ranking person?”

No. Are you even if you disagree with the premise of the mission?

“Are you too full of your own opinions to shut up and do what youâ€™re told?”

No. Are you?

“Are you too weak to shoot a gun to kill if required?”

No, and I have shot multiple types of guns. Are you?

“Based on these actions you, sir, are a hypocrite.”

Did you join the military? For what reason? Eventhough you disagree with the commander-in-chief would you do what you are told or would you be one of those cowardly objectors and go AWOL?
June 14th, 2006 at 9:56 am
Democrat Soldier says:

Tracy,
I spent my four years serving my country in the US Army. My term of service was 1986-1990. Had I been in the military when we went to war, I would have done my duty and gone. Unlike the “can’t take responsibility for their actions” Republicans, I DO take responsibility for myself and my decisions.

Notice, I do not denigrate your lack of service. I just questioned why you never fully answered the question that was posed to you. Now I retract my “hypocrisy” statement about you. I still wonder why I had to hound you into answering the question.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
Tracy says:

“Notice, I do not denigrate your lack of service.”

I neither did I to yours. Eventhough we are at opposite ends of the political spectrum I want to offer by complete gratitude for your military service and regard you in this way as a hero. Maybe you can help me out, but other than you asking “why didn’t you join the military”, I don’t recall anyone asking me “why” didn’t I join. Clif asked me if I was or had been in the military and I have stated in several other posts to him and others that I was and never have been in the service.

Now having said all that I will ask you AGAIN…Why did you join the military? Never mind all the other questions I in turn posed to you after you asked me the same.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Democrat Soldier says:

#109 – OK, Point to you. I thought we had hashed this out in a previous post 9about 3 months ago) but maybe I’m thinking of another poster.

My reasons for joining the military were many.

Primarily. I felt military service was a way to support the country that I love dearly and to express my patriotism.

I had gone to a military academy, and this increased my desire to better myself through personal regimentation and national service.

I was also attracted by the shiny boots. (Just kidding!) I guess secondary reasons included the offer for educational benefits and the chance to see the world. Also, at 18, i “knew” I was ready to take care of myself, not the Army was “taking care of myself”, but you get the picture.

After I joined, I realized that my sexuality was not going to magically change just because I was told it would, so I did my time and got out. I had been offered an appointment at West Point, but I realized that it would put me into conflict with the “no gays allowed” policy. I ended my service with an “honorable discharge” and have stayed in touch with friends who remained in service.

Have I successfully answered your question?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
Tracy says:

#110

I thought it was “don’t ask don’t tell” or is that just everyone else except the academies?
June 14th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
Democrat Soldier says:

#110 – “Don’t ask, don’t tell” wasn’t enacted until Pres. Clinton was in office in 1993. Had that policy been enacted prior to that, or had I been in when it happened, I would probably still be in the service.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
Michael Smith says:

Tracy,

I hope hell is hot enough for you, because the murder you seem to enjoy goes against everything God teaches.

I served in the Military from ‘03-05 and I can tell you things are bad in Iraq. I saw little girls with their heads blown off from US military weapons. I will take you on anytime on this forum. Go and take a look at Iraq yourself you girl.
Anyone who supports this war, and hasn’t been there themselves is a loser/chickenhawk. Despite what you hear on the TV, most troops don’t agree with the war. I was in Australia recently, and what I saw on the news about Iraq was awful. No wonder the world is against it. However, the US lives in a bubble….the news is never reported in full.
June 14th, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Tracy says:

#113

“I hope hell is hot enough for you, because the murder you seem to enjoy goes against everything God teaches.”

Then you really do not know what God teaches, because if you did you would know that soldiers killing the enemy in combat is not against what God teaches.

“I will take you on anytime on this forum.”

Anytime you feel up to it…anytime.

“Go and take a look at Iraq yourself you girl.”

Girl? This MAN will take you on in anyway at anytime.

“Anyone who supports this war, and hasnâ€™t been there themselves is a loser/chickenhawk.”

Anyone who doesn’t support what the U.S. is trying to do in Iraq doesn’t care about the Iraqi people or the spread of Islamic fundementalism.

“Despite what you hear on the TV, most troops donâ€™t agree with the war.”

Despite what you think you know they do believe in what they are doing in Iraq. I have friends in the Army and family in the Airforce that can attest to that.
June 15th, 2006 at 9:25 am

Bush makes surprise trip to Baghdad

Bush makes surprise trip to Baghdad

114 Responses to “Bush makes surprise trip to Baghdad”

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