<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
		>
<channel>
	<title>Comments on: Sen. Levin: Administration Planning Reduction of Troops in Fall to Help Win Elections</title>
	<atom:link href="http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:13:08 -0500</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5</generator>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
		<item>
		<title>By: Nude Pam Anderson Nude Preteen Nudists</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4712982</link>
		<dc:creator>Nude Pam Anderson Nude Preteen Nudists</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:39:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4712982</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Nude Pam Anderson Nude Preteen Nudists&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Nude Pam Anderson Nude Preteen Nudists</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4712982', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Young Girls Youngest Boys Gallery Young Girls Naked</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4670302</link>
		<dc:creator>Young Girls Youngest Boys Gallery Young Girls Naked</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:20:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4670302</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Young Girls Youngest Boys Gallery Young Girls Naked&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Young Girls Youngest Boys Gallery Young Girls Naked</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4670302', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Jack</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4623294</link>
		<dc:creator>Jack</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:02:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4623294</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Jack&lt;/strong&gt;

Brilliant information and great site to visit. Informative and attractive layout.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Jack</strong></p>
<p>Brilliant information and great site to visit. Informative and attractive layout.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4623294', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Animal Sex Free Animal Sex Stories Sex With Dogs</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4526878</link>
		<dc:creator>Animal Sex Free Animal Sex Stories Sex With Dogs</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:03:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4526878</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Animal Sex Free Animal Sex Stories Sex With Dogs&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Animal Sex Free Animal Sex Stories Sex With Dogs</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4526878', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Black Pussy Black Lesbian Porn Fat Black Pussy</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4467096</link>
		<dc:creator>Black Pussy Black Lesbian Porn Fat Black Pussy</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:36:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4467096</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Black Pussy Black Lesbian Porn Fat Black Pussy&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Black Pussy Black Lesbian Porn Fat Black Pussy</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4467096', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: planning a retirement party</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4460500</link>
		<dc:creator>planning a retirement party</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:39:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4460500</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;planning a retirement party&lt;/strong&gt;

This is similar to comment spam but avoids some of the safeguards designed to stop the latter practice.) Some individuals or companies</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>planning a retirement party</strong></p>
<p>This is similar to comment spam but avoids some of the safeguards designed to stop the latter practice.) Some individuals or companies<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4460500', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Ass Thick Ass Babes Kick Ass</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4453536</link>
		<dc:creator>Ass Thick Ass Babes Kick Ass</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:50:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4453536</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Ass Thick Ass Babes Kick Ass&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Ass Thick Ass Babes Kick Ass</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4453536', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Accounting Financial Financial Success</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4440728</link>
		<dc:creator>Accounting Financial Financial Success</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:01:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4440728</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Accounting Financial Financial Success&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Accounting Financial Financial Success</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4440728', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Cash Advance Loan</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4430784</link>
		<dc:creator>Cash Advance Loan</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2008 04:10:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4430784</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Cash Advance Loan&lt;/strong&gt;

Cash loans aid loan seekers by certainly removing hassles from the process quick and problemless.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Cash Advance Loan</strong></p>
<p>Cash loans aid loan seekers by certainly removing hassles from the process quick and problemless.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4430784', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Kds Bbs Pics Childporn Underage Nudist</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4405634</link>
		<dc:creator>Kds Bbs Pics Childporn Underage Nudist</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:20:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4405634</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Kds Bbs Pics Childporn Underage Nudist&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Kds Bbs Pics Childporn Underage Nudist</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4405634', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: hot middle eastern girls</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4379580</link>
		<dc:creator>hot middle eastern girls</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:45:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4379580</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;hot middle eastern girls&lt;/strong&gt;

Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts !</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>hot middle eastern girls</strong></p>
<p>Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts !<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4379580', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Transexual Free Transexual Images Transexual Clubs</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4363528</link>
		<dc:creator>Transexual Free Transexual Images Transexual Clubs</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:31:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4363528</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Transexual Free Transexual Images Transexual Clubs&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Transexual Free Transexual Images Transexual Clubs</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4363528', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Quick Cash Earnings Online In Minutes</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4358848</link>
		<dc:creator>Quick Cash Earnings Online In Minutes</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:12:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4358848</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Quick Cash Earnings Online In Minutes&lt;/strong&gt;

I have to say, that I could not agree with you in 100%, but it&#039;s just my opinion, which could be wrong.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Quick Cash Earnings Online In Minutes</strong></p>
<p>I have to say, that I could not agree with you in 100%, but it&#8217;s just my opinion, which could be wrong.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4358848', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: are there disadvantage of debt management company</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-5/#comment-4349056</link>
		<dc:creator>are there disadvantage of debt management company</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:08:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4349056</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;are there disadvantage of debt management company&lt;/strong&gt;

</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>are there disadvantage of debt management company</strong><a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4349056', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Corporate Planning</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-4/#comment-4344192</link>
		<dc:creator>Corporate Planning</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:27:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4344192</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Corporate Planning&lt;/strong&gt;

I enjoyed reading your blog. It is so interesting reading other peoples personal take on a subject.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Corporate Planning</strong></p>
<p>I enjoyed reading your blog. It is so interesting reading other peoples personal take on a subject.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4344192', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: joint custody divorce</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-4/#comment-4325418</link>
		<dc:creator>joint custody divorce</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4325418</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;joint custody divorce&lt;/strong&gt;

Good post. I am looking into these issues on my blog.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>joint custody divorce</strong></p>
<p>Good post. I am looking into these issues on my blog.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4325418', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Transexual Mature Transexual Transexual Clubs</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-4/#comment-4307692</link>
		<dc:creator>Transexual Mature Transexual Transexual Clubs</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:17:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-4307692</guid>
		<description>&lt;strong&gt;Transexual Mature Transexual Transexual Clubs&lt;/strong&gt;

I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Transexual Mature Transexual Transexual Clubs</strong></p>
<p>I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=4307692', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Meatloaf</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-4/#comment-643809</link>
		<dc:creator>Meatloaf</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2006 15:38:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-643809</guid>
		<description>Just some observations from the ongoing discussions...

I thought it was us &quot;Liberal Lefties&quot; who were supposed to be the proponents of moral relativism?  And yet time and again I see the conservatives trot out arguments like, who was in power when such and such happens, or other countries do it to.

I thought we were supposed to do what&#039;s right because it&#039;s right, not because some other conservative or liberal may have done it and not because others are doing it to.


Also...  Clinton inherited Somalia from Bush I.  We can argue the merits of Clintons withdrawal, but our involvement there in the first place is a conservative boondoggle.  

Speaking of Somalia...  I understand that much of the world drew an incorrect conclusion that we didn&#039;t possess the stomach for conflict when things got tough when what really happened is Clinton recognized that we were not wanted there by the very people we were trying to help and that the effort couldn&#039;t succeed without a massive escalation of the conflict.  He simply decided that the lives of our soldiers were worth more than that.  For people who claim to value and support the troops so much, I wonder why they can&#039;t wrap their minds around that or why they aren&#039;t more appalled by the current senseless waste of life for a littany of lies.  At least the troops themselves seem to be slowly coming around.  It&#039;ll be interesting to see what kind of support conservatives get from the military in the future.

Also...  Some folks seem all too willing to gloss over the facts when reviewing the history of our current conflict.  Yes it was rumored that Hussein&#039;s Iraq possessed WMDs, but it also now widely known that much of that rumor came from us and more specifically the Office of Special Plans inside the Pentagon as headed up by Rumsfeld and Cheney.  It is now widely known that intel was cherry picked and elements that supported Bushco&#039;s drive towards war were highlighted and put in the spotlight, while evidence that contradicted that agenda was kept quiet and hidden.  Furthermore, Hussein never kicked out the inspectors.  They left of their own volition after Clinton warned them of an impending strike and that he couldn&#039;t guarantee their safety.  Nevermind that they were allowed back in,(despite Bush&#039;s constant public protestations to the contrary) and that Hussein was cooperating.  You may recall said cooperation being dismissed as another clever Hussein tactic to hide his true evil intent.

The U.N. sanction violations are a red-herring on two counts, 1st, many countries, including the U.S. and Israel are in violation of several U.N. sanctions yet no one seems to be calling for armed invasions of either us or Israel.  2nd, it defies logic to use the sanctions as an excuse when the very body that creates and issues the sanctions is and was opposed to the war.

Also...   Of course there were no pre-election political ploys for troop reduction before the 2004 elections.  We hadn&#039;t yet reached the tipping point in the polls where the majority of Americans opposed the Iraq war, and supported troop withdrawal at the earlist possible point.  Now that we have it&#039;s become a political ping pong ball.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just some observations from the ongoing discussions&#8230;</p>
<p>I thought it was us &#8220;Liberal Lefties&#8221; who were supposed to be the proponents of moral relativism?  And yet time and again I see the conservatives trot out arguments like, who was in power when such and such happens, or other countries do it to.</p>
<p>I thought we were supposed to do what&#8217;s right because it&#8217;s right, not because some other conservative or liberal may have done it and not because others are doing it to.</p>
<p>Also&#8230;  Clinton inherited Somalia from Bush I.  We can argue the merits of Clintons withdrawal, but our involvement there in the first place is a conservative boondoggle.  </p>
<p>Speaking of Somalia&#8230;  I understand that much of the world drew an incorrect conclusion that we didn&#8217;t possess the stomach for conflict when things got tough when what really happened is Clinton recognized that we were not wanted there by the very people we were trying to help and that the effort couldn&#8217;t succeed without a massive escalation of the conflict.  He simply decided that the lives of our soldiers were worth more than that.  For people who claim to value and support the troops so much, I wonder why they can&#8217;t wrap their minds around that or why they aren&#8217;t more appalled by the current senseless waste of life for a littany of lies.  At least the troops themselves seem to be slowly coming around.  It&#8217;ll be interesting to see what kind of support conservatives get from the military in the future.</p>
<p>Also&#8230;  Some folks seem all too willing to gloss over the facts when reviewing the history of our current conflict.  Yes it was rumored that Hussein&#8217;s Iraq possessed WMDs, but it also now widely known that much of that rumor came from us and more specifically the Office of Special Plans inside the Pentagon as headed up by Rumsfeld and Cheney.  It is now widely known that intel was cherry picked and elements that supported Bushco&#8217;s drive towards war were highlighted and put in the spotlight, while evidence that contradicted that agenda was kept quiet and hidden.  Furthermore, Hussein never kicked out the inspectors.  They left of their own volition after Clinton warned them of an impending strike and that he couldn&#8217;t guarantee their safety.  Nevermind that they were allowed back in,(despite Bush&#8217;s constant public protestations to the contrary) and that Hussein was cooperating.  You may recall said cooperation being dismissed as another clever Hussein tactic to hide his true evil intent.</p>
<p>The U.N. sanction violations are a red-herring on two counts, 1st, many countries, including the U.S. and Israel are in violation of several U.N. sanctions yet no one seems to be calling for armed invasions of either us or Israel.  2nd, it defies logic to use the sanctions as an excuse when the very body that creates and issues the sanctions is and was opposed to the war.</p>
<p>Also&#8230;   Of course there were no pre-election political ploys for troop reduction before the 2004 elections.  We hadn&#8217;t yet reached the tipping point in the polls where the majority of Americans opposed the Iraq war, and supported troop withdrawal at the earlist possible point.  Now that we have it&#8217;s become a political ping pong ball.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=643809', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: mparker</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-4/#comment-643487</link>
		<dc:creator>mparker</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2006 11:43:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-643487</guid>
		<description>What a mighty fool. There is no plan to leave Iraq.....EVER. There never was.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What a mighty fool. There is no plan to leave Iraq&#8230;..EVER. There never was.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=643487', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: mighty aphrodite</title>
		<link>http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/comment-page-4/#comment-641810</link>
		<dc:creator>mighty aphrodite</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 18:22:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thinkprogress.org/2006/06/25/levin-iraq-troops/#comment-641810</guid>
		<description>Dear Christian Lefty - I&#039;ve refuted your &quot;facts and claims&quot; before BUT some people are unable to keep up with threads if they must leave  - so in the spirit of cheerful helpfulness, allow me to address your talking points in #182:
a,) &quot;If our military is planning to reduce troop numbers in Iraq by the time of the election, why didnâ€™t our Commander in Grief come out and agree to a phased deployment?&quot;
*****Wisely, our Commander in CHIEF agreed to adhere to the joint planning of the constituted Iraqi gov&#039;t and General Casey. Agreeing to such measures does NOT mean such agreements will be broadcast to YOU.  While Al Quada uses coalition forces to whip up the recruiting crescendo, a concrete, LOUDLY blabbered withdrawal strategy would ONLY embolden them further.  The paradox is evidenced by the enemies belief that Americans have no stomach for the fight.  But not to worry, I&#039;m sure some lib-leaker will be spilling or selling the info to the NYT. 

b.) &quot;What are the metrics being used to reduce troop numbers?&quot;  
******* ++++NOTE++++  See &quot;a.)&quot; above.

c.) &quot;Why did we go into Iraq and what needs to happen for an exit to take place?&quot;
******* For the umpteeeeenth time:  Iraq was known to posses AND use WMD&#039;s.  In the 1991 Cease Fire Agreement (Handy TIP: A cease fire agreement is NOT a peace treaty - it is a cessation of hostilities as long as agreed upon conditions are met.) Saddam agreed to weapons inspectors and certain humanitarian programs such as &quot;Oil for Food &quot; Program.  Rife with corruption from the UN, suppliers, and the Iraqi government, the ordinary citizen suffered greatly. Paying suicide bounties to Palestinian bombers and playing host to known terrorists didn&#039;t increase most Americans love for Saddam. After going over the known intelligence of the day (intelligence HEAVILY discussed - but weakly acted upon by our former President) and going to the UN (where more than a dozen resolutions that liberals love so much were disregarded by Saddam) and conditions were announced by our diplomatic corps and President - we went in.  (SAVE for FUTURE reference!!!)

Re: US and coalition forces: as the Iraqi security forces increase their capabilities, we will withdraw.  And No, GWB will not be posting here to let progs know the &quot;metrics&quot; or timetable.  But isn&#039;t this conundrum typical of progs?  They want out - they want to know when - they &quot;support the troops&quot; who aren&#039;t murderers -- AND they&#039;re offended at the possible political implications of a staggered withdrawal in a POLITICAL ARENA!!  (My favourite two words to bring nebulous progs back to earth - &quot;GEORGE MC GOVERN&quot;.  

I&#039;m certain your disagreement with my answer to you will warrant a vacuous response - but please don&#039;t waste your precious time.  Conference in 30 minutes....&#039;til later....</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear Christian Lefty &#8211; I&#8217;ve refuted your &#8220;facts and claims&#8221; before BUT some people are unable to keep up with threads if they must leave  &#8211; so in the spirit of cheerful helpfulness, allow me to address your talking points in #182:<br />
a,) &#8220;If our military is planning to reduce troop numbers in Iraq by the time of the election, why didnâ€™t our Commander in Grief come out and agree to a phased deployment?&#8221;<br />
*****Wisely, our Commander in CHIEF agreed to adhere to the joint planning of the constituted Iraqi gov&#8217;t and General Casey. Agreeing to such measures does NOT mean such agreements will be broadcast to YOU.  While Al Quada uses coalition forces to whip up the recruiting crescendo, a concrete, LOUDLY blabbered withdrawal strategy would ONLY embolden them further.  The paradox is evidenced by the enemies belief that Americans have no stomach for the fight.  But not to worry, I&#8217;m sure some lib-leaker will be spilling or selling the info to the NYT. </p>
<p>b.) &#8220;What are the metrics being used to reduce troop numbers?&#8221;<br />
******* ++++NOTE++++  See &#8220;a.)&#8221; above.</p>
<p>c.) &#8220;Why did we go into Iraq and what needs to happen for an exit to take place?&#8221;<br />
******* For the umpteeeeenth time:  Iraq was known to posses AND use WMD&#8217;s.  In the 1991 Cease Fire Agreement (Handy TIP: A cease fire agreement is NOT a peace treaty &#8211; it is a cessation of hostilities as long as agreed upon conditions are met.) Saddam agreed to weapons inspectors and certain humanitarian programs such as &#8220;Oil for Food &#8221; Program.  Rife with corruption from the UN, suppliers, and the Iraqi government, the ordinary citizen suffered greatly. Paying suicide bounties to Palestinian bombers and playing host to known terrorists didn&#8217;t increase most Americans love for Saddam. After going over the known intelligence of the day (intelligence HEAVILY discussed &#8211; but weakly acted upon by our former President) and going to the UN (where more than a dozen resolutions that liberals love so much were disregarded by Saddam) and conditions were announced by our diplomatic corps and President &#8211; we went in.  (SAVE for FUTURE reference!!!)</p>
<p>Re: US and coalition forces: as the Iraqi security forces increase their capabilities, we will withdraw.  And No, GWB will not be posting here to let progs know the &#8220;metrics&#8221; or timetable.  But isn&#8217;t this conundrum typical of progs?  They want out &#8211; they want to know when &#8211; they &#8220;support the troops&#8221; who aren&#8217;t murderers &#8212; AND they&#8217;re offended at the possible political implications of a staggered withdrawal in a POLITICAL ARENA!!  (My favourite two words to bring nebulous progs back to earth &#8211; &#8220;GEORGE MC GOVERN&#8221;.  </p>
<p>I&#8217;m certain your disagreement with my answer to you will warrant a vacuous response &#8211; but please don&#8217;t waste your precious time.  Conference in 30 minutes&#8230;.&#8217;til later&#8230;.<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=""  onmouseover="window.status=''; return true" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true" onclick="ddrc_popup('http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/plugins/dd-report-comments/report.php?c=641810', 400, 400)"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
</channel>
</rss>
