Iraq War Timeline: A Review Of Mission Accomplished Anniversaries
Iraq War Timeline: A Review Of Mission Accomplished Anniversaries
ThinkProgress has updated its Iraq war timeline. A review of past Mission Accomplished anniversaries from the timeline finds the following:
MAY 1, 2004: Bush says “daily life” of Iraqis is improving.
One year later [after Mission Accomplished], despite many challenges, life for the Iraqi people is a world away from the cruelty and corruption of Saddam’s regime. At the most basic level of justice, people are no longer disappearing into political prisons, torture chambers, and mass graves — because the former dictator is in prison, himself. And their daily life is improving. [Bush, 5/1/04]
MAY 1, 2005: Downing Street Memo revealed.
Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy. [Downing Street Memo, 7/23/02]
MAY 1, 2006: Bush says Iraq has reached “a turning point.”
A new Iraqi government represents a strategic opportunity for America — and the whole world, for that matter. This nation of ours and our coalition partners are going to work with the new leadership to strengthen our mutual efforts to achieve success, a victory in this war on terror. This is a — we believe this is a turning point for the Iraqi citizens, and it’s a new chapter in our partnership. [Bush, 5/1/06]
These and other key events, quotes, and pictures of the Iraq war can be found here. Check it out and spread the word. And make sure to tell us what we missed in the comments section.
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“Turning the Corner” is officially off the RNC-approved list of GOP Iraq Talking Points.
May 1st, 2007 at 6:35 pmSo, now I have to ask the uncomfortable question of the brain trust here, what now?
Do we just whine and complain and fantasize about what will happen in ‘08?
Do we actually do something? If so, what?
Do we just say “oh well” and chalk this one up to politics?
What now?
May 1st, 2007 at 6:37 pm“Turning the Corner” is officially off the RNC-approved list of the GOP Iraq talking points.”
May 1st, 2007 at 6:37 pmEd Henry of CNN is disingenuous when he states that it is the left that is pushing harder Congress to act with the anti-war movement. With 60% of the country against a military solution in Iraq, this is our country saying to the President, “find a diplomatic solution, sir” this is the people’s will. I don’t know what they’re feeding the White House press core, but this could not be more clear.
May 1st, 2007 at 6:39 pm#2 Comment by Fed the Fcuk Up! — May 1, 2007 @ 6:37 pm
Who is this “we” you are refering to?
The evangelical christians?
The neo-cons?
BushCo?
Congress?
The UN?
The world?
Or do you mean Democrats, or progressives or just “we the people”?
May 1st, 2007 at 6:47 pmSo many LIES…
…so many times…
…Thank you sir…
…may I have another?
May 1st, 2007 at 6:48 pmBush is desperate to make his Iraqi disaster someone else’s problem. Iraq is his legacy and it is a failure. Too bad so many American soldiers and innocent Iraqi citizens had to die for Bush’s failure to execute reasonable foreign policy.
May 1st, 2007 at 6:48 pmI think people are forgetting what a democracy means… when the majority of the people say “Let’s get out of Iraq” and the majority of the Iraqis are saying “please get out of our country”, then if we are truly trying to teach the Iraqis something about democracy…. doesn’t it behoove us to teach by example?
May 1st, 2007 at 6:49 pmMay 1, 2007: Veto Accomplished!
May 1st, 2007 at 6:49 pmHere’s another monumental piece from Tom Engelhardt, the best summary of this Mission Accomplished quagmire we might expect to see.
Bush’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre
May 1st, 2007 at 7:05 pmHere is what our country has become under this criminal administration, just ONE example…
It interests Congressman John Conyers, however. Last week, Conyers released a 273-page report titled “The Constitution in Crisis; The Downing Street Minutes and Deception, Manipulation, Torture, Retribution, and Coverups in the Iraq War.” This 273-page report covers many war-related crimes, including the use of white phosphorus.
On page 165, following discussion of other crimes against humanity, the report states: “Finally, there is evidence that the U.S. Military used an incendiary weapon in combat known as White Phosphorus, even though the U.S. Battle Book states, ‘[i]t is against the Law of Land Warfare to employ WP against personnel targets,’ and which would be in contravention of the Geneva and Hague Conventions and the War Crimes Act.”
Isn’t that sweet and cuddly, come on Valiant douchebag, what is the repukian talking point on that one.
Hating the Repukian Mafia daily
May 1st, 2007 at 7:11 pmGotta love it.
May 1st, 2007 at 7:15 pmGreat lies told on three (and four) successive May 1sts by our Dear Leader. Wonder if he rented the suit for today’s epistle at Acme Costume Co like the the flight suit for that wonderful photo-op on the flight deck. “Mission Accomplished”
Well done. Your legacy is assured.
Actually, another anniversary just demonstrates what kind of naive suckers most of the US population have been turned into by the corporate media svengali class. This 4th of July, everyone should be issued oversized tootsie-pop wrappers to wear as hats.
May 1st, 2007 at 7:17 pmI hope next May 1 is just another day — no horrendous anniversary day.
May 1st, 2007 at 7:28 pmChimpy vetoed a supplemental bill with non-binding timelines.
Pelosi and Reid should not send another supplemental to Chimpy.
Cut him off. No more supplemental funding for Iraq.
The Democrats have to draw the line in the sand. Now.
May 1st, 2007 at 7:28 pm#10 Comment by stonehinge — May 1, 2007 @ 7:05 pm
“Here’s another monumental piece from Tom Engelhardt, the best summary of this Mission Accomplished quagmire we might expect to see.
Bush’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre”
Tom Engelhardt’s site “TomDispatch.com” is incredible! Absolutely must reading by everyone. The recommended piece here is “monumental” indeed!
May 1st, 2007 at 7:30 pm“Ed Henry of CNN is disingenuous when he states that it is the left that is pushing harder Congress to act with the anti-war movement. With 60% of the country against a military solution in Iraq, this is our country saying to the President, “find a diplomatic solution, sir†this is the people’s will.”
Comment by chimpy 3000
Dear C3 – The LEFT has been against this war since before it ever got started. That is the nature of the Left – make peace at ALL costs. The general public didn’t turn until the insurgents and foreign fighters ramped up the violence against Iraqis and military alike. And Chimp, while this is a democratic republic, we do not issue foreign policy o the the wet finger in the wind. I apologize – Dems DO govern that way….they rarely lead.
May 1st, 2007 at 7:39 pmVV: “The LEFT has been against this war since before it ever got started.”
OK, so I’m guessing that the RIGHT has been FOR this war since before it got started and I’m not surprised.
“Every nation has its war party. It is not the party of democracy. It is the party of autocracy. It seeks to dominate absolutely.”
~Senator Robert M. La Follette
May 1st, 2007 at 7:46 pmDouble v
You call what dubya and his gang have done leading?
May 1st, 2007 at 7:47 pmgo pound sand V V – your views are about as relevant as the steam locomotive
May 1st, 2007 at 7:47 pm#17,
Duh. That’s why it’s called “government” and NOT “leaderment”. Oh that’s right, there is no such word as “leaderment”, the word for the system you desire is called “dictatorship”.
May 1st, 2007 at 7:49 pmBush can always just ask the oil companies to turn over half their profits for this quarter to fund his ejaculative “surge”. I’m sure they’d be glad to participate in a pay as you go plan.
May 1st, 2007 at 8:07 pmDear C3 – The LEFT has been against this war since before it ever got started. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
Yeah, because we KNEW you’d f*ck it up. We know how much you hate being wrong – which is why you deny reality so hard – st*pid c*nt.
That is the nature of the Left – make peace at ALL costs. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
More projection from the wingNUT that wants to MAKE WAR at ALL COSTS.
The general public didn’t turn until the insurgents and foreign fighters ramped up the violence against Iraqis and military alike. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
And who could possibly see that coming, other than the CIA that warned the administration and the LIBERALS that warned you f*cking idi*ts it would happen… The general public realized we had been right all along, and they gave you your marching orders to FIX YOUR MISTAKE – st*pid c*nt.
And Chimp, while this is a democratic republic, we do not issue foreign policy o the the wet finger in the wind. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
No, we issue it on the will of the people – as the framers intended – you st*pid, st*pid NAZI c*nt.
I apologize – Dems DO govern that way….they rarely lead. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
Democrats lead where the people want to go – as a DEMOCRACY was intended to function. Republicans lead everyone into a ditch, and b*tch that people insist on living in a democracy. Maybe that’s why Republican voter rolls have diminished so much in recent years, and you’re about as popular now as a movement as you were under Nixon.
You’re such a miserable, disgusting piece of sh*t.
May 1st, 2007 at 8:11 pmDear Venus sweetie,
You inspire me to incredible artistic states of achievement! Herewith is a limerick I made up just for you! Hope you like it!
There once was a trollie named venus
Whose problem was envy of penis
The phony medals she wore
From her fantasy war
Are proof of her being extremist.
Ain’t that a laugh? Whooooeee, this TP is such fun.
Tooodles
May 1st, 2007 at 8:14 pmI think we need to do a comprehensive review of all the anniversaries since DAY 1 of the US embassy takeover in Tehran. Let’s review the “World of Islamic Terror Attacks” through the impotent presidency of Jimmy Carter , include Lebanon under Reagan —and all the way up to the present day. What a fun-filled way to spend your research hours!!!
May 1st, 2007 at 8:19 pm#22 – RUcerious – I’m glad to see you’re back and hope you continue your recuperation!
In addition to your idea we could ask the Congress and States to roll back gas taxes….
May 1st, 2007 at 8:23 pmI think we need to do a comprehensive review of all the anniversaries since DAY 1 of the US embassy takeover in Tehran. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
You mean the country that had a revolution against an authoritarian dictator that was installed and being propped up by the US? I would imagine the day the democratic government was overthrown by the Brit and American secret service might be more appropriate – don’t you think – st*pid c*nt?
Let’s review the “World of Islamic Terror Attacks†through the impotent presidency of Jimmy Carter , Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
You mean the man that had the b*lls not to negotiate with kidnappers?
include Lebanon under Reagan Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
Oh, you’re referring to the president that didn’t have any b*lls, and negotiated with kidnappers, while giving them military aid? Then running like a scared chicken out of Lebanon when that part of the world got sick at lopsided hardline American policies in the region?
—and all the way up to the present day. What a fun-filled way to spend your research hours!!! Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
Good advice – you should try it some time, you ignorant sl*t.
May 1st, 2007 at 8:27 pm#22 – RUcerious – I’m glad to see you’re back and hope you continue your recuperation!Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Whereas we can see you’re hitting the METH again, and seeing commies under your bed. Poor st*pid little druggie c*nt.
In addition to your idea we could ask the Congress and States to roll back gas taxes…. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
What no SACRIFICE to get us off oil, and ISLAMIC dependence? How COWARDLY of you – st*pid c*nt.
May 1st, 2007 at 8:28 pm#17… I was just trying to be nice to the dumb ass mallets who have taken so long to realize that invasion of Iraq would be a disaster. Liberals as you call them, or smart people, as I call them, have realized this since before the war. Middle of the road people who don’t have the analytical will to make up their minds, need lots more time and evidence to overcome the Presdential rhetoric, but now they’re on board. It’s the batsh*t crazy right wingnuts who believe we need to stay in Iraq in the middle of a civil war that are the biggest fools – they think we’re fighting the terrorists over there so we don’t have to fight them over here… reallly, ee’re squatting in Iraq to get rights to for US companies to develop the 63 unexplored Iraqi oilfields (there are a total of 80, 17 have been developed.)
May 1st, 2007 at 8:33 pmThe LEFT has been against this war since before it ever got started. That is the nature of the Left – make peace at ALL costs.
Comment by valiant venus #17
…and had Bushiva followed the “natural inclination” of “the LEFT”…
…we’d probably have a balanced budget…
…Social Security and Medicare might be solvent…
…the national debt would probably be much less threatening…
…hundreds of thousands of people would be alive…
…the international community would STILL look up to America for moral leadership…
…be more cooperative financially and militarily in trying to reduce the hopelessness…
…that causes people to USE violence as a means to achieve whatever ends…
…gas might STILL be $1.00 a gallon (or less)…
…NK wouldn’t have as many nukes (and desire to sell the technology to radicals who want to do harm with them)…
…I could go on and on (I’ve certainly missed SO MANY scenarios where life would more than likely be SO MUCH BETTER for us all)…
…but I’ll end this post with probably the most important point I’d like for it to make…
…Americans might be SO MUCH more closer to realizing the nation’s foundational goal of being…
…a JUST, DIVERSE and MOST of ALL…
…UNITED…
…States of America…
May 1st, 2007 at 8:50 pmVenus sweetie,
Speaking of anniversaries! Will we ever get to celebrate the anniversary of your GBCW speech. I’ll bet that speech will be a doozy.
Hey, maybe you should get a Medal of Freedom like Tenet to add to all the rest of the phony medals you wear. You know, the ones you won in your fantasy war. Just think! Georgie will hang it around your neck. ooooh now that would reaaaaly be exciting. Know what I mean? Wink, wink. Nod, nod.
Sweet dreams, sweetie
May 1st, 2007 at 8:50 pmFat -Daddy – Put the crack pipe down – Leftists love spending other peoples money – so save your “we’d have a surplus dream for another restless night…. and $1.00 gas (cute idea!!) but not with people who worship at the Altar of the GoreACLE. The international community isn’t looking to look up to ANYBODY for moral leadership. They threw their morals out the window eons ago and hate to be reminded of their moral ambiguity….Nice try…though!!
Merlin – You sound just like the 42nd Street version of Joe Sixpack – he does the manly redneck immitation while you do the immitation of the New Age sensitive man….Thanks for sharing!
May 1st, 2007 at 9:14 pmMerlin – You sound just like the 42nd Street version of Joe Sixpack – he does the manly redneck immitation while you do the immitation of the New Age sensitive man….Thanks for sharing!
says Tranny
You are the butch one in your relationship, aren’t you?
May 1st, 2007 at 9:23 pmvv,
May 1st, 2007 at 10:22 pmyou remind me that one of my toilets is clogged.
thanks.
Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
There is something terrilbly wrong with a female who claims to be a reichwing troglodyte. Very sick shit.
May 1st, 2007 at 10:41 pmFat -Daddy – Put the crack pipe down – Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
Why, do you want a hit? And here we thought METH was the drug of choice for a st*pid redneck like yourself!
Leftists love spending other peoples money – Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
You mean like the 500 billion for Iraq that largely lined the GOP coffers for the last 5 years? BAHAHA, lovely projection, baby girl!
so save your “we’d have a surplus dream for another restless night….Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
BAHAHA, you didn’t even respond to the economic reality of what was said! Why don’t you save your I PREFER TO WASTE 500 BILLION JUST SO WE CAN INCREASE TERRORISM – for your sleepless night – st*pid c*nt.
and $1.00 gas (cute idea!!) but not with people who worship at the Altar of the GoreACLE. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
No, you worship at the Alter of the Baby Jesus Bush. St*pid c*nt.
The international community isn’t looking to look up to ANYBODY for moral leadership. Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
How would you know, you hate filled immoral piece of sh*t? Did you MIND READ that theory, or is it just your UNINFORMED PIECE OF SH*T OPINION? St*pid c*nt.
They threw their morals out the window eons ago and hate to be reminded of their moral ambiguity….Nice try…though!! Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
Calling for the torture, murder and genocide of others, doesn’t exactly put you in the strong position for “moral clarity” – st*pid b*tch.
Merlin – You sound just like the 42nd Street version of Joe Sixpack – he does the manly redneck immitation while you do the immitation of the New Age sensitive man….Thanks for sharing! Comment by valiant venus — May 1, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
Actually you sound more like an insecure wingNUT MALE – very much an insecure Haggard/Foley/Bush/Cho type that equates violence with masculinity. Tell me, when will you be shooting up a college campus – st*pid b*tch?
May 1st, 2007 at 10:47 pm#34 Calling for the torture, murder and genocide of others, doesn’t exactly put you in the strong position for “moral clarity†– st*pid b*tch.
said VVGFU
Agreed. Isn’t the whole 24 scenario where the “terrorist” MIGHT have information on some dirty bomb in NYC the ultimate in moral ambiguity?
May 1st, 2007 at 11:03 pmMAY 1, 2004: Bush says “daily life†of Iraqis is improving.
Ah, the good ole’ days when Seixon would grace us with his cyberpresence and would magnanimously bestow on us his certainty that Iraqis’ daily life was, indeed, getting better.
I remember his posts about Iraq: Electricity was supposedly plentiful, potable water was flowing, security was improving, freedom of the press was better than Russia’s, and anyone who denied it was a liberal Bush-hater and bent of “making Pres Bush look bad”.
Too bad for him (and the other Bush cultists) reality has a well known liberal bias, and a way to reassert itself…
May 2nd, 2007 at 2:52 ampoor valiant venus, thinks it makes “her” sound “smart” to regurgitate the rhetoric of that impotent drug addict rush limpdick. how many oxycontin do you need to take to reach your point of delusion, sweetie?
May 2nd, 2007 at 6:51 amQuotes or out of context sound bites. This is all debunked years ago. Sorry, no one is listening.
ROTFL
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:06 amBush used to want timetables…
http://thinkprogress.org/bush-in-1999/
[snip]
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:56 amBush, in Austin, criticized President Clinton’s administration for not doing enough to enunciate a goal for the Kosovo military action and indicated the bombing campaign might not be a tough enough response. “Victory means exit strategy, and it’s important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is,†Bush said.
Bush is done.
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:36 pm