Korb: Iraq Study Group Recommendations Are ‘Weak,’ Not A ‘Serious Change Of Policy’
Korb: Iraq Study Group Recommendations Are ‘Weak,’ Not A ‘Serious Change Of Policy’
The New York Times reports today that “a growing number of senators from both parties are making a new push to adopt the [Iraq Study Group's] recommendations into law.” The Washington Post’s Fred Hiatt claims in today’s column that “everyone agrees” on the Baker-Hamilton approach.
The middle-ground proposal, introduced by Sens. Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN), has been touted as a “compromise” between the President’s stay-course-strategy and a phased redeployment.
But as Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Lawrence Korb, who formerly served as a Pentagon official in the Reagan administration, explains in today’s NY Daily News, the Baker-Hamilton recommendations “are now far too weak a prescription for the dire situation that faces us on the ground in Iraq”:
A cursory reading of the report might give one the impression that adopting its recommendations would result in a serious change of policy. After all, it calls for transitioning U.S. forces away from combat missions, accelerating the training of Iraqi forces and focusing more on regional diplomacy.
But look closer. While the Iraq Study Group does call for withdrawing some American troops in the spring of 2008, it conditions that withdrawal on the Iraqi government accomplishing a host of objectives.
But those are the very same benchmarks Bush is already using to measure our progress and using as a condition of withdrawal. The initial assessment report the White House released late last week makes clear that none of these benchmarks has been fully met, and on only half of these have the Iraqis made any progress.
Inexplicably, Salazar has argued that the Baker-Hamilton measure is the “right thing” because “there are people on both sides who don’t like it.”
As Korb explains though, the so-called “compromise” offered by Salazar and Alexander is toothless and does not constitute the true departure from the President’s failed policies that is needed. Instead, Congress should embrace the Levin-Reed amendment and start to “strategically reset” our presence in the Middle East.
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Another lying rethug
July 16th, 2007 at 4:46 pmCue the repuke-li-trolls whining about flip-flops in 3…2…1…
July 16th, 2007 at 4:47 pmDoes that mean that Bush DID adopt the ISG’s findings without being man enough to admit it?
July 16th, 2007 at 4:47 pmThe trolls will agree with this guy. They think we should start nuking everything north of Saudi Arabia anyway. So any suggestion that don’t mean complete and utter destruction are too weak in their warped minds.
July 16th, 2007 at 4:49 pm#3 To be “man enough” you have to have some male genes to begin with, something Dubya is lacking, big-time. (Just look at his codpiece in his flight suit pictures and his AWOL Vietnam draftdodging. Enough said!)
July 16th, 2007 at 4:50 pmOver the years, I’ve often heard this trotted out in support of a really lame “compromise.” “It must be good because both sides hate it.” No, it probably just means it’s a really stupid idea that accomplishes nothing.
July 16th, 2007 at 4:52 pmOver the years, I’ve often heard this trotted out in support of a really lame “compromise.†“It must be good because both sides hate it.†No, it probably just means it’s a really stupid idea that accomplishes nothing.
Comment by gummitch — July 16, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
Like the recent immigration bill. Destined to die a slow, painful death.
July 16th, 2007 at 4:56 pmDamn. they get it wrong every time. He was supposed to say, “Iraq Study Group Recommendations Are ‘Sane’, We Need a Serious Change Of Policy.”
July 16th, 2007 at 5:02 pmAnyone just hear Barbara Starr’s report on CNN? She basically warned of something big happening with Iran BEFORE the September report. She layed it out that IRAN was ramping up their attacks.
The military is seriously ramping this up now. I bet whatever is going to happen will be very soon now.
I can’t believe this..
July 16th, 2007 at 5:05 pmLooks like the Iraqis better step their game up!!!
July 16th, 2007 at 5:07 pmYou know, they are going to make this happen before anyone can stop the war in Iraq. The tide is turning with the Republicans. They hear and see the momentum building to stop this war and they are losing support and crediblilty. It is now or never. Once they start attacking, there is no way to put the geni back in the bottle. We’ll be commited.
I can’t believe this..
July 16th, 2007 at 5:09 pmWar with Iran before September.
The Neo-cons final solution to destroy what remains of America is under way.
-GSD
July 16th, 2007 at 5:10 pmWhat was the button, like “Hyperdrive”, or something on the old Asteroids coin-op game? When you were really in trouble, you hit that button and were ‘transported’ to a different area. The drawback was that you could be blown up anyway.
This seems like where we’re at in Iraq. Might as well hit the button, cause we’re getting pumelled anyway, and the result won’t be any worse. (No matter what the sooth-sayers think they know.)
July 16th, 2007 at 5:14 pmSo, Mr. Prez, when will the BA be letting Osama out to attack America again? Is that still your contention – that the Administration already has bin Laden, and will unleash him to attack America just before the next eelection? O did you wuss out again and back off your statement.
Meow.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:17 pmComment by Marcus Aurelius — July 16, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
I said he will be found in a dirt hole (like Saddam) at a strategic location, this will raise support for the wars, and will show results.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:23 pmBob that button was on a couple games. Notably, Defender. Yeah Asteroids had it too. It rarely worked.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:23 pmLooks like the Iraqis better step their game up!!!
Comment by Mr. President
Now that you’ll be enlisting, I suggest you not wear your mother’s dress down to the recruiting office, unless you’re joining the WACs.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:25 pmthe new york times can go to hell. I cant believe anything they say anymore after their cute lil story about how we need to demolish Iraq.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:28 pmLooks like the Iraqis better step their game up!!!
Comment by Mr. President
I don’t think they could be killing each other any faster then they are now.
I think the new plan where we arm both sides and get the hell out and watch the bodies pile up is going to work swimmingly.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:30 pmI said he will be found in a dirt hole (like Saddam) at a strategic location, this will raise support for the wars, and will show results.
Comment by Mr. President
Like you enlisting?
July 16th, 2007 at 5:31 pmI say we aim all our nuclear weapons at our own cities, then fire them. Folks on both sides are squarely against it, so it must be a good idea.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:32 pmEven if they have Bin Laden in a freezer somewhere, it’s too late….the damage is done. By invading Iraq, Bush has allowed insurgents to design and develop weapons that can overcome America’s enormous advantage in technology and money$$$….the suicide bomber/IED. A military conflict is like paper..rock..scissors. The insurgents have fought us to a stalemate with asymetric warfare tactics. And NOW they are EXPORTING this deadly technique to Afghanistan….Pakistan…North Africa…Europe…. And our $400billion/year military hasn’t figured how to stop it.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:35 pmIt rarely worked.
Comment by ForTruth — July 16, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Defender, right, even more apropo.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:37 pmThen I guess Bush has already used it.
Looks like Korb has the neocon fantasy virus.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:38 pmIt takes over the functioning part of the brain and replaces logic with Reichwing talking points.
Hard to cure, best mitigation is a complete cerebral re-write.
Boy, just a few months ago you retreat monkeys were all gun hoe about the Iraq Study Group. Now your against it when your Dem leaders are thinking of going with it. GO FIGURE!!!!
July 16th, 2007 at 5:43 pmBoy, just a few months ago you retreat monkeys were all gun hoe about the Iraq Study Group. Now your against it when your Dem leaders are thinking of going with it. GO FIGURE!!!!
Comment by Roger_Roger
Ummm… perhaps it’s because the situation has gotten worse over there?
A little hint, Roger_Roger… if you don’t want it stuffed up your nose, I’d suggest try addressing the locals as something other than “surrender monkeys”. It makes no sense and gives readers of your post the impression you’re more interested in being abusive than constructive, A**HOLE.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:46 pmHere’s the part of the Alexander/Salazar amendment I wonder about: it says that we’ll continue in Iraq as long as the Iraqis meet certain benchmarks. What it doesn’t seem to address is what action we’ll take if they DO NOT meet the benchmarks. Apparently not a fkn thing. We’ll just “stay the course.”
July 16th, 2007 at 6:30 pmAs Korb explains though, the so-called “compromise†offered by Salazar and Alexander is toothless .
WC I think Korb agrees with you.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:34 pmComment by Roger_Roger — July 16, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
————–
It’s “gung ho,” dweeb.
Need I remind you that Bush refuses to go anywhere if anyone in America says we need to withdraw. “The generals on the ground will determine if we stay or go” he keeps saying.
But if the Iraqis ask us to leave? Not even a second thought about staying.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:34 pmWC I think Korb agrees with you.
Comment by Badger — July 16, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
—————
Smart man. Heh!
July 16th, 2007 at 6:35 pmBadger, I think the A/S amendment is one of those “feel good” pieces of legislation that the Repubs always accuse the Dems of putting forth. They can “feel good” about being “against” the continued occupation without actually digging in.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:39 pmWC I agree….it feels good because it is Toothless…no one gets bit.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:54 pmWe need to state UNEQUIVOCALLY, that we Reject Permanent Military Bases and set a timetable for withdrawal of our troops.
That will get Al Qaeda booted out of Iraq by the Iraqi’s.
#26 Comment by Roger_Roger — July 16, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
Boy, just a few months ago you retreat monkeys were all gun hoe about the Iraq Study Group. Now your against it when your Dem leaders are thinking of going with it. GO FIGURE!!!!
OK trollie, show me all those Progressives on this board who loved the Iraq Study Group’s plan. I for one opposed it as totally wrong. Let’s see if you have the guts to back up your fantasy accusation with facts.
Frankly, I’m convinced you will not, because you have showed yourself to be a coward in the past.
Prove me wrong, coward!
July 16th, 2007 at 7:13 pm#32 Comment by Badger — July 16, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
We need to state UNEQUIVOCALLY, that we Reject Permanent Military Bases and set a timetable for withdrawal of our troops.
That will get Al Qaeda booted out of Iraq by the Iraqi’s.
Spot on, Badger. We need to leave COMPLETELY, ASAP! Period.
July 16th, 2007 at 7:17 pmThe whole idea of leaving troops and support personnel in Iraq just continues the neocon plan of control of the ME. The goal of American Empire is just slowed down. There is no room for compromise on the moral and ethical position involved. That is, we had no right to invade, and have no right to occupy Iraq, in a combat or non combat role. We simply have no right to be there at all.
Any “reasons”, (really, they are simply justifications) are sneaky disingenuous crap to get what the neocons want, and fool the public about their intent. They make it all sound so moral, ethical, legal and “just,” but it is all nothing but garbage. Garbage still stinks no matter how much perfume you put on it.
Nation building and democracy creation are one of the biggest bags of sh*t that has been sold to the American public. Actions speak the truth, not phony sounding religious platitudes about good vs evil or the “creation” of “democracy.”
July 16th, 2007 at 7:38 pmHOURGLASS
Once there were some Neocons
who dreamed a grand mirage
Democracy in an hourglass
is the nightmare they caused
Ideology in a bootstep
Drawing lines in sand
But wait till the wind dies down
then just try to find where you stand
I never voted for Bush
Probably many others as well
I knew we were in for a fix
Just how bad I sure couldn’t tell
Nothings wrong with being a patriot
So long as it’s just not an act
As for those who hide behind God
I don’t think He favors one flag
Saddam tried to kill “Dubyuh’s” daddy
Possessed dubyuh emm dee’s as well
But who would have thought that Hussein
Was in cahoots when the twin towers fell
So here’s a little something we got you
Democracy’s one hard gift to wrap
What do you mean, “Where’s the ribbon?”
Damn well better accept it, Iraq
Nothings wrong with being a patriot
So long as it’s just not an act
We have the right to question authority
Good luck on a straight answer back
At fuel pumps I now stand and sigh
The numbers quite something to see
The price for gas is sure high
Just ask a dead soldier’s family
Iraq’s not another Vietnam
‘Nam was humid and Iraq’s a dry heat
Been pretty damn rough though so far
Let’s hope for a smoother retreat
Don’t get me wrong, I do love my country
July 16th, 2007 at 7:53 pmWilled to die were the pathway bright
But I can’t trust this administration
To know their left from what’s right
Wow. Eugene, that was… um… well…
don’t quit your day-job.
July 16th, 2007 at 8:23 pmdon’t quit your day-job.
Comment by Mr. President
LOL
I’m betting you wish you could.
LOL
July 16th, 2007 at 9:02 pmApply Baker-Hamilton how? Send the President a copy of the report with a note saying “please do this”. What a joke. Bush will continue on the course he is presently on, regardless of what anyone says (including Petraeus) until he runs out of soldiers. Republican Senators will have to fend for themselves. Bush is on a mission from god.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:50 pmNot to split hairs with friends, but the video game button was hyperSPACE, and, yes, chances are it got you fried. Good analogy nonetheless.
Are you still not making sense, Mr. P? I thought we fixed that.
July 16th, 2007 at 10:11 pmNo the recommendations are not weak, they are balanced.
Something that neocons can never quite figure out: Overt and covert policy are left and right hands of foreign policy.
Diplomacy is not a choice, but a necessity. Otherwise anyone in tune with the CIA can dupe the system (i.e. Chalabi or Curveball).
Learn or fail again Bushies.
July 16th, 2007 at 10:36 pm