A Letter from General David Petraeus


"My sense is that we have achieved tactical momentum and wrested the initiative from our enemies in a number of areas of Iraq. The result has been progress in the security arena, although it has, as you know, been uneven. Innumerable tasks remain and much hard work lies ahead."Full Story

He also recognizes the pace of the Iraqi Government,
the strain on forces and the sacrifices made by troops and families.

It's exactly what I would expect a general to say: good job,
more to do, thank you for your service.

Which only leaves the decision of how to make Iraqis
take responsibility for Iraq...which they don't seem to
be able to do.

Therefore, the question must be asked: do they want us to stay
to prop them up? Or, to provide an infidel army the Iranians can
continue to make propaganda against?

My opinion is that as of April 1, redeployment and reduction should begin. If the Iraqi government can't do it by then they can't, or won't do it.

Thus, Congress should set April 1 as a date for the start of withdrawal and authorize funds with that as a condition. If the Iraqi legislation is passed, and the government makes Great strides...an extension might be granted...but a deadline for benchmarks must be set, and met.

General Petreaus has done his job, but making Iraq a nation was not it.

I like his choice of words. "We have the ball and we are driving for the goal" I just hope someone from the sidelines doesn't run on to the field and sucker punches the ballcarrier.