Gosh, it seems like only yesterday that setting a fixed deadline for an overseas military withdrawal was a really, really, really bad idea:
President Bush Rejects Artificial Deadline, Vetoes Iraq War Supplemental
... Here is why the bill Congress passed is unacceptable. First, the bill would mandate a rigid and artificial deadline for American troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq. That withdrawal could start as early as July 1st. And it would have to start no later than October 1st, regardless of the situation on the ground.
It makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing. All the terrorists would have to do is mark their calendars and gather their strength -- and begin plotting how to overthrow the government and take control of the country of Iraq. I believe setting a deadline for withdrawal would demoralize the Iraqi people, would encourage killers across the broader Middle East, and send a signal that America will not keep its commitments. Setting a deadline for withdrawal is setting a date for failure -- and that would be irresponsible.
On the other hand:
On Thursday, before Sparrow was suspended, Harper said a set pullout date for Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan was necessary to ensure the success of the mission.
Harper, speaking in Montreal, said that without a deadline "the mission will go on forever and we will not be successful."
I'm confused.
11 comments:
Just watch all the Con talking heads and bloggers fall in line with the new "reality" according to Prime Minister Steve.
It's entertaining and funny, if you don't let it annoy you.
More than meets the eye here, but I don't get the point????
Hmmm.. Maybe shorter Poppin' Fresh Say Anything Steve is 'deadlines are for suckas...'
Well, see, his goal in setting the deadline was to win. The Democrats' goal was to lose. It's okay to set deadlines for winning...
If you think about it too hard, it makes you want to bang you head against a wall.
"Taliban" Steve?
Does that sound right?
What's the point.....?
I think after all the money and all the ads and all the negatives only gave the him a 4point boost (see the Nanos numbers from today), Mr. Harper has decided he's now going to do a limited hangout going.....wait for it.....positive.
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I don't understand why you don't understand this. The only reason they sent Canadian troops to Afghanistan was to ease the blow to Dear Leader's ego when they decided they were not going to be an accomplice to the thing in Iraq. Unless Dear Leader decides he can make himself president for life, Dear Leader s going to be gone come January 20, 2009. So what's the point of keeping Canadian troops in Afghanistan?
Very good point, the seer, and all very true.
OTOH, it might only mean that our Fearless Leader might have to shop around for another conflict. He lurvs 'em so.
The only reason they sent Canadian troops to Afghanistan was to ease the blow to Dear Leader's ego when they decided they were not going to be an accomplice to the thing in Iraq.
Actually, Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in early 2002, more than a year before the illegal/immoral invasion. It's part of Canada's NATO commitment.
Not good enough to have goals... You have to have goals, AND an end date.
Not many raised eyebrows to tell you the truth. Some relief, some frustration. My own personal belief, would be that 2015 would be a better date. As 2015, would would see the first graduates of the school programs that would be able to truely take over.
2011... Hmmm, I think I will bank my leave that year, and just go on a 2 month vacation. Frustration or no... It would be good to have the security of knowing I can stay home for a while.
Second, me thinks that the current PM might not be around after 2011 (assuming he wins even a minority this election).
There will always be other conflicts on this planet, and they will become increasingly more common I am afraid. Some BIG countries are getting dangerously close to running out of resources now (country heads think 20 years plus out), so they are looking elsewhere. Some have already started (the most common foreign languages spoken in Khartoum are English, Mandirin and Cantonese).
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