I feel a bit like a prairie dog sticking my head out of a hole to see what’s happening in the world. Daddy’s actually feeling a little better right now, mostly because he’s eaten more than a teaspoon per meal the last couple of days. He’s still very weak, and I’m not expecting long-term improvement.
So the Baker Commission released its report today. The report recommends a major diplomatic effort in Iraq and pulling most of the troops out by early 2008. If Bush wants any comfort, he’d better look to Barney, because the report is straightforward about his failure.
WASHINGTON - President Bush’s policy in Iraq “is not working,” a high-level commission said bluntly on Wednesday, prodding the administration to use diplomacy to stabilize the country and allow withdrawal of most American combat troops by early 2008.
“The ability of the United States to influence events within Iraq is diminishing,” the commission said in a report obtained by The Associated Press.
“There is no path that can guarantee success, but the prospects can be improved,” the commissioners said after an exhaustive review of a war that has taken the lives of more than 2,900 U.S. troops and grown so unpopular at home that it helped trigger a Democratic takeover of Congress in last month’s elections.
Bush keeps insisting that the troops won’t leave Iraq till “the job’s done”, but I haven’t heard him elaborate on exactly what the job is and how we’ll know when it’s done. He says “no timetable” for troop withdrawals, but I’d be shocked if he didn’t accede to the recommendation and at least start bringing home troops by 2008. Otherwise, the Republicans can kiss their presidential aspirations goodbye, and the real movers and shakers of the political world won’t have that.
UPDATE: Here’s more detailed coverage of the report.
What else is going on out there?
Kathy, I can tell from your remark that you’re prepared for the worst, but hoping for the best. I continue to pray for the best for all of you.
Thanks, Don.
Barney who?
Barney the dog. Bush said he’d stick with his Iraq policy even if Laura and Barney were the only ones supporting him. I believe we’re just about there.
Arf! Arf!*
*What’s your problem, pal? Even a pit bull would’ve let go by now!
I was thinking you meant either Barney the Dinosaur or Barney Fyffe…either of whom would make excellent advisors on foreign policy issues.
Did you see this story today??
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/flatulence-leads-to-grounding-of-plane/20061205210909990004?cid=
Everyone should be forced to take a Gas X before they fly!!
I felt like a high school boy laughing about that woman on the plane.
I agree with Jennifer, Barney Fyffe with his one bullet would be better at the foreign policy job that anyone else so far.
Glad your father is eating more. Get him stoned, that will increase his appetite and make him feel better.
Jennifer, you could have a field day with that story. Maybe the new security x-rays the TSA wants to use would identify rumbly bellies so there could be targeted use of Gas-X.
MWT, I think he’s pretty stoned already. He gets anti-anxiety meds when he wants them. Too bad I can’t make him some pot brownies, but my old connection is long gone (just kidding).
Kathy, the plane situation could have been worse. When I first heard that someone was farting and that matches were involved, I immediately thought that the brothers from the University of Montevallo chapter of Alpha Tau Omega had been let loose and were lighting their farts on a plane.