President Bush brought about this war with trumped up information about weapons of mass destruction which turned out to be a lot of hot air. He has cost us over 4000 young lives, not counting the lost lives of the Iraqi people, and spent more than 1 trillion dollars of our tax money, (so far.) The president still defends his war. He is among those who refuse to look back, and learn from past mistakes. He claims the 30, 000 surge of new troops sent in last year is opening the door to victory, which would be wonderful if true, but to date any success we have at this time is owed to General David Petraeus the commander who has changed the way the U.S.Army fights.
General David Petraeus has moved soldiers out of their mega bases to small out posts throughout the city into areas that are hostile to the troops. He has ordered his men to walk, not drive. The object is not to storm a citadel but, to win the people over.
Captain Tim Wright said," All the stuff in the Petraeus manual, we had kind of figured out by the time the manual came out. It was all the stuff we had seen work on the ground." Young military officers like Captain Tim Wright have learned often on their own about the Muslim culture and how to deal with the people and the problems that come up. Now they must reach out and befriend men who have killed their own comrades. Even these hard won achievements are on shaky ground. Soldiers walk the streets and communicate with the people. Former out-laws and terrorists may betray their trust and turn on them at any time.
Officers like Petraeus whose skills are crucial are not valued within the pentagon. He has fought many fights with his superiors, including CENTCOM commander Adm.Willian Fallon, who resigned last week. Superiors have been slow to learn and seem not inclined to try.
This war is different than any other war American soldiers have fought. The war has dragged on so long that soldiers go back for a third and fourth tour of duty. They don't know friend from enemy and there are no clear guidelines. The Petraeus manual can only provide the principles to follow. The soldiers on the streets of Baghdad are the decision makers right or wrong. They are to be commended and appreciated. They have served their country with honor and fortitude. We might have a wrong-headed president but our soldiers are the bravest and best. Now let this travesty of a war be over, and let them all come home safely.
