And the Loser in November’s Election is…

America. The US populace has shown their primary concerns are in this order:

1. the economy
2. Iraq (which includes terrorism and National Security)
3. domestic issues (primarily healthcare)

Today we dissect the second concern and in the coming days we will compare what the candidates say about the other two.

Part I

On Iraq the candidates have opposing views:

One is for immediate pullout.

Obama will immediately begin to remove our troops from Iraq. He will remove one to two combat brigades each month, and have all of our combat brigades out of Iraq within 16 months. Obama will make it clear that we will not build any permanent bases in Iraq. He will keep some troops in Iraq to protect our embassy and diplomats; if al Qaeda attempts to build a base within Iraq, he will keep troops in Iraq or elsewhere in the region to carry out targeted strikes on al Qaeda.”

This leaves Iraq up for grabs and Iran is more than happy to fill the vacuum and turn Iraq into a Shari anti-democratic State. Also in pulling out we show once again that Americans are cowards and unable to follow through in any conflict. Iran will be free to pursue their “rope a dope” diplomacy and build their nuclear weapons, with which they will then threaten all of the Middle East after they have destroyed Israel.

The other is for completing the job:

I do not want to keep our troops in Iraq a minute longer than necessary to secure our interests there. Our goal is an Iraq that can stand on its own as a democratic ally and a responsible force for peace in its neighborhood. Our goal is an Iraq that no longer needs American troops. And I believe we can achieve that goal, perhaps sooner than many imagine. But I do not believe that anyone should make promises as a candidate for President that they cannot keep if elected. To promise a withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, regardless of the calamitous consequences to the Iraqi people, our most vital interests, and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility. It is a failure of leadership.

I know the pain war causes. I understand the frustration caused by our mistakes in this war. And I regret sincerely the additional sacrifices imposed on the brave Americans who defend us. But I also know the toll a lost war takes on an army and on our country’s security. By giving General Petraeus and the men and women he has the honor to command the time and support necessary to succeed in Iraq we have before us a hard road. But it is the right road. It is necessary and just. Those who disregard the unmistakable progress we have made in the last year and the terrible consequences that would ensue were we to abandon our responsibilities in Iraq have chosen another road. It may appear to be the easier course of action, but it is a much more reckless one, and it does them no credit even if it gives them an advantage in the next election. -John McCain

Regardless of why we are in Iraq everyone has lied about this issue to the voters. There were no WMDs, but there is every indication that Saddam Hussein made every intelligence agency believe there was. The media has exaggerated and used hyperbole to make US casualty numbers appear over abundant when in fact fewer soldiers have died during the Iraq than have died during other periods of peace. Military planners knew going in that the secular violence would be bad but were hamstrung by the politician’s policy of minimalization. Those military advisors who understood the problem and voiced objections were forced out (i.e. Gen. Anthony Zinni and others).

So on this issue the voters have a clear choice but the effects of what we choose affect not only America, but also Israel, the Middle East and any nation that relies upon oil.

Read Part II
Read Part III