Does anyone else have the feeling that the US forces in Iraq are being “held back” until after the election? To me, it seems like the administration is taking a deliberately passive approach to fighting the insurgency. I wonder what’s in store for Fallujah if Bush wins?
It seems you are disappointed they are not providing you more "Shock & Awe" in Fallujah, and hoping that a Bush victory in November will unleash the carpet bombing of an entire city.
Is that it?
I think "holding on" would more accurately describe the current situation. The Bushies know that Iraq is a mess and there is no hope for the elections. So, all they are doing now is to minimize the U.S troop casualties and put a smiley face on top of it.
I see a "peace and honor" withdrawal soon, unless the Bushies have a brain transplant.
Here's what I found in another forum, that accurately describes the Bush position:
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If there is violence, we are winning because it shows they are desperate. If there is no violence, we are winning because we have brought peace. If the violence is a large attack, it shows they are so weak that they need to focus their manpower and resources on spectacular attacks in order to exaggerate their importance and it shows we are winning. If the violence is a series of small attacks, it shows we are winning because they have been reduced to fighting small battles. If parts of the country aren't under our control, it shows we are winning because they have consolidated into pockets of resistance because they know they have lost most of the war. If the violence is spread out across the country, it shows we are winning because the attacks are spread out instead of having any sort of organizational focus that could take the country out of our hands. If foreign fighters are involved, it shows we are winning because the Iraqis support us and only outside troublemakers are keeping things going. If domestic fighters are involved, it shows we are winning because the old regime is fighting for its last gasps because it knows it can't win open and free elections. If we can't hold open and free elections in every community, it is because we are winning and those obstacles are a last ditch attempt to block democracy. If other regimes are opening up, it shows that taking a hard line on Iraq was essential to forcing reform. If other regimes are closing themselves to the world, it shows that a hardline on Iraq was right because these regimes can't be trusted and are revealing their true colours. If the person on the street opposes America, it is because we are winning and evil regimes only prop themselves up through misinformation and bogeymen. If the person on the street supports America, it is because we are winning over their hearts and minds. If we can't find weapons of mass destruction, it shows we are winning because we prevented an evil man from acquiring them. If we find weapons of mass destruction, then we were right all along and thank god we are winning the war against them. If terrorists strike our allies, it shows we are winning that they are hurting enough to have to try and scare them out of a winning coalition. If the terrorists don't strike our allies, it is because we are winning and new security measures have been working and being part of the coalition is paying off.
If something is wrong, it shows that we are right.
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It seems you are disappointed they are not providing you more "Shock & Awe" in Fallujah, and hoping that a Bush victory in November will unleash the carpet bombing of an entire city.
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No, actually Faisal. I'm probably voting for Kerry (you're not from what I've seen?). I just have the feeling that this is the case. A significant operation in Fallujah (the center of the insurgency) seems logical and likely. Rather than "carpet bombing", my guess would be to surround the city and engage in street to street fighting similar to the operation after the contractors were killed & mutilated. But this time they will probably follow through more completely.
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*Originally posted by Stu: *
No, actually Faisal. I'm probably voting for Kerry (you're not from what I've seen?). I just have the feeling that this is the case.
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Well, I know you are voting for Kerry (I mean, thats pretty obvious reading your posts), but at the same time, the sinking polls give a different story. So, like all intelligent men, I am sure you are also bracing for a Bush victory. But thats a different discussion.
Now the question is, you have given us what your guess is... now lets hear, what you actually want to happen in Fallujah. Lets hear that. I believe that may start a more interesting discussion.
I want people of falluja to get rid of the terrorist vermin amongst them helping th ecoalition forces and work towards a moderate, free, and democratic country with the rest of their countrymen. 
ditto,
I want the decent townspeople to expel the jihad's from the city limits so that they can be dealt with by our boys