Owen West, who "served two tours in Iraq with the Marines" and authored a book on counterinsurgency in Iraq, tells NY Times readers what he really thinks of Obama's abandonment of Iraq in 2011 and his current program of trickling in a few advisors:
Mr. Obama, despite warnings of Mr. Maliki’s intentions, made no sincere effort to leave a sizable number of troops in Iraq past 2011. Now we’re sending in tiny groups, a few hundred at a time, to live on lily pads. That’s no way to instill the will to fight, yet Pentagon officials brag about numbers of “troops trained.”
Before entering ground combat, we have to fix the political problem. It would be insane to repeat our previous mistake and train an army to fight for the current Shiite government. Last year we trained not a single Sunni soldier, and our dollars continue to flow through Baghdad to Shiite militias.
...
Even with a thousand American advisers, Shiite soldiers today won’t fight for desolate Sunni lands. If we’re committed to a yearslong effort, money should flow directly to the end recipient of our choosing — whether that be the Iraqi Army, Kurds or Sunni tribesmen. Our current half-strategy opposes one enemy — the Islamic State — but benefits a much bigger threat, Iran.
If we don’t get the politics aligned with a commitment to destroy the Islamic State, our advisers should expect the same heartbreak as those of us who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and our fathers before us in Vietnam.
CecilT-- he was on meth; he had neither a mind nor health... or even a soul. Meth is filthy poison.
Posted by: NKonChrome | June 18, 2015 at 02:11 PM
CT, eating prescription meds and LSD like candy do not make a person crazy in SC.
Posted by: henry | June 18, 2015 at 02:16 PM
Something really stinks about this...I mean a "Rhodesian" flag?
Posted by: squaredance | June 18, 2015 at 02:16 PM
In case anyone missed Tonto's Kemosahbee Harry Stein's essay on Seinfeld and the PC Thought Police, I'm relinking.
Excellent.
Posted by: Cispigmented Heteronormative Microagressive Ignatz | June 18, 2015 at 02:16 PM
btw, Hank Goldberg won the AIG bet. and he didn't even do better than the Duke Bros,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:19 PM
the shooter is not unlike the braquers, that were in that Rotella piece, which went down the memory hole,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:20 PM
As lyle points out, just like with Benghazi, 404 lets nothing get in the way of fundraisers. Nor Rodham...
Posted by: Captain Hate on the iPhone | June 18, 2015 at 02:21 PM
OL-Between wioa, ecaa, and TPA GOPe is determined to launch full blown fascism on us.
I was out running errors and all I could think of was Bend Over is their attitude.
Saw Paul Ryan proposes giving block grants to states to give healthcare subsidies if King V Burwell overturns the exchanges.
I think people do not realize that most of the so-called conservative think tanks are actually not Conservative on economic issues. They like the welfare state and they want the providers to be cronies.
Posted by: rse | June 18, 2015 at 02:27 PM
yes we know rse, does hate crime include death penalty, because if this isn't a clear and convincing case,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:32 PM
What kinda nutjob gets his kid a 45 after he's arrested for meth and LSD possession?
Posted by: Cispigmented Heteronormative Microagressive Ignatz | June 18, 2015 at 02:33 PM
rse "I was out running errors "
I sure wish I could out run some of my mistakes.
:-)
Yes, rse, DOOM is the right descriptor.
Posted by: Old Lurker | June 18, 2015 at 02:33 PM
sorry you have to be linguistically appropriated,
der untergang,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:34 PM
now that is the chief skydragon netter,
https://twitter.com/iowahawkblog
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:37 PM
Agreed, Harry Stein's essay is wonderful.
He says Seinfeld is a liberal, which I don't doubt, but it's to Seinfeld's credit that I have no idea based on the show, and if anything might have thought otherwise. Not coincidentally, I'd say the same thing about Larry David and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." I guess what I'd add to Stein's piece is the importance of being able to laugh at oneself, which Seinfeld/David can do. Jon Stewart occasionally does it, but more often puts his political agenda first.
Posted by: jimmyk | June 18, 2015 at 02:37 PM
So proud that OrangeDrank has a good working relationship with 404 because that's what the GOP campaigned on in November.
Posted by: Captain Hate | June 18, 2015 at 02:40 PM
rse @ 2:27 is completely right.
Posted by: James D | June 18, 2015 at 02:42 PM
what I was pointing to:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/former-aig-chief-asks-court-to-revive-backdoor-bailout-claims-1434643409?mod=rss_markets_main
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:42 PM
Powerline got its hands on one of Blumenthall's emails to Hillary. Worth the read:
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2015/06/blumenthal-email-confirms-libya-was-to-be-hillarys-crowning-accomplishment.php
Posted by: Jane | June 18, 2015 at 02:42 PM
CH @ 2:40
I can't say what I really think about Boehner, Ryan and the rest of the so-called "leadership of the House GOP, because this is a family blog.
"They can all die in a fire" is the kindest thing I can think of, and that doesn't even begin to express how I feel about them.
Posted by: James D | June 18, 2015 at 02:43 PM
I don't want Boehner to have a good working relationship with Obama.
In fact, I would like to see barricades set up between the Capitol Building and the White House.
Posted by: Miss Marple | June 18, 2015 at 02:44 PM
What an arrogant, narcissistic a*hole oBOzo has once again shown himself to be . . .
He didn't even have the decency to wait until after the funerals to politicize those victims' tragic deaths. Then he uses false representations of "facts" to justify his hubris. What a champ !
Posted by: Michael (fpa Patriot4Freedom) | June 18, 2015 at 02:45 PM
Running errors at the grocery store as red still wants all her favorites while she is home.
http://civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/policy/letters/2015/Ensure-A-Reauthorized-ESEA-Letter-6-18-2015%20.pdf is the letter from various civil rights groups. One of the things wanted is for states to have an obligation to eliminate disparaties in resources among school districts. As I just poinetd out on my blog, that will have affluent citizens paying once in property taxes to their own district and again in state taxes to fund other districts.
One reality is that there are way too many school districts and they serve as a key employer in many rural areas along with area hospitals and the closest higher ed facility. Lots of places in this country have no real economy not financed by Uncle Sam.
Posted by: rse | June 18, 2015 at 02:46 PM
The only barricades are set up between the ruling class and us.
I used to marvel at how cynical some old timers in my home town were at hating all politicians and saying they're all crooks. Obviously they had believed in the GOP.
Posted by: Captain Hate | June 18, 2015 at 02:48 PM
Sounds like a follower of Robert Byrd.
Posted by: henry | June 18, 2015 at 02:50 PM
actually Fritz Hollings, he put the stars and bars up as governot,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:51 PM
so POI had the optimistic scenario, Samaritan was an American outfit after all,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 02:54 PM
and lets not forget this vet hating twit,
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2015/06/disgusting-obama-official-lashes-out-at-gop-gov-nikki-haley-in-aftermath-of-church-shooting/
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:02 PM
That Powerline email from Sid is tremendous. Obviously his delusional rah rah Rodham themes help the Pantsuit, along with massive intake of alcohol, to deal with life with a predator who doesn't find her interesting or attractive.
Posted by: Captain Hate | June 18, 2015 at 03:08 PM
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | June 18, 2015 at 03:11 PM
it is rare to have this much category error, outside of a Flathead column:
Do not skimp on the reasons in the US interest behind the successful strategy: We prevented a humanitarian tragedy on a vast scale. … The US has demonstrated its principled belief in the rule of law and acted on the basis of the United Nations resolution. We have supported the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy and freedom. We have ousted a murderous dictator who has been terrorism, civil war throughout Africa and a prop for dictators elsewhere. By acting in Libya we have helped advance the cause of democracy and freedom throughout the Arab world. … We have put Assad on notice that the sands of time have run out for him as well. Our successful strategy in Libya stands as a warning that our strategy will work again.
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:12 PM
this fellow is just confused, it should be a thobe,
not a burka,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3130087/Burka-clad-white-man-arrested-police-detonate-suspect-package-Watford-town-centre.html
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:17 PM
yes, about that last thing:
http://www.parismatch.com/Actu/International/L-insaisissable-MBM-Mokhtar-Belmokhtar-785398
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:19 PM
Right on schedule:
http://thehill.com/regulation/245280-gun-owners-not-likely-to-use-firearms-for-self-defense-study-claims
Posted by: lyle | June 18, 2015 at 03:25 PM
Defense bill went down because partisan hack Harry Reid has the nerve to want more money for of all things the IRS and the EPA
Posted by: maryrose | June 18, 2015 at 03:28 PM
hemenway, shirley they can't be serious,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:28 PM
maybe we'll hold off IS with swingline staplers I guess, maryrose,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:34 PM
Welp, I linked to that VPC study but I guess it was too naughty. Any help, Jeff?
Posted by: lyle | June 18, 2015 at 03:34 PM
it's not only Joyce foundation, zaphod and ayers paper route, but it's hemenway, one of their most infamous researchers,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:35 PM
Narciso
Obama sends 450more of our troops and can't find any Sunni fighters to train
Posted by: maryrose | June 18, 2015 at 03:37 PM
seeing as nearly all of the awakening has been murdered or driven into exile, who would take the chance,
http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2006/07/joyce_foundatio_5.php
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:39 PM
Heinous acts of ignorance and emotional instability? Sorry, this thread isn't about the number of black-on-black murders in Baltimore since the riots. A number far greater than nine. But, please, continue to dance on the dead bodies with your soulmate Øbama.
Posted by: Beasts of England | June 18, 2015 at 03:42 PM
right off the back I see a problem, they lump gun owners, legitimate I assume, with all homicides,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:43 PM
so it's Vizzini right off the top,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:44 PM
-- But you do tend toward attitudes facilitating these heinous acts of ignorance and emotional instability.--
Your casual calumnies and causistries demonstrate that, in the end and at heart, despite your rare moments of graciousness and/or lucidity. you really are pretty much exactly what GUS paints you as.
Posted by: Cispigmented Heteronormative Microagressive Ignatz | June 18, 2015 at 03:45 PM
lyle:
Any help, Jeff?
I can't do much without it being my thread.
But if you need a hand towel in the men's room - those have been replaced...
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | June 18, 2015 at 03:46 PM
If someone has a stolen or otherwise illegally obtained gun they're considered a gun "owner" in that study. Brilliant.
Posted by: jimmyk on iPhone | June 18, 2015 at 03:47 PM
Your daily People's Cube:
Does Iowahawk blog for them?
Posted by: lyle | June 18, 2015 at 03:47 PM
John Lott destroyed this bogus BS years ago and many times over.
Posted by: Cispigmented Heteronormative Microagressive Ignatz | June 18, 2015 at 03:48 PM
But if you need a hand towel in the men's room - those have been replaced...
Any word on when the sauna gets fixed? Thanks.
Posted by: lyle | June 18, 2015 at 03:49 PM
(_!_)
. /'\
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 03:50 PM
Merely a good judge of character.
Posted by: Cispigmented Heteronormative Microagressive Ignatz | June 18, 2015 at 03:54 PM
lyle:
Any word on when the sauna gets fixed?
Ah, yes, about that. The men's sauna isn't going to be repaired.
We're going transgender.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | June 18, 2015 at 03:54 PM
Dancing on the dead black bodies and claiming an unarmed black man deserved to get shot? That's certainly a new low for you, feather boy...
Posted by: Beasts of England | June 18, 2015 at 03:55 PM
It's 94° with 54% relative humidity. I don't need so steenkin' sauna. :)
Posted by: Beasts of England | June 18, 2015 at 03:57 PM
The Center for New Community has issued this statement on the need to confront the violent racism in America today. http://newcomm.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AME-Church-shooting-06182015.pdf
The letter proclaims that "we all did it".
No, we did not. A single a**hole did this awful thing and don't you dare use this tragedy to hold all white people accountable.
Posted by: rse | June 18, 2015 at 03:58 PM
type pad, really doesn't like unshielded stupidity like that study,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 03:59 PM
~ ` ~
.oOo.
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 03:59 PM
~ ` ~ ~ ` ~
.oOo. .oOo
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 04:00 PM
`, ' . `
.oOo.
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 04:02 PM
But we can hold all Meth freaks accountable.
Posted by: NKonChrome | June 18, 2015 at 04:03 PM
We're going transgender
Quite so. Does this mean we can get a shoe shine and/or a mani pedi?
Posted by: lyle | June 18, 2015 at 04:04 PM
Let's go to the range together, Ben. You can learn all about triggers, bitch.
Posted by: lyle | June 18, 2015 at 04:06 PM
That means gun owners are 32 times more likely to kill someone without cause than to act in self-defense
Narc and jimmyk caught the error here, of course, as I'm sure did others. Another way of interpreting this is that there are 32 times more gang bangers pulling triggers than there are lawful citizens fighting back. That's an argument for carrying lawfully, not an argument against.
Posted by: Eric in Boise | June 18, 2015 at 04:06 PM
You're kinda white, yourself, bitch.
Posted by: lyle | June 18, 2015 at 04:07 PM
so this nazgul, was out on bail, what was the deal,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 04:10 PM
looks like Hemenway, got his Kramerica intern to crunch the numbers, also layers of peer review,
Posted by: narciso | June 18, 2015 at 04:12 PM
Phil finished at -1. Dustin Johnson is at -6 with two to play. The USGA won't like that too much!
Posted by: Beasts of England | June 18, 2015 at 04:18 PM
I'm not sure why the tragedy in Charleston has to bring out the vileness here -- but it seems mandatory.
Got to say, there are many times when the blacks in South Carolina would have enjoyed enjoying their 2nd Amendment rights -- and I'm not sure a Hawaii progressive quite understands that, right before a lynching, or right after, the friendly neighborhood Sheriff often sent his boys around to make sure the local black folk didn't have any weaponry.
I'm not a big fan of the 2nd Amendment, but until it is repealed-- and there is an honest constitutional effort to do so -- it does need to be respected.
Posted by: Appalled | June 18, 2015 at 04:18 PM
and the study doesn't account for the many crimes deterred by a firearm that do not result in a homicide.
Or the high likelihood in places like GA of most potential victims having a gun and knowing how to use it.
Posted by: DebinNC | June 18, 2015 at 04:19 PM
BoE-- what do you think of this burnt out St Andrews on the puget sound set up?
Posted by: NKonChrome | June 18, 2015 at 04:20 PM
~ ` ~
.oOo.
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 04:22 PM
I'm just watching streams right now, NK, so I don't have a complete opinion yet. It's telegenic, so far, from my small-screen vantage point.
There are fifteen players under par at this point, so they've figured out how to avoid much of the punishment. I'll be interested to hear the pro's assessment after the first round.
Posted by: Beasts of England | June 18, 2015 at 04:29 PM
So to sum up
The Obama foreign policy aided and abetted by Hillarity stinks
The current SOS is nursing a broken ego and leg and no one is minding the State store which has never had a permanent I G since its 2009 inception
Posted by: maryrose | June 18, 2015 at 04:30 PM
Headed to the lake to get a jump on the weekend. And to cool off!! lol
Posted by: Beasts of England | June 18, 2015 at 04:32 PM
Also Jen Psacki and Marie Harf have. Been reassigned for unknown reasons
Posted by: maryrose | June 18, 2015 at 04:33 PM
Oh, say, could you see this one coming?
http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2015/06/18/transgender-woman-sings-national-anthem-at-pro-sports-event-for-first-time/
Via Breitbart.
Posted by: Eric in Boise | June 18, 2015 at 04:34 PM
Pretty interesting.
Posted by: squaredance | June 18, 2015 at 04:37 PM
Auction tonight.
See you guys later on this evening.
Posted by: Miss Marple | June 18, 2015 at 04:39 PM
nine people mowed down - sickening how excited some folks get over it. Like it made his day. An evil, disgusting human being.
Should've known not to check in today, just kept the Open on all day.
It's a troll's mission to make everyone feel as miserable as they feel. Go fuck yourself pal
Posted by: danoso | June 18, 2015 at 04:39 PM
It’s also mildly amusing/disturbing how closely all the nerdy, medicated, spree-killing geeks resemble the progressive pundits who are caterwauling for unilateral disarmament of the citizenry. They look nothing like the fat and hairy—yet unmistakably male—Georgia hilljacks who milled around the gun show in Gainesville. And although I’m supposed to fear those “angry white males,” I felt far less hostility emanating from the convention floor than I do whenever I’m around leftist girly-boys.
Amen, sista.
Posted by: DebinNC | June 18, 2015 at 04:43 PM
(_!_)
''/|\"
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 04:47 PM
`, ' . `
.oOo.
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 04:53 PM
~ ` ' `, ~ ' . ` , `~ ` ~
.oOo. . . .oOo . . .oOo
Posted by: Ben Zaynus | June 18, 2015 at 04:59 PM
I think nearly all of you will be pleased to learn that I have solved the problem of which woman should be on the new ten dollar bill. (Some of you may even be jealous that you didn't think of her yourselves.)
Posted by: Jim Miller | June 18, 2015 at 05:00 PM
Martha My Dear
Let’s start with currency notes – paper money. Martha Washington is the only woman whose portrait has appeared on the face of a U.S. currency note. She appeared on the face of the $1 Silver Certificate of 1886, 1891 and 1896. But there was another woman who appeared on U.S. paper currency as part of a historical scene. Pocahontas appeared on a $10 bank note in 1869 and a $20 demand note in 1865.
Posted by: daddy | June 18, 2015 at 05:00 PM
But you needn't be jealous; instead you can use your photoshop sills to prepare some sample bills.
Posted by: Jim Miller | June 18, 2015 at 05:03 PM
I felt far less hostility emanating from the convention floor than I do whenever I’m around leftist girly-boys.
In Terrence Moore's classic 2004 "Wimps and Barbarians" essay, he treated the two groups as mutually exclusive. What he didn't mention is that sometimes, as we've recently seen, both traits are combined into one person, and we get a wimp/girly-boy with barbaric tendencies. That's where things really get dangerous.
http://www.claremont.org/article/wimps-and-barbarians-the-sons-of-murphy-brown/#.VYMwMk3JB2Y
Posted by: Eric in Boise | June 18, 2015 at 05:03 PM
from squaredance's 4:37 link -
" Maybe those who claim they’re earnestly seeking an answer to Friday’s bloodbath should focus less on Gunsville and more on Pillsville. But right on the heels of their howling about NO GUNS came cries for MORE PSYCHIATRY. I don’t expect these remnants of 1960s ethics to ever blame drugs for anything. But what puzzles me is their newfound blind support of government. How did they turn from being the harshest critics of “The Man” in the 1960s to being his most brainwashed advocates today?
It’s also mildly amusing/disturbing how closely all the nerdy, medicated, spree-killing geeks resemble the progressive pundits who are caterwauling for unilateral disarmament of the citizenry. They look nothing like the fat and hairy—yet unmistakably male—Georgia hilljacks who milled around the gun show in Gainesville. And although I’m supposed to fear those “angry white males,” I felt far less hostility emanating from the convention floor than I do whenever I’m around leftist girly-boys."
Posted by: Janet | June 18, 2015 at 05:11 PM
sorry...Deb had already posted that.
Posted by: Janet | June 18, 2015 at 05:14 PM
--How did they turn from being the harshest critics of “The Man” in the 1960s to being his most brainwashed advocates today?--
They never objected to The Man; they objected that he wasn't Their Man.
Posted by: Cispigmented Heteronormative Microagressive Ignatz | June 18, 2015 at 05:19 PM
People talk to trolls
No matter how dumb they are
Does Gaia know why?
Posted by: Extra haiku | June 18, 2015 at 05:51 PM
I keep thinking the POTUS can't surprise me with his remarks, but that jerk still manages to do it every time.
Posted by: Porchlight | June 18, 2015 at 06:08 PM
Ignatz, I like that your latest remarks on the pup has been all good. I pick my new Gordon pup up tomorrow.
Posted by: Lazybusy | June 18, 2015 at 06:18 PM
Drudge:
President Never Considered Canceling Hollywood Fundraisers...
Posted by: Extraneus | June 18, 2015 at 06:23 PM
The trick Porch is to not listen to the jerk Obama
He never has anything of interest to say and he is absolutely wrong on every issue
A waste of time and with his time running out he just becomes more outrageous
He is against the defense bill because it takes away authority to ode Gitmo
It is continuously all about him
I detest him so I have no interest in what comes out of his yapper
Posted by: maryrose | June 18, 2015 at 06:26 PM
So who is 'Clio' at the end of the Blumenthal email @Powerline?
Posted by: A strange last line. | June 18, 2015 at 06:33 PM
So have all the kool kids moved to jom-fb, leaving just us luddites here at the real jom? This will not end well for us.
Posted by: Old Lurker | June 18, 2015 at 06:40 PM
Yes, OL - and Mrs OL is there too and she's talking smack about you.
She'll probably deny it if you ask, tho. And I'm probably just making it up. You're safe, nothing to worry about.
But you took some pretty fuhhhhhh-nnnnnnnnnnny pics back in the last 70s. She won't stop. It's hillarious.
But it's not happening. I'm worse than Obama when it comes to telling the truth. You have nothing to fear.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | June 18, 2015 at 06:52 PM
I think serious consideration should be given to honoring Dolly Madison as the first woman on our paper money. I like the idea of honoring our founders on the currency.
Posted by: gaw | June 18, 2015 at 06:58 PM
OL, we the few, the non FB, the safe from the Chinese.
Posted by: henry | June 18, 2015 at 07:09 PM