Gen. John Abizaid, the top US commander in the Persian Gulf, gave testimony to the US Congress during the week, and contradicted the upbeat assessments offered by the Prince of Darkness, Dick Cheney. The insurgency is as strong as it was six months ago, he said, and shows no signs of weakening. Cheney continues to claim that the “terrorists” are in their “last throes.”
Blind pro-war supporters have become the laughing stock in this debate. Face reality, people. The insurgency isn’t simply about defeating America and its allies, it’s about ending an occupation that continues to provide no security or basic services. How hard is it for ignorant war-lovers to understand that Iraqis don’t want to be occupied?
Paul McGeough, meanwhile, the subject of numerous attacks this week over his reports from Iraq – and an Australian journalist on the ground contradicting Howard government spin – explains that our leaders have little or no understanding of the tribal nature of Iraq and refuse to see the lessons of the Douglas Wood saga. But how would they? They’re too comfortable, like the Bolts of this world, in their ergonomic chairs.