Wednesday, March 12, 2008

12 March: the US loses a leader

As usual, much of note to report about Middle Eastern affairs, but I'd direct your attention in particular to the very abrupt resignation of Admiral William Fallon, commander of CENTCOM, primarily because of his public airing of differences with Bush administration policy over Iran. This is a very sad day for the country. An officer highly respected by his peers, and said to have a top-notch strategic mind, is being forced to step down and retire, almost in disgrace, because he dared to confront Bush, Cheney, et al. with the idiocy of military confrontation with Iran. Meanwhile, Mr. Bush seems to believe that he's entitled to some kind of victory lap as an authorized-by-the-Almighty Crusader for Freedom. And let's not be mistaken - there's still plenty of time for him to try at least one more "mission" for freedom, especially if he believes (and there's copious evidence to indicate that he does indeed believe this) that history is going to vindicate him, as will the "higher Father" with whom he seems to believe he's in touch.

Top U.S. Officer in Mideast Resigns
via washingtonpost.com - World by Thomas E. Ricks on 3/11/08

The top U.S. commander in the Middle East, whose views on strategy in the region have put him at odds with the Bush administration, abruptly announced his resignation yesterday, calling reports of such disagreements an untenable "distraction."

Mideast Commander Retires After Irking Bosses
via NYT > International by THOM SHANKER on 3/12/08
Adm. William J. Fallon’s public statements on Iran seemed to put him at odds with the Bush administration.

Citing Faith, Bush Defends War Actions
via NYT > International
President Bush told a group of Christian broadcasters that his policies in Iraq and Afghanistan are predicated on the beliefs that freedom is a God-given right.

Khatami: Hard-liners undermine democracy (AP)

AP - Former President Mohammad Khatami has sharply criticized Iran's hard-liners for barring many reformists from running in parliament elections, saying they were misusing Islam.

Iraq Attacks Lower, but Steady, New Figures Show

via NYT > International by JAMES GLANZ and ERIC SCHMITT on 3/11/08

Newly declassified statistics suggest that after security gains in the wake of an American troop increase the conflict has drifted into at least a temporary stalemate.

8 U.S. Soldiers Killed in 2 Iraq Attacks

via NYT > International by ERICA GOODE and RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr. on 3/11/08

The attacks underscored how fragile security in Iraq remains despite a recent drop in violence.

8 U.S. troops, 14 Iraqis die in wave of insurgent bombings

via mcclatchydc.com: Homepage on 3/10/08

BAGHDAD — Bombers unleashed a wave of explosions in Baghdad and north of the capital Monday, including two attacks that killed eight U.S. service members in the deadliest day for the military this year, American and Iraqi authorities said.

Clinton's foreign experience is more limited than she says

via mcclatchydc.com: Homepage on 3/11/08

WASHINGTON — Sen. Hillary Clinton claims that her experience in dealing with foreign affairs qualifies her to handle a crisis call at 3 a.m. and be commander in chief.