I am sure that it has never ever crossed the mind of those of David’s ilk that SECDEF Gates could be correct.

Then again it might not matter if either HilGal or Hussein becomes POTUS. HilGal has stated her first act in office will be to withdraw US Forces from Iraq within 60 days. Hussein, without the same level of experience as HilGal, will take a bit longer. Either of these withdrawal plans should be easy to accomplish with the current leadership in Congress. One can assume M$M will spin this either as a victory or the correction of a huge mistake caused by President Bush. I am equally sure the David’s of the world will insure us this will bring stability to the ME and long term security to the US and her trusted allies such as the french and germans. It will also enhance the image of the US within Europe. This last objective might be the most important of all.

Of course having troops in Iraq is not the real problem or I hope it is not. If it is then having troops in Europe might be a problem too. Having troops in Iraq who become causalities is probably closer to the truth. If this is not the truth then all bets on NATO are off.

Once out of the mistake called Iraq, it will be time to reinforce Afghanistan or to also withdraw there. Another policy question facing a new POTUS. Again in some quarters the question might be does withdrawing from Afghanistan make the US safer or less safe. The argument could be made as is now being made by much of the german public – why worry about Afghanistan, it is a long way from here and what have they ever done to hurt us. Simple Withdraw let Afghanistan revert to what it once was and no one will really care except the unfortunate souls who happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Having retreated from Iraq the decision to leave Afghanistan will be easier that is unless Hussein decided to invade Pakistan. Consider this paying attention to and copying European foreign policy. Works for them should work for the US too.

I am not sure these questions will be asked by the likes of the David’s of the world. But one thing for sure without having to support deployed forces, DOD can be gutted as it was under the former President Clinton. These savings can be better spent on providing health insurance for those who do not have it. This would be a much more compassionate use of funds.

Equallly the German political elites will be happy that the pressure is no longer on them to actually honor a NATO commitment. In fact, it will give them more sand for their moral superiority mountain they stand on. They can say if the US had only listened to Berlin Afghanistan would have turned out differently. We had nothing to do with this defeat; we provided vital support to insure a successful outcome. Not our fault. That is a fair assessment by the germans especially given their aspiration to be a global player. None of this should worry our allies in Europe even if it does at some point it becomes your problem. Europe has both the capability and the ability to accomplish much more than the US given its rising influence.

Iraq and Afghanistan might be the lesser of the problems faced during the term of the next POTUS. The real problem will be what to do about a nuclear-armed Iran. Yes, I know everyone was so overcome with joy about how the NIE undercut that warmonger Bush but then maybe you have not been paying attention to the testimony of the DNI McConnell before Congress this week. You probably have not as it makes the POTUS appear to be correct in what he has been attempting to do to contain Iran.

Once again the European should not worry. This is especially true if David’ guy, Hussein, is elected. He has promised to open dialogue with Iran. We all know how well and what was accomplish by the EU3 during their long dialogue. So Hussein will be following a proven and successful course of action. Then what is there to really worry about gven there is the missile defense system being installed in Europe…Oops forgot David’s crew believes this to be a waste of money. The greater need is to fund abortion on demand with taxpayer dollars.

They do have the EDSP, which provides for their own protection. Besides Europe has strong police forces and terror is really criminal activity whether it is exported from Iran, Iraq or places like Afghanistan or not.

Anyway none of this is a big deal. David and the rest of the world survived 8 years of Bush so America is stronger than we know and besides America is in a state of decline. Need proof? We only have to go as far as Dr. Crane, Dr. Khanna, or any french or german citizen on the street to confirm this.

frenchi

At least we know stability in the ME is not a concern for you. Seems I have overstated my position. Fair enough.

Oh BTY how is the EU's mission to Chad coming along? But that is not the ME just a former colony.