The news of Rumi's resignation went over pretty quiet in the shop on thursday. I figured at least Rey would be dancing a jig, one of his favorite people had gotten fired. Me I am not a big fan of the Rumi. I think it was telling when he got into his crotch to dump our aircraft carriers because he thought they were too slow, and used too much resources to keep them safe while they were underway. It also showed GW's leadership ability, or lack of, when there was no signs of him quietly stepping in. All through that episode I kept thinking how did this guy get to be SecDef if he didn't understand the strategic value of an aircraft carrier on station. Clinton looked at downgrading the number carriers in our fleet when he was pres. So he should have known, if Defense was he forte, that 13 was the magic number because of refueling, overhauls and workups. So I really wasn't all to suprised when he decided to start a fight in Iraq before mission was accmplished in Afganistan.
Some may say that the goal was accomplished, but meeting ones objective does not a mission make. Mission accomplished means people come home, and not just so they can go back in a year.
My fear with the turn over, and the only logical conclusion as I can see from my limited amount of data, is with the Dem's in the house many will seek to return troops too early. I remind, fair reader, to the call for a timeline, and/or complete withdrawl in the '04 elections. I fear what will happen will turn Iraq into a true Vietnam. After the withdrawl, or maybe when troop strength become low enough to become over run, Iran and Syria will step up their import of insurgents and turn Iraq into a sunni country. Of course Iran and Syria could easily make this country cease to exist. In the end it will be another ugly spot for America. Another ugly to bring forth when America tries to do the right thing. Only by Iraq becoming fed up with the Iran and Syria butting into it their politics and placing their country and jeopardy can Iraq truly save themselves. When I say Iraq I don't mean their Gov.. It is the people that rule the Gov., if this were untrue than a tolitarian Gov. would not need to expend so much resources to keep the unruly in line.