Michael Yon’s Latest Article: Montage Or Mirage.
Military
Merry Christmas from Damsel and Cap’n Bob
This is our usual patriotic theme Christmas Tree, complete with yellow ribbons. May joy and blessings be with you now and throughout the new year. Special wishes to our military men and women; may God bless you all.
Damsel Sends You a Soldiers’ Angels Coin
This nice coin showed up in the mail after we contributed to Soldiers’ Angels.
Three Times the Charm
As promised, Michael Yon has published an article on the recent Iraqi elections: Three Times the Charm. Excerpt:
Three times now—three times this year—millions of Iraqis have come out swinging and voting. Hearing the news about the high turnout (as high as 75% in some regions) and low incidence of violence during the elections in Iraq yesterday, I have to wonder how many times Iraqis have to demonstrate their commitment to freedom and democracy before the world starts to believe it.
Three Steps to Victory
The President’s three steps to victory in Iraq:
Security: “First, our coalition will remain on the offense, finding and clearing out the enemy, transferring control of more territory to Iraqi units and building up the Iraqi Security Forces so they can increasingly lead the fight. At this time last year, there were only a handful of Iraqi army and police battalions ready for combat. Now, there are more than 125 Iraqi combat battalions fighting the enemy, more than 50 are taking the lead and we have transferred more than a dozen military bases to Iraqi control.”
Democracy: “Second, we are helping the Iraqi government establish the institutions of a unified and lasting democracy, in which all of Iraq’s peoples are included and represented. Here also, the news is encouraging. Three days ago, more than 10 million Iraqis went to the polls, including many Sunni Iraqis who had boycotted national elections last January. Iraqis of every background are recognizing that democracy is the future of the country they love, and they want their voices heard.”
Reconstruction: “Third, after a number of setbacks, our coalition is moving forward with a reconstruction plan to revive Iraq’s economy and infrastructure and to give Iraqis confidence that a free life will be a better life. Today in Iraq, seven in 10 Iraqis say their lives are going well and nearly two-thirds expect things to improve even more in the year ahead. Despite the violence, Iraqis are optimistic and that optimism is justified.”
The President also noted that “To retreat before victory would be an act of recklessness and dishonor and I will not allow it.” He went on to say “We will see the Iraqi military gaining strength and confidence and the democratic process moving forward. As these achievements come, it should require fewer American troops to accomplish our mission. I will make decisions on troop levels based on the progress we see on the ground and the advice of our military leaders – not based on artificial timetables set by politicians in Washington.”
OK, Democrats, there’s your “exit strategy.”
Read the full transcript of the President’s speech at the Fox News website.
Iraqi Election Video
From Michael Yon’s Online Magazine: Turn up the Volume.
The military seen in this video appear to be all Iraqis, and, unseen in the background, are our brave men and women who fought and gave much for this election. This is indeed an historical event. And may God bless our Military and the USA.
Cheney Talks to Troops in Iraq
Damsel and I are glad that this guy is second-in-command. He started out with the following remarks:
From FOX News: Cheney Talks to Troops in Iraq
Well, I’m not Jessica Simpson. But I’m glad to be here, and I thank you for that warm welcome; General Johnson, for the kind words. And I want to say good afternoon to all my fellow Americans. I happened to be in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d drop by.
We’re a long way from Washington, and I can’t imagine being in better company than I am right now. I’ve come with a message from home: Americans are grateful for your service; they support your mission; we’re proud of each and every one of you.
It’s a privilege to be here, to stand on the ground of the world’s newest democracy — to be with so many men and women who helped make this history. I wanted to pay this visit during the holidays to express appreciation to all of you and to every American serving in this part of the world. With Christmas and Hanukkah arriving next week, I know your thoughts naturally turn to home. And your fellow Americans are thinking of you more than ever. I’m pleased to bring you the good wishes of the entire country, and personal greetings from our Commander-in-Chief, President George W. Bush.
In this young century and a dangerous time for our country, we understand our duties. We have the resources, the strength, and the moral courage to overcome the danger and lay the foundation for a better world. This year the Marines added battle streamers marking the Afghanistan campaign, the Iraq campaign, and the global war on terror. Marines can forever take pride in the quality of the work that’s being accomplished here, and at the character of the men and women who are doing it.
The speech went on for a while, as the Veep underscored the importance of this mission, and extended support for the troops and for the Iraqis. The Vice President concluded with this:
You’re meeting every challenge with focus and great effectiveness, above all with honor. And I want you to know especially at Christmastime how much you mean to America. This is a season for counting our blessings. Americans realize how fortunate we are to have people like you wearing the uniform of our country.
Thank you once again for serving far from home at an hour of great need. You reflect immense credit on the uniform you wear and the cause you serve. And I want to thank you for what you’ve done for us. Semper Fi.
A.M.E.N to that, Mr. Vice President . . .