5 years ago today Bush uttered......................

[MNJOE]

"Mission accomplished!"

[falcon]

Sadly, the Iraqi army showslittle sign of improvement. Every time they get into a serious fire fight they run away. The Iraqi "government"is stillpaying the troops who deserted to the Madhi army a couple of months ago. The US is still paying for the "rebuilding of Iraq" despite the increase in Iraqi oil revenues.

[cr422]

I wish some of the bright people in our government could come up with a really good justification for us to get out of there right now without being humiliated.

[ipscshooter]

Did Bush actually say that, or are you referring to the banner on the aircraft carrier?

[Lanse couche couche]

I thought that the banner was in reference to the carrier completing its designated mission. Things then got spun way out from there.

[falcon]

Turns out Bush said some stuff that came back to haunt him.


http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/05/20030501-15.html

President Bush Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended
Remarks by the President from the USS Abraham Lincoln
At Sea Off the Coast of San Diego, California

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Admiral Kelly, Captain Card, officers and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln, my fellow Americans: Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. (Applause.) And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country.

In this battle, we have fought for the cause of liberty, and for the peace of the world. Our nation and our coalition are proud of this accomplishment -- yet, it is you, the members of the United States military, who achieved it. Your courage, your willingness to face danger for your country and for each other, made this day possible. Because of you, our nation is more secure. Because of you, the tyrant has fallen, and Iraq is free. (Applause.)

"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the Battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country. "

You don't recite such a speech in front of a 'Mission Accomplished' banner unless you think you've got the war in the bag. To claim otherwise is to spin history to a more favorable view of Bush. He called the game 'over' too early, period.

[Lanse couche couche]

How does one define"Major Combat Operations?"

Well, I'd say major combat operations is any time you havea large number of boots on the ground in an occupied countrya combat role.

I may be mistaken,,, but could have sworn we just had a major troop surge in Iraq to attempt to quell the insurection. I'dsaythat is a major combat operation, wouldent you?

[Lanse couche couche]

I don't know, that's why i asked the question. I dont know if it requires troops to be engaged at the company level or upwards to the division level to qualify. Hell, there may not even be an official definition.