It was business as usual in Iraq today for 56,000 US troops, despite the canned “victory” celebration yesterday the troops, though by and large redefined as something, anything, other than “combat troops” were still out and about, doing the exact same things they were doing when they were still engaging in combat.
Its just that its called “counter-terrorism operations” instead of combat now. The “last brigade” may have left yesterday, but six more brigades are still there, wondering when or even if it will be their turn to be the “last” to leave.
And while the celebration must have been thrilling for that “last” brigade, it must be somewhat bittersweet for the troops still there, who as far as the media are concerned are an afterthought, probably doing training or some such.
In fact even if we were to ignore the 50,000 renamed troops the claim of an end to combat operations yesterday wasn’t true, as some 6,000 troops which are still designated as combat troops still haven’t left, though they are scheduled to do so at some point in the future.
Still these 6,000 combat troops leave one wondering why yesterday of all days was selected as the official “end of the war” day, and makes the date seem even more arbitrary than it already was.
This is a gigantic pea and thimble trick. How can you claim to have taken your troops out of Iraq when you leave 50,000 of them there.
It is obvious that the people who run the White House and the Pentagon don't understand basic mathematics. It's either that or 50,000 troops are wearing gear that renders them invisible. Or perhaps they're living underground like ants or floating above the earth in giant balloons?
Whatever the reason, America has no credibility and the people who are running the place are clearly deranged.
See, more casualties to come.
Todd
For a moment I thought they left 50.000 construction specialist to rebuild destruction the other 50.000 + caused. Guess I got it wrong.
i have a son who is one of the remaining 6000 troops still fighting and he will come out 8/30. but now he is in a major city – use your imagination and is fighting his heart out. Another of our friends is in northern iraq where there is still alot of fighting going on and he definitely IS NOT bulding any reconstructive type of project . Deconsruction is a better explanation. The big show was effective, I only hope these remaining 6000 troopd are honored as wonderfully as this group!
A lie is still a lie no matter if you change the staus of a brigade or not.They and everyone else are in harms way.
So many lies.