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The Spectacle Blog
As if fueled by some cosmic irony to enhance sales of Dick Cheney’s In My Time, we have welcome news from the Near East! For the first time since the former Veep’s “Coalition of the Willing” sand-plowed Saddam’s twisted regime in 2003, an entire month has passed without a single United States service member dying. In all seriousness, thank God, because such welcome news is long overdue.
That some roughly 48,000 troops in Iraq avoided the ultimate sacrifice stands as fragile, yet memorable milestone of America’s time in Iraq. According to the Defense Department, 4,465 American soldiers have died here since the United States invasion. Yet security gains are weighted on frightfully narrow pivot. Just last month, 14 troops were killed, making it the most deadly month for America since 2008. Let’s not forget that this success comes amid a startling campaign of suicide bombings and assassinations that have killed hundreds of Iraqis, echoing violence witnessed at the height of sectarian strife in 2004 and 2005. A series of coordinated attacks killed some 60 people on the 15th of August. Three days ago, a suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar, detonated himself within Baghdad’s largest Sunni mosque, killing 32 worshippers.
U.S. Army Colonel Douglas Crissman, who heads up American forces around the Basra area in southern Iraq, told the New York Times:
“If you had thought about a month without a death backing during the surge in 2007, it would have been pretty hard to imagine because we were losing soldiers every day…dozens a week.
Col. Crissman knows better than anyone how much this past month means to America’s Mesopotamian morale. He and his troops have been on the front lines of an Iraqi crackdown on Iranian-backed Shi’a militias in the south. The campaign was the product of America’s withering diplomatic strong-arm and some good, old-fashioned unilateral air-power. As the
Colonel noted in his interview with the Times, “…we did targeting on our own and some hand-holding of the Iraqis.”
In the eleventh hour of America’s mission in Iraq, is it too much to hope for an even safer September? Sadly, that 31 days could pass without a death in Iraq — hostile or otherwise — isn’t a front-page, top-fold story and it hasn’t been for years. For all the talk of America’s “war-weariness,” we’ve essentially monetized our fatigue. Arguments against the war have been refined to talking points in the budget battle. Valid as these may be, such logic ignores the human inventory. Moments such these should offer the rare opportunity to reflect upon the blood that’s been spilled by the brave men and women who fight our wars, rather than simply bemoaning the treasure that’s been lost.
Here’s hoping August wasn’t a statistical blip. I’d like nothing more than to see this trend continue.
View all comments (21) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Reid Smith
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/09/01/our-fatality-free-month-in-ira
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Flee| 9.1.11 @ 3:30PM
Does anyone have answers to why suicide bombers kill fellow Islamic believers at such a frightening high pace? These are clearly not Westerners or Americans or occupiers being killed. Is it religious sect differences? Can a learned Islamic scholar explain this phenomenon to a neophyte like me? It would be nice to see CAIR go on all the networks and condemn all worldwide attacks by Islamics on Islamics as well as on non-believers rather than always looking for ways to demonize America as against Islam. I know maybe when pigs fly.
CAIR?| 9.1.11 @ 3:48PM
Just for the record, CAIR has come out against terror.
http://www.cair.com/americanmu.....orism.aspx
Skippy| 9.1.11 @ 5:04PM
The rolling of my eyes should be audible nationwide.
Condemn terror? Sure they do!
They also are unable to complete a sentence codemning terror without adding the big BUT.
"We condemn terrorism, BUT we understand the anger at The Great Satan...er...America due to it's support of the Zionist entity, abuse of Islam, colonialism, etc."
I will never CAIR what they say in public.
You will never hear what they say in private.
All they do is lie, divert and equivocate.
The Enemy Within.
Occam's Tool| 9.1.11 @ 7:11PM
Just for the record, CAIR are unindicted co-conspirators in a terrorism case.
You know how you can tell when CAIR spokesmen lie? Their lips move.
TexasMom2012| 9.1.11 @ 4:17PM
I believe that the sects have been battling each other forever. It also seems that in many Islamic countries a minority sect will rule brutally over the majority sect for years. When overthrown retaliation results. Iraq, Lybia and Syria are all examples. While I regret the loss of live, I prefer they battle each other and leave us alone.
I continue to pray for our troops hoping they come home safe and sound... It is good news that we lost no one last month, hope it stays that way the remainder of our time there.
Flee| 9.1.11 @ 5:23PM
The irony for Obama is his chosen "good" war in Afghanistan is now turning into a bloodbath. He may soon learn why the previous administration focused on Iraq. It was seen as less of a challenge. I understand the sects war and always have, but what I don't understand is why attack each other in places of worship? Doesn't that seem like the ultimate slap in the face of the God they believe in? I can't imagine the Koran tells believers to kill their own in their mosques. If it does there will never be a peaceful Islamic state.
Skippy| 9.2.11 @ 1:25PM
Peace in Islam is spelled s-u-b-m-i-t.
Occam's Tool| 9.1.11 @ 7:12PM
Flee---they attack each others in places of worship because 1) they are tribalists, and people outside your tribe do not matter, and 2) they are devout Muslims, and Islam has lots of "thou shalt kill."
The founder of Islam was a mass murdering child molester.
Mike w| 9.1.11 @ 8:41PM
Iraq was a massive debacle. Celebrating our "victory" with no American deaths is damning with faint praise.
This ridiculous post is putting lipstick on a pig.
Lullabys, Legends and Lies| 9.1.11 @ 9:41PM
I was there for 15 months during the surge, 2006-2007, and at our Brigade Headquarters, it seemed like every other week we were putting a new plaque on the wall, for another Trooper who died, and it started to weigh heavy on us all. It's not just the IED's, or the small arms fire, or the truck accidents that get you killed over there, sometimes it's just the simple act of doing Physical Training (PT) that leads to someone dying. Always remember to stay well hydrated, especially when it's 120 plus degrees!! So going a whole month without any deaths, in any of the categories above is an achievement, and a overdue welcome sign. Keep our Service Members in you prayers, and let's hope we can make it through next month too without another death. And then let's get the hell out of there!! We did our job, and it's time to bring the boys back home!! Plus, I don't want to go back there for a forth time, three's enough!!
mzk1| 9.8.11 @ 2:09PM
CAIR is an offshoot of Hamas. Using them to represent Muslims is an insult to Muslims.
Earle Belle| 9.8.11 @ 4:50PM
Liberal Rick Perry
RINO FIRST CLASS & Strong advocate for a North American Union ruled by the U.N. and International Court ... and more! Click the links and see the MORE
Progressing the Compassionate Conservative Agenda
Of note are his ties to the Bilderberg Cartel and his being a keynote speaker at the annual convention of the Council on Foreign Relations! The CFR's goal is to end America's sovereignty and make us subservient to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court.
The Democrats let a smooth, articulate talker with a pretty face to beguile them into believing a bunch of fake promises. Will Republicans stoop to their level and become mindless lemmings following a charismatic personality? Or, will they -- finally, find their spines and stand up for THE CONSTITUTION AND ITS PRINCIPLES?
Does the Elite support Rick Perry? http://www.zerohedge.com/news/.....lp-you-out
Rick Perry comes under fire for investment in America’s largest pornography distributor: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/new.....z1Vdx310qB
Secession has been a verboten issue in the United States since the end of the Civil War. Any group who’ve brought it up have been targeted by press and government as ‘militant fringe groups” All of a sudden in 2009, we saw it endorsed by career politicians in several states simultaneously, and the media is giving them good press.
Last year, Rick Perry, Texas Governor since George W. Bush’s departure in 2000, raised secession of Texas from the Federal Union at a Ron Paul type ‘Tea Party” to protest Federal spending and the tax burden on the little guy.
Clearly the Illuminati intend to harness and divert popular discontent to advance their own secret agenda, I.e. The melding of the USA into their world government. Many people think the tea party movement in general exhibits a suspicious amount of organization and media acceptance. (Contrast Fox TV’s coverage of this with “9-11 Truth.”)
Perry later told the Star-Telegram that he “never specifically said that Texas should consider trying to secede.” Technically he’s correct. He got cheers telling the Tea Party rabble that the Republic of Texas legislature left a provision in the 1845 agreement to cede with the US Federal government.
But Perry is no populist. In May 2007, Dallas Morning News reported, “Gov. Rick Perry is flying to Istanbul, Turkey, today to speak at the super-secret Bilderberg Conference, a meeting of about 130 international leaders in business, media and politics.” All the Governor’s press secretary had to say was, “He’s looking forward to learning the secret handshake.” And, “It’s their conference, and I suppose they can run it anyway they want.” Perry’s expenses were officially paid by the PAC group ‘Texans for Rick Perry’.
Although he’s never cared what the voters want, Perry ran for an unprecedented third term for Governor in 2010.
Perry’s gubernatorial resume includes supporting ‘Open Borders’; proponent of the $145 billion+ Trans-Texas (NAFTA) Highway to the dismay and anger of central Texas residents who have never been consulted on whether they want or need it. (Thousands of square miles of land has been seized by the State of Texas under eminent domain for this project in Central Texas from the Mexican border just west of San Antonio, Austin, and and Dallas and North Texas.) Perry helped set it up so the project is being built by the Spanish contractor Cinta, and paid for by new toll highways all over the State.
Perry further alienated Texas parents and Legislators by attempting to override a “No” decision on mandatory vaccination of 11-year-old girls with an vaccine for an STD, venereal & warts (the $350 a pop “slut shot.”) Perry invoked Executive Order in Feb 2007, but families filed class action suit and many financial connections between Perry and big pharma corporation Merck came out. Perry backed down but a new bill was introduced to make Gardasil mandatory “as an admission requirement for all primary and secondary schools.
”THE REAL SECESSIONISTS AND RICK PERRY"S FAKE ALIGNMENT WITH IT"
The real secessionist movement leaders were arrested, one killed in 1997. Old school Texans will remember there was a genuine grass roots secessionist movement during the 70′s through the 90′s. They called themselves the Republic of Texas. During the 80′s one couldn’t miss seeing thousands of ‘SECEDE!’ bumper stickers in Houston and Austin traffic. Few people took the Secessionists seriously, but the Federal and Texas governments did. Secessionist movement leaders were hunted down and arrested or killed in West Texas in 1997.
The story made the New York Times and CNN, referring to them as ‘militant secession group’ and ‘fringe group’. The group, led by Richard McLaren, stated historical fact that the original Republic of Texas legislature had never ratified Texas becoming a territory or State of the United States. The Republic of Texas was chartered as a sovereign nation recognized by the United States government at the time.
All the Republic of Texas members had been calling for was an official state wide public referendum so citizens could decide whether they wanted to remain under Federal government or reclaim Republic status.
One secessionist was killed in the Davis Mountains by Texas State Police helicopter snipers. No other witnesses. How is it that Governor Rick Perry is getting full media support using the same arguments as did a ‘militant fringe group’ ?
Earle Belle| 9.8.11 @ 4:51PM
Is Rick Perry on the side of the best interests of the American people?: http://www.augustforecast.com/.....-policies/
More on Perry’s Globalist Ties and Agenda: http://12160.info/profiles/blo.....-the-world
Earle Belle| 9.8.11 @ 4:51PM
Perry? What a choice!: http://youtu.be/PXNqcYh0MpA
Is Perry different from other Establishment Hacks?: http://www.youtube.com/ronpaul#p/a/u/1/UUNIeOB0whI
Earle Belle| 9.8.11 @ 4:53PM
An open letter from Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton
Dear Governor Perry,
After our campaign's first ad highlighting your Big Government record and support for liberal Al Gore, your campaign is attacking Dr. Paul - missing the point of why your past is important.
We don't think the fact that you used to be a Democrat is the big problem here. The real problem is that, too often, you still act like one. Even you yourself, Governor Perry, said of your party switch, "I will still vote the same principles, only with an R after my name."
That's the kind of thinking that has our country teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. We cannot afford to nominate someone who thinks the letter next to their name is more important than what they believe.
Governor Perry, let me be clear: It is not that you supported Al Gore that worries us.
It is that you supported Hillary Clinton's health care plan.
You pushed for a federal bailout and stimulus funds.
You support welfare for illegal immigrants.
You tried to forcibly vaccinate 12-year-old girls against sexually transmitted diseases by executive order.
You raised taxes twice.
And, state debt has more than doubled in your tenure as governor, pushing Texas to the brink of our constitutional debt limit.
It's that you supported ALL of these bad ideas that are inconsistent with how most Republicans understand conservatism, yet you now try to swagger your way into the Tea Party.
Governor Perry, with all due respect, you have used great rhetoric. But you will have to answer to the voters of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and across the country as to why that rhetoric does not match your record.
Truth indeed. By the way, here's the ad again.
http://youtu.be/PXNqcYh0MpA
For Liberty,
Jesse Benton
Campaign Chairman
www.ronpaul2012.com
Earle Belle| 9.8.11 @ 9:39PM
If there's one thing establishment politicians hate, it's being exposed as outright FRAUDS.
Well, thanks to our latest TV ad and last night's debate, counterfeit conservative Rick Perry is being FORCED to answer for his Big Government record as Governor of Texas.
If you've seen the photos of Rick Perry after yesterday's debate, it sure looks like he's ready for a fight.
Well, if that's what Rick Perry wants, let's give him one.
Can I count on you for an IMMEDIATE contribution to help keep our "Trust" ad on the air through the weekend?
With the national spotlight now on Governor Perry's record, we can't afford to let up.
Of course, immediately after our ad started running, Perry's campaign went on the attack against Dr. Paul - entirely missing the point of why Rick Perry's past is important.
Dr. Paul has never thought that Rick Perry's time as an Al Gore cheerleading Democrat is the big problem here.
The real problem is that, too often, Rick Perry still acts like one!
It's that after his party switch, Rick Perry said "I will still vote the same principles, only with an R after my name."
It is that Rick Perry supported Hillary Clinton's health care plan.
It's that he pushed for a federal bailout and stimulus funds.
It's that he supported welfare for illegal immigrants.
It's that Rick Perry tried to forcibly vaccinate 12-year-old girls against sexually transmitted diseases by Executive Order.
It's that he raised taxes twice.
It's that Texas' state debt has more than doubled during Rick Perry's tenure as governor - pushing Texas to the brink of our constitutional debt limit.
It's that Rick Perry supported ALL of these bad ideas that are inconsistent with how most Republicans understand conservatism, but now is trying to swagger his way into the Tea Party.
It's up to you and me to make sure Rick Perry answers for his Big Government record.
So please make your most generous contribution TODAY to help me keep our ad on the air.
I need an immediate influx of $150,000 to make this happen.
Please contribute as generously as you can TODAY.
It's Rick Perry's kind of thinking that has our country teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
Our Republican Party cannot afford to nominate another counterfeit conservative who thinks the letter next to their name is more important than what they believe.
It's the principles that matter.
If you agree, please act TODAY!
For Liberty,
Jesse Benton
Campaign Chairman
www.RonPaul2012.com
P.S. If Rick Perry wants a fight, let's give him one.
Please make your most generous IMMEDIATE contribution to help keep our "Trust" ad on the air through the weekend!
By the way, here's the ad again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?a.....feature=iv
Earle Belle| 9.8.11 @ 9:41PM
Why is Rick Perry so horrifically afraid of little ole Congressman Dr. Ron Paul?
http://www.ronpaul2012.com/201.....-ron-paul/
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