Nancy Youssef sends this on today's Central Command announcement:
The naming of Army Gen. David Petraeus, the top Iraqi commander, to head U.S. Central Command and Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Petraeus' deputy, to become the new Iraq commander suggests that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wants the counterinsurgency strategy the two men have championed to define U.S. relations in the region that Central Command oversees. That includes, among other nations, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq.
The appointments come at a precarious time, both in Iraq and the region. Petraeus’ surge strategy, which led to a significant drop in violence, has been in peril in parts of Baghdad after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki launched an offensive in Basra last month.
But Iran may be the bigger issue. During his congressional testimony earlier this month, Petraeus said Iran has been aggravating violence in Iraq, but stopped short of calling for U.S. military action against Iraq's eastern neighbor.
Petraeus' comments, however, were more hawkish than those of his predecessor, Adm. William “Fox” Fallon, who abruptly retired last month after Esquire published a story in which Fallon said he was standing in the way of a tougher policy toward Iran. Gates and Fallon both denied there was a rift, but Fallon said that the perception of one forced him to leave.
The appointment of Odierno as Iraq commander marks something of a redemption. He'd previously been criticized for having a ham-handed "kinetic" approach to warfare that lacked the subtlety counterinsurgency requires. His aggressive tactics against the insurgency in northern Iraq during his previous stint there are often blamed for inflaming tensions, rather than tamping them down.
But in his announcement, Gates said that Odierno had built strong relationships with the Iraqi leadership as Petraeus's No. 2 in Iraq.
Until Fallon’s retirement, Odierno was slated to be the Army’s vice chief of staff. Now that post will go to Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, who during his service in Iraq was among the first commanders to recognize that U.S. killings of innocent Iraqis had helped fuel the insurgency. "I would argue in many instances we are our own worst enemy," he told me in June, 2006.
Generals shouldn't change policies, they should execute policies devised by civilian leaders. In this administration, Bush hides behind his generals while the real policies seem to come from the vice-presidents office, so appearances get confusing. I'm confident Petraeus won't change anything that he's not supposed to change, but he'll be the one to twist slowly in the wind when things go wrong.
Posted by: jrw | April 25, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Illegal war in Iraq. Now they're going to try to demonize another innocent sovereign nation. Talk about breaking their oaths to protect the Constitution! Now it's just protect the bush cartels oil. Shame on all of you writers for going along with this tyranny. The neo-cons have really isolated us for the rest of the world. They are the real isolationists. Fools. You won't be happy until you get to nuke someone again.
Posted by: xdream | April 25, 2008 at 02:15 PM
its about time. sorry xdream, when at war a civillian needs to stay in his place, at home with his mouth shut. a general has a better idea of whats happening on the ground, a civillian only knows what the tv tells him. and saying we wont be happy til we nuke some one? check your readings, we signed the ban on the use of nuclear arms. Tehran needs to recognize that while terrorist organizations dwell within Iranian borders, we will not allow the creation of enriched uranium. their security is too weak, and their stand off approach to the terrorists means that proliferation is highly likely. but dis-agree if you like, remember it was a soldier that guaranteed your right to sit safe at home and make that criticism, not a politician.
Posted by: northbysouth | April 25, 2008 at 02:46 PM
No northbysouth, it's the constitution that guarantees us that right.
Posted by: davidc | April 25, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Who do you think enforces the constitution? davidc.
Posted by: classified | April 25, 2008 at 06:35 PM
That's right! If not for the sacrifices our soldiers have made throughout our Nation's history, we would not have a Constitution that guarantees our freedom. America may not be 100% perfect all the time, but our society and culture are the closest to perfect that mankind has ever been. Other countries either like us or they hate us, but they have to respect us. We are also the most generous country in the history of the world. I personally believe we should cut off all foreign aid for one year to show the rest of the world how much they really depend on us.
Posted by: Real American | April 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Wow, the nuts are out in force here.
:...when at war a civillian needs to stay in his place, at home with his mouth shut."
Bad spelling aside, this is the perfect illustration of the authoritarian mind at work and a recipe for disaster. In fact, too many civilians have kept their mouths shut over the last five years, leading us to the disaster we have now. This country was not founded on a belief in keeping quiet and deferring to the military. Read your history.
And Real American's post is so full of errors and specious claims, it's hard to know where to start. But, perhaps we can look at his claim that the US is "the most generous country in the history of the world." Take a look at this link and you'll see just how wrong that claim is.
http://www.rasmusen.org/x/archives/000368.html
"...the closet to perfect that mankind has ever been." That's the most breathtaking assertion I've seen in a long time and sounds like the statement of one who looks at the world no more closely than what can be seen in his or her own living room. What arrogance! Have you ever traveled outside this country, or even read about how other people live. You need to get out more.
Posted by: jrw | April 26, 2008 at 03:18 PM
North By South
"we signed the ban on the use of nuclear arms."
....and have subsequently torn it in two.
"Tehran needs to recognize that while terrorist organizations dwell within Iranian borders"
No the terrorist organizations which are actually US backed "Mujahedeen-e-Khalq" & PJAK are partly resident in Iraq and Turkish Khordistan.
As for the mythical Al-Queda - since they are a product also of CIA backing - who knows.
But you can be sure it is not predonminantly Shia Iran.
"we will not allow the creation of enriched uranium"
Since Iran is a sovereign country it can do so without a 'by your leave' and it is legally entitled to do so as a signatory of the NPT.
"Their security is too weak, and their stand off approach to the terrorists means that proliferation is highly likely."
The only threat to the security of the Iranian people is actually US backed agression.
Also I maintain that Iran as a somewhat older & far wiser culture by 3000 odd years is these days very capable of looking after its interests I assure you....
"but dis-agree if you like, remember it was a soldier that guaranteed your right to sit safe at home and make that criticism, not a politician."
This is pure fallacy - since the actions of your troops have been highly immoral, lacking in decency discipline and good military order.
One should not challenge rapists and murderers?
Was it not politicians that led your soldiers into an illegal invasion of the sovereign country of iraq and the slaughter of a million and the dispossesion of nearly 2 million?
This could be construed as a holocaust.
The architects of the last one of those ended up facing trials at Nuremberg.
Posted by: Ali Reza | April 26, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Just by reading some of the statements made on this subject its no wonder that most Americans are ignorant on the subject. I have lived in Iran as a civilian and have served time in the military. Neither has had much of an influence on my way of thought on the Iran of today. I truely believe the everyday Iranian does not agree much with its current hardline goverment. The relegious controlled regime makes it most difficult to challenge its view in public or by positons in itself. The extremely backward hateing idiot running the country and I do not mean its president I mean its religious leadership is impossible to reason with. Until they are run off to be with Ali forget dialougue use EXTREME sanctions. No need for an arms war make it TRULY economic. No country that wants any trade or any aid from the Western world should be allowed to trade with Iran. That means China, Russia or anyone. Naval bolockade would be great. More than likely without a shot fired just be ready to pay $200 a brl of oil. Time to suck it up and do whats right.
Posted by: Danny | April 26, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Danny
My semi literate friend.
You may disagree with Iran's system of government, but ultimately it is none of your damn business as a citizen of another country, it has nothing to do with you.
If and when Iran wants to change its system of government it is a matter for the people of that country.
But such is the depth and breadth of extremist ignorance and arrogance of the people of the US that they think they can meddle in the affairs of any country.
You are not particularly smart or in any way astute to understand that in the end the school yard bully always receives their come-uppance.
If you wish to reduce humanity to living by the law of the jungle, you better understand that there is always another creature smarter or stronger than you in the end.
Whether or not the people support the government of Iran, every Persian speaking person everywhere in the world
(and that constitutes rather more people than the population of Iran you illiterate oaf) would unite in an instant if one hair was harmed on the head of one Iranian child.
Did you know despite the appalling history of interferance of the US in Iran and the 100's of thousands of deaths you have caused that most Iranians are actually pro -US?
However there is something which is a love of that country that is deep in our soul, where-ever we are.
Even a human being of your limited capacity should be able to draw some conclusions?
Posted by: Ali Reza | April 26, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Well, jrw, it certainly seems that I got your attentiion, which was precisely my intent. There were no errors in my original post and my claims - whether pleasing and plausible, yet superficial (i.e. specious) in your eyes - are well-based in history.
I would encourage you to follow your own advice and stop believing everything you read on the internet.
Ali - it is obvious that you love your country and I can respect that. Do not, however, make the mistake of assuming that all Americans are extremist and ignorant. If we seem a little arrogant, well - we can back it up when we need to.
We are, in general, a good-hearted people who stand for freedom and democracy. We are not school yard bullys - quite the contrary. We stand up to bullys like the former dictators of Iraq and Nazi Germany and fight for the freedom of all those who fall victim to their oppression.
I have heard that many Iranians are pro-US and do not support the extremists in power. Throw off the yolk of tyranny like Americans did over 200 years ago and we will stand with you.
Freedom IS worth fighting for.
Posted by: Real American | April 27, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Real American
Some of you people really do have attention deficit disorder.
Did you actually read the posts or have you been drinking?
"We are, in general, a good-hearted people who stand for freedom and democracy."
Except you have rather been caught with your trousers down in Iraq haven't you?
Freedom and democracy my ass.
Destroy the infrastructure of a country and install a puppet to rule in your colonial stead rather seems to be the modus operandi.
Tell the people of Iraq to throw off their tyranny.
You invaded that country on the pretext of a lie , and stand as unwelcome occupiers.
It rather seems like you would be better overthrowing your own government, as they are seen as hated opressors by three quarters of the better informed world.
I support the people of Iran against ANY extremists.
Especially low brow knuckle trailers like yourself.
Posted by: Ali Reza | April 27, 2008 at 06:28 AM
Real American
Further to my above post...
"Freedom IS worth fighting for."
does that mean you support the people of Iraq in their fight against those that would invade their land and destroy and ransack it for profit?
Young women such as Abeer Qassim Hamza al-Janabi are feeling particularly liberated right now.
She was raped at the age of 14 by 5 US soldiers and watched her parents being murdrered, before she herself was shot through the face and her body set on fire.
You people are barbaric morons.
It seems more in the world should unite against such bullys?
Posted by: Ali Reza | April 27, 2008 at 06:39 AM
Ali - I can see there is no point in any further discussion with you. You see only what you want to see and you will never understand what it means to be truly free.
The barbaric morons are the ones who fly planes into non-military towers and behead those unfortunate souls who fall into their hands. The few of our soldiers who commit such atrocious acts are punished severely for their crimes. At least we don't sentence young women to death in our country if they are raped or happen to have an affair. The West will prevail because we have the moral high ground in this conflict.
Don't bother to respond because I am done with you. You lack the intellect to converse in a civilized manner and you aren't even interesting enough to make me angry.
Posted by: Real American | April 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Boy, oh boy, Real American, it's obvious you don't know the distinction between assertion and argument.
"There were no errors in my original post". Well, okay, I guess that settles that. No point in further discussion.
Did you bother to follow the link which shows in detail, with supporting statistics, that the US is not the most generous nation in the world?
Or do those sorts of facts just bounce off your head without penetrating?
And, by the way, it's noble of you to just be trying to get people's attention. Saying dumb things will do that, I guess.
Posted by: jrw | April 27, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I'm giessing that no one who has posted knows that a "civilian" got us into both these wars.
Posted by: Randy | April 28, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Ali-
Iran is an 'independant nation' who, since overthrowing the Shaq, has had economic and social chaos for last 25+ years. That is their right, if the 'people' are willing to tolerate it.
Where their 'rights' stop, however, is when they promise nuclear holocost in their region. The World must take an iron hand to this fundalmentalist garbage.
Posted by: Ray | April 28, 2008 at 06:45 PM
If only US's double standards could end then Palestine would have true freedom and justice that they've been denied.It's breathtakingly annoying and criminal that the US supports a brutal,illegal occupation and criminalises people for fighting for their basic human right.''Every person's born free'' well this definately doesnt apply to some people. Right??
Posted by: green | April 29, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Yall are right in your own ways. Of course. But yall should be glad and happy to thank an Armed service member. You will and have no idea what they go though. Most of you are debasing what they are fighting for right now. But thats the USA say what you want. The goverment won't come over and kill ya. I came from a Third World counrty with a horriable leader. I've very glad to be in this Great land. Show some respect and dont deny that the Service men have died so yall can bitch and moan. If you Support the troops then support them dont bitch about there job. Thank you forefathers for the First Amendment. You all are using it. just greatly. And the Generals need not to be second guessed by the goverment. By the Way its not a war. thanks
Posted by: Semper Fi | April 29, 2008 at 10:44 PM
sorry if mispelled english is second langauge.
Posted by: Semper Fi | April 29, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Hey Ali who destroyed the infrastructure of IRAQ?
ill give you some hints....
IT wasnt the Americans, we keep spending millions to rebuild the country to have a A-hole blow it up the next week
IT wasnt the british working along side us to rebuild IRAQ
and give children a chance at a life, and give mothers a chance to not have to worry about her son or husband not coming home if he says something the hardlined goverment does not like.
seriously Ali quit being a douche bag and look at reality
and what is really going on
am I saying are all soldiers perfect.......No were human beings.... but I would say we make a big difference in the world and for the better
Posted by: Ali Reza idol | April 29, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Iranian chicks rock my world.
Every one should get a little Persian princess.
Posted by: Bill | April 30, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Everybody here saying that soldiers protect or grant American freedom is out of touch with reality. The military has never done anything about the daily transgressions against freedom and the Constitution here in America. In fact the military takes its orders from the politicians who have been taking our country apart. On the matters of defense of liberty and the Constitution the military as a whole has failed miserably.
The military produces nothing. The government produces nothing. It is the people who make a society, who create a government and military to serve their needs. This is exactly what happend during our war for independance, the people stepped forward, beat the British and founded a new nation.
This is not an attack on the individuals in the military themselves, it's the system that's broken. They just need to realize who they are really serving and what they are really doing. Once it clicks hopefully they will stop lending their strength to a system that is working counter to the Constitution and freedom.
Posted by: Free American | April 30, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Free American I agree with you completely, the system is broke we have supreme court justices that make a mockery of the constitution, we need a President that turns this country back to a constitutional system. I think part of the problem most people have no clue what the constitution actually says.
here is some homework kids find who has authority to lay and collect taxes, then find out if they are even in the same branch of goverment as who lays and collects taxes now, you will be unpleasantly suprised at how far astray we have became from our constitution.
Posted by: Ali Reza idol | April 30, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Free American I agree with you completely, the system is broke we have supreme court justices that make a mockery of the constitution, we need a President that turns this country back to a constitutional system. I think part of the problem most people have no clue what the constitution actually says.
here is some homework kids find who has authority to lay and collect taxes, then find out if they are even in the same branch of goverment as who lays and collects taxes now, you will be unpleasantly suprised at how far astray we have became from our constitution.
Posted by: Ali Reza idol | April 30, 2008 at 01:29 AM