The Iraq War and the Failing Presidency

Following the news on Wednesday that more US troops were heading into Iraq, the military has launched "Operation Swarmer" (cyber insect army, anyone?) around Samarra - the largest aerial attack in Iraq since their initial shock & awe campaign.

The military released this picture:



Now, I assume that's supposed to remind people that there still really is a big war going on in Iraq and that freedom is on the fly, but my initial reaction was flashbacks of Black Hawk Down - probably not the conflict that the public should be reminded of at this point.

Over at the White House, Scott McCellan, when asked whether this assault was ordered by the president replied that this operation was the idea of the commanders on the ground. Right. With Bush's overall approval numbers sitting at ~33% and support for the Iraq war at only ~30%, what better time to try to beef up the so-called commander in chief's image by launching a major strike in Iraq? Everything is political. Is it a coincidence that Bush has begun roaming the country again giving speeches about the war this week? I think not.

The White House has also announced that it will "issue a new national security strategy today reaffirming his doctrine of preemptive war".

"If necessary, however, under long-standing principles of self defense, we do not rule out use of force before attacks occur, even if uncertainty remains as to the time and place of the enemy's attack," the document continues. "When the consequences of an attack with WMD are potentially so devastating, we cannot afford to stand idly by as grave dangers materialize."

Just in time for an attack against Iran. How convenient.

"We may face no greater challenge from a single country than from Iran," the document says, echoing a statement made by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last week.

Has North Korea thrown out its nuclear weapons? I must have missed that news.

The Bush administration has become so incredibly transparent in its motives and the American public has finally woken up to that reality. With Bush being considered a lame duck from now until the end of his presidency and the revolt in his party to put as much distance between congresspeople and the president as possible (except for John McCain, who is now certifiably insane), the Republicans heads are collectively exploding. Stand back. Grey matter is a bitch to get out of your clothes.