The Iraq war has become a “major debacle” that has actually made America less safe. That’s not an anti-war Democrat talking — it’s the conclusion of some of the Pentagon’s top military strategists, our editorial today notes.
The new report, from the Pentagon’s top education institute and based on interviews with former senior defense and intelligence officials, concludes that Iraq has become a “major war” with no clear outcome that has diminished America’s standing abroad.
Far from enhancing America’s security, our efforts in Iraq “have become, at least temporarily, an incubator for terrorism and have emboldened Iran to expand its influence throughout the Middle East.”
Moreover, the war has diverted “manpower, materiel and the attention of decision-makers” from “all other efforts” in the war on terror.
That key assessment is bolstered by another new report, this one from the Government Accountability Office, the research arm of Congress, which supports the contention that the Iraq war has become a distraction from the war on terror and Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida — the people who actually attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001.
In light of Barack Obama’s San Francisco comments about “bitter” Pennsylvania voters, columnist Robert Novak asks “what’s the matter with Obama?” and suggests that Democratic pros are wondering “whether the appealing unifier is really a divider.” Novak noted Obama’s criticism of the ABC debate moderators but warns that “supporters of John McCain, seeking to reel back the Obama Republicans, will press the issue from now to November.” Novak, by the way, will be the featured speaker at a dinner and lecture by the Flint Hills Center for Public Policy at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Courtyard Marriott Old Town. Cost is $35; call 316-634-0218.
GOP presidential nominee John McCain strikes many voters as a centrist, according to polls. But as assessed by the Associated Press, McCain’s record should comfort conservative Republicans — and concern those Democrats who are telling pollsters that they’ll vote for McCain if their candidate doesn’t prevail in the nomination fight. McCain’s voting record is strong, though not spotless, against abortion, gay marriage and gun control. His problem areas with conservatives remain stem-cell research, campaign finance limits and immigration. By the way, notes AP: McCain is polling at the same level of support among Republicans as George W. Bush did at this point in 2000.
After decades of relatively low-cost food, the world is facing a global food crisis, with soaring prices for staples such as wheat and corn and rice hitting poor people especially hard and causing food riots in Haiti, Egypt and other countries.
The situation alarms food experts, who warn that looming famine and starvation could not only cause untold suffering but also foster political instability.
Several factors are behind the spike, according to experts, including the diversion of millions of acres of crops to biofuels such as corn-based ethanol. Other factors include climate change, soaring gasoline prices, and greater consumption of meat and dairy products in the developing world.
The United States and other wealthy nations must address this crisis on several fronts to avert a humanitarian disaster.
The raucous protests over China hosting the Olympics and the torch relay debacle have several observers raising an interesting idea:
Why not return to the practice of simply having the torch travel from Greece to the host country?
Better yet, why not have a permanent home for the Olympics in Greece, which is after all the ancient inspiration of the modern Olympic Games?
This might help protect the integrity of the games by returning the spotlight to sports, instead of politics and nationalism.
The following satirical headlines come from borowitzreport.com:
GIBSON TROUNCES STEPHANOPOULOS In CRUCIAL DEBATE; Asks Twice as Many ‘Gotcha’ Questions as TV Rival
POLL: MAJORITY OF AMERICANS BITTER, CLINGY; Numbers Could Help Obama
CHINA MOVES OLYMPICS TO UNDISCLOSED LOCATION; New Strategy to Outwit Protesters
The Iraq war has become a “major debacle” that has actually made America less safe. That’s not an anti-war Democrat talking — it’s the conclusion of some of the Pentagon’s top military strategists, our editorial today notes.
