Bush Doesn't Know What it Takes to Win the War on Terror

November 5, 2003

On its present course, Bush's "War on Terror" will fail because:

The Administration will not admit they have been wrong about the War in Iraq.  Announcing the end of the combat in May was premature and few truly believe there is a coherent post-combat plan or exit strategy. The Administration must rethink its positions. Failure to do this places our troops in increasing danger and ultimately places the entire country in danger.

Iraq is an unnecessary diversion and is not the "front line" on the "War on Terror" as the Administration wants us to believe. It is expensive and our  resources could be better spent on the "broad plan" if there was one. What has happened in Afghanistan? How about The Philippines, Pakistan and Malaysia?

The Administration's publicly believes we are winning the "War on Terrorism" including the War in Iraq.  They offer little proof. Complaining about bad press doesn't tell anyone about what is going on. If there are so many good things happening,  then say so. Prove the point and stop whining.

A country at war relies very heavily on intelligence that is accurate and timely. It also needs an Administration willing to accept facts as they are and not use falsehoods to justify their actions to start a war in Iraq. In the end Bush must accept responsibility for intelligence failures. He has the power to make changes and has not done so.

The Administration is not forthcoming about the costs of the Iraq war. We do not know what it has cost so far or what it will cost in the next year and five years from now. Congress has been left out and so have the American people. Bush's penchant for secrecy will be his downfall in the "War on Terrorism" and in politics. It will affect his credibility which is critical at home and internationally.

Bush must admit his mistakes about the justification the for Iraq War.

The Administration sees our economic salvation in big corporations. What about the "working man ( or woman)? Though some economic signs are positive, there is very high unemployment and a record deficit. The deficit is so big, it can't be repaid for decades and votes are based on whether they or their friends and family have a paycheck.

We now have an economic disaster of epic proportions. This certainly will affect our commitment and effectiveness on the "War on Terror".

Our relationship with Muslim countries is average to poor. This must change. Our poor diplomacy affects Muslim communities where extremists easily use mosques to rally support and recruit new fighters for their cause. The process has been going on for years and the pace is quickening. Our current war efforts cannot handle the number of new converts. The hearts and minds of Muslim allies are as important as those of American voters.

The "War on Terror" is focused on Muslims. Rightly so since "they started it". However we need to understand our position with Israel helps fuel the animosity toward the United States. We have given them billions to be our proxy in the Middle East. Citizens in the Middle East see no difference between the United States and Israel.

We must be more objective about  Israel in terms of money and diplomacy. Not everything Israel does is good and we know it. For example, Bush must stop weak criticism of Israeli actions when harsh rebuke is needed. We need to reevaluate the amount of money we give them and reduce the amount over time.

When the United States speaks or acts, many people are affected worldwide. We need to understand this and remain part of the global community. Certainly the United Nations is insufferable, especially, France, Germany and Russia but diplomacy is important and beneficial. Bush must let the Secretary of State do his job.

Finally, Bush must must understand the personal nature of war.

The Administration refuses to accept reality of our war casualties and relies on secrecy and avoidance. For example,  the Pentagon will not allow news coverage of our dead soldiers being sent home from Iraq. Why? Politics!

Bush's rosy picture of war progress may bolster a reelection bid but what about the truth?