Joe Lieberman is one of those Senators who I have defended on several occasions in the past. He is – in my opinion – a good Senator – someone who is able to work with both parties. The left-wing of the Democratic Party does not exactly like him, same goes for the right-wing of the Republican Party (except for the war in Iraq). I do disagree on certain issues with Lieberman, but that does not mean that he is not a good Senator / politician. One of the issues I disagree with him on is Iraq. Yesterday, Lieberman definitely proved that when it comes to Iraq he is blind, deaf, and ill-informed.
“You know, Harry Reid said a while ago that the war in Iraq is lost. It’s wrong. It’s not lost. In fact, I would say we’re beginning to win it. We’ve turned the tide with the new strategy. And in fact, I cannot conceive of a circumstance in which American forces would lose the war in Iraq, on the ground in Iraq. If we lose it, it’s gonna be lost here at home, in a different kind of war for public opinion and political support.”
Lieberman. Joe. How shall I put this… Even military commanders say that this war cannot be won militarily. It really is not that difficult to understand. The American people can support this war for 20 years, but if there is not a major diplomatic effort, if insurgents are not dealt with, if the Iraqi government is not able – or not willing – to oppress the sectarian violence and to unite all Iraqis, everything the US does is – basically – useless. At least when we are talking about “victory,” which probably means establishing a thriving, relatively peaceful and calm (liberal) democracy in Iraq.
As I said, I have defended Lieberman in the past, but he needs to accept reality asap. This is ludicrous. He gives one the impression that he is constantly trying to appeal to the conservative base of the Republican Party.
One problem: he is an independent and the majority of Americans – even of Republicans – has turned or is turning against the war.
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