Posted by
Jay Noble on Thursday, October 26, 2006 3:28:04 PM
There is not a more disgusting spectacle that a politician in full fright mode. Previously firm positions soften and principles not subject to compromise become amiable to amendment. So it is with many Republican candidates as the general election of November 7th approaches.
Many Republicans now profess to question the initial decision to invade Iraq. Others deride the Administration’s strategy in combating the insurgency there. Obviously, there are legitimate questions to be raised about the failures of intelligence which contributed to the decision to invade Iraq. There is much to critique concerning the Administration’s actions in that country since. However, the point is that the very same Republicans now crawfishing on the Iraq War raised no such questions or criticisms when the decisions were made. It is the prospect of electoral defeat which has caused them sudden reflection.
Republicans will not secure election by echoing Democrats on the Iraq War. It is rarely remarked that a significant percentage of Americans which the polls reflect as opposing the Iraq conflict do so because they believe the Administration has not gone far enough in combating the insurgency and are suspicious that we lack commitment to do what is necessary to prevail. These Americans do not wish to "cut and run" but hold and fight with increased force and violence until the insurgents are destroyed. They disapprove of a policy which seems more directed to postponing defeat rather than pursuing victory. When the numbers of these Americans are combined with those who continue to approve of the Iraq War, a majority wants to persevere in Iraq to victory.
That said, the American will to prevail in Iraq is now a very brittle thing. As chinks appear in the resolve of heretofore stalwart defenders of the war, it will be only natural for the public to question continuing the entire enterprise. As retreating from Iraq without victory will have catastrophic consequences for us and those we leave behind, Republicans who now voice doubts as a short-term election strategy are doing themselves and the nation no service.
We already have one political party in this country committed to defeat and disgrace in Iraq. We have no need for another.