Senate Weighs Measures Urging Bush Set Limits in Iraq

The Bush administration “needs to explain to Congress and the American people its strategy for the successful completion of the mission,” say resolutions introduced separately by both Republicans and Democrats.

Frankly, this is desertion, to my way of thinking. I expect such silly resolutions from the party out of power, but not from the ones in charge, and especially not with three years left to run in the President’s term.

Furthermore, placing any restrictions on how long the American military will stay in Iraq is just crazy talk. Drawdowns, sure, but we kept thousands of troops in Europe for decades to face down the Commie Russkis. I certainly expect that we will do the same to face down the jihadis. In fact, I expect the Iraqi government will be thrilled to host American bases for the forseeable future. Like it or not, the concept has worked in the past, and it looks like the Iranians, as intractable as ever and rapidly becoming nuclear, are going to need some, well, re-assurances that we’ve got an eye on them. And, not to be discounted, an eye toward the Saudis, as well.