John Burns on Lehrer Last Nite- Things Not Good in Iraq

[MaryH]

John Burns is the top reporter for the NYT in Iraq and has been there for months. His report last nite was not encouraging.

He said that alSadr militia were fighting in at least 3 cities - and in Sadr City in Bahgdad. Apparently they used the 2 month truce to regroup and rearm.

And the overall situation is declining.

He also said that at least 5 major cities are no longer under control by anyone but the warlords.

Everyone on the program stated that the only way to gain control is to get an Iraqi Army up and running - but that doesn't seem to be working very well.

Later on Lehrer there was an update on Afghanistan. It is mainly run by warlords. And poppies are the major crop. They provide over 75% of the world's opium and heroin. It's the only way the farmers can make enough to survive.

[MichiganVote]

1. This whole thing is so fucked up

When you combine the troops with the money with the misguided idea that we are going to infuse American style democracy among war lords the whole damn thing is beyond a farce.

WTF is this administration doing to help? They are sending in troops from S. Korea. as well as more from National Guard. If anyone makes it out of there alive in the next 6 months it will be a miracle. Its as though they know they are going to lose the election and are planning to make the place as nuts as they can so that Kerry can't fix it up either. What a colossal waste of American talent, time, money and energy.

Who wins? American companies as usual.

[lottie244]

2. It's hell in Iraq and our media are paying little or no attention.

Shades of Viet Nam all over again. Closing your eyes doesn't mean that the elephant in the room is not there.

[catmandu57]

5. They've got their eyes closed

fingers in their ears, spinning madly around singing Kerry swiftboat. When you spin too long you get dizzy and throw up.

[PATRICK]

3. Well then Bush is correct

Iraq is as much a model of success as Afghanistan.

[Ilsa]

4. Needs a kick back up...

:kick:
Thanks for starting this one, MaryH. My husband was talking about the NYT eds this morning, but I didn't realize this was discussed on The News Hour w/J.L. last night.