Yesterday John McCain delivered a speech outlining his views on the Iraq war. The speech which was well received by the audience and sections of the press called on the American people to support General Petraeus’s plan to secure the country. His defence of the Iraq war which was described by the Wall Street Journal as ‘McCain’s finest hour’ challenged all those who voted for the war to stay the course. He argued that the most of them blame America’s failed strategy for Iraq’s problems and whilst he shared their view, a workable plan had been implemented by General Petraeus which they should support. He urged the Democrats to stop playing politics with the war and said that on his part he would rather lose the presidential elections than lose the war in Iraq. Democrat attacks on his support for George Bush’s Iraq strategy have seen him lose his front runner status in the race for the Republican nomination.
America’s Security depends on victory in Iraq
McCain warned that ‘America has a vital interest in preventing the emergence of Iraq as a Wild West for terrorists, similar to Afghanistan before 9/11’. He argued that US withdrawal would not only encourage terrorists to relocate to Iraq but also encourage the Iranians to dominate the region to the detriment of America. He also warned that the primary motivations for atrocities in Iraq was hatred of America and thus, they would be naïve to believe that if they withdrew, terrorist attacks against America would stop. Instead, he argued that they would use Iraq as a base to plan more attacks against America. The views of the Democrats were also criticised by McCain. He accused them of offering no alternatives to the troop surge but instead offering ‘vague’ assurances that the security situation will improve if America withdraws.
Moral leadership to the Muslim world
McCain argued that the war on terror required not only military action but political initiatives. He argued that America, through our actions should show that she respects human rights and democracy. He stated that the desire for freedom is the aspiration of every human heart and thus America should offer support and encouragement to the majority of Muslims around the world who seek to live democratic and prosperous lives. He reminded the gathering that America’s failure to intervene in Rwanda led to genocide and that she should not make the same mistake in Iraq which faces the risk of genocide if US troops are withdrawn.
The Surge is working
John McCain expressed his satisfaction with General Petraeus’ security plan for Iraq. He described how the last time he was in the country, he had to be flown by helicopter to the city centre but this time, due to security improvements, he was able to drive to the city. Further he highlighted the increased co-operation that the troops have been receiving from Sunni tribal leaders, ordinary Iraqis and the government which have led to successful counter-insurgency operations. He said these positive developments are surprising given the fact that only three out of the five brigades required to implement the security strategy have arrived in the country. He added that these initiatives combined with the political initiatives offered by the Al-Maliki government such as equally sharing oil revenues, offer Iraq a real chance of stability.
Video extracts of Senator McCain's speech:
I fear that McCain will lose both.
Posted by: Umbrella man | April 12, 2007 at 01:53 PM
"He urged the Democrats to stop playing politics with the war"????
He's a Republican for goodness sake. It's unbelieveable what Republicans can get away with saying. They and their rancid sounding board have played politics with everything from Sept 11th to stem cells!!!!
Posted by: Tony Hannon | April 12, 2007 at 02:56 PM
I would agree with more of what McCain says than disagree. Petraeus mission is the last hope that that the US has. He, (Petraeus) is according to Thomas Ricks (Washington Post defence correspondent) by far the most able American general in theatre and if anyone can make something out of this sorry mess he can.
Whilst I believe that much of Americas and Britains policy has made Iran and the terrorists much stronger we are where we are and I would agree with McCains claim that arbitary timetables benefit only our enemies.
Posted by: malcolm | April 12, 2007 at 03:48 PM
If the Left (EU, major media, and even the UN) backed our efforts wanting freedom from tyranny and terror instead of sordid anti-Americanism and Islamo-fascist sympathies, and didn't fight our every step... this would have been a different war.
Those Democrats that hopped on board the initial war's efforts were riding a wave of popular support. Now of course most have turned their backs on an unpopular war in the face of a more vocal hard-core constituency, tho apparently most Americans still don't wanna cut and run. They have disregarded the consequences for America's image if we pull out; the consequences for the majority of Iraqi people wanting the hope of freedom; the power balance and potential major war in the region; and a massive area for terror bases fueled by a potential nuclear Iran, highly motivated to bring destruction to the West. It seems now, with the exception of Leiberman, the only war they care to wage is to see a defeated George Bush.
"Democrat attacks on his support for George Bush’s Iraq strategy have seen him lose his front runner status in the race for the Republican nomination." I would argue with that, he needs conservative votes. I think if anything its helped him, tho I still believe his is a lost cause at this point.
Posted by: Steevo | April 12, 2007 at 05:35 PM
Malcolm, it's a pleasure to agree with nearly all that you write above.
The only statement I would question is "Whilst I believe that much of Americas and Britains policy has made Iran and the terrorists much stronger .."
It is expected that when one opposes an enemy they will launch more weapons. The campaign in Afghanistan and Iraq, with the assistance of our own leftwing media, has become a focal point to 'justify' increased terror attacks. this was always going to happen whenever the West decided it had had enough of being threatened by these factions.
The strategy of appeasement or 'ignore-ance', as employed by Clinton, merely means allowing the enemy to achieve their nefarious ends without resistance. Then their 'strength' is not apparent, but exists just the same.
Posted by: Teddy Bear | April 12, 2007 at 08:06 PM
OT, Michael Yon has an excellent piece about British forces in Basra,
http://michaelyon-online.com/wp/british-forces-at-war-as-witnessed-by-an-american.htm
Quote:
The British are planning future operations. These soldiers are so good that I have requested from British commanders to be allowed to stay longer.
Posted by: John_R | April 12, 2007 at 08:19 PM
Thanks John, as usual he's the next best thing to being there. He's in my faves but because of our stupid Senior Public Affairs officers I haven't been to his site recently. Gotta love those Brits.
Posted by: Steevo | April 12, 2007 at 08:44 PM
McCain was never the front runner and his support for the war in Iraq is not the reason why he is not the front runner. His support for the war is one of his very few saving graces. All the candidates for the Republican nomination are strong supporters of our efforts in Iraq. Can't win the Republican primary as a cut and run candidate. McCain has not chance of winning and never did, despite the fawning coverage of this "Maverick" by the MSM.
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