Dems come together on Cut-N-Run

June 20, 2006 in Al Qaeda, Congress, Democrats & The Left, Global War On Terror, Iraq, Senate, Terrorism

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats coalesced Monday around a proposal urging the Bush administration to start pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq by year's end, brushing aside calls by some in the party for a firm withdrawal timetable.

"Three-and-a-half years into the conflict, we should tell the Iraqis that the American security blanket is not permanent," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., who helped write the nonbinding resolution that quickly drew criticism from Republican leaders.

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We have seen real progress in Iraq recently and not just in getting Zarqawi either. Here are a few other links that demonstrate the progress the Iraqis are making in taking control of their country.

Iraqi Army battalion takes lead at Forward Operating Base Lutufiyah. U.S. Troops Restore Base to Hand Back to Iraqis.Taji Center Stresses Counterinsurgency Mission.U.S. Army Mechanics Train Iraqi Counterparts.

Iraqi Army Humanitarian Mission Aids Villagers

Iraqi Signal School Graduates Latest Class.

Iraqi Army Ready to Roll With Loaner Humvees.

This is just a partial list… a far more comprehensive list here

The Iraqis already know full well that the "American Security Blanket" is not permanent, and they are working very hard training their forces up to be able to handle their own defense. The Dems need to understand that building an army requires a hell of a lot more than handing out uniforms and rifles. The Iraqis are building an army basicaly from scratch. That army has to develop its own tactics, its own command and control structure, but more importantly it must develope its own discipline and loyalty. The Iraqi forces have progressed dramatically since Saddam's overthrow, but there is still much more to do. If the Senate really wants to send a message that means something to the Iraqis it should be one congradulating them on the progress they have made and encouragement for the tasks they have ahead of them. Giveing them deadlines could very well undermine the progress they have made to date.  

Michelle Malkin has more here, Gateway Pundit here, Captains Quarters here