It's hard to know what to believe, given U.S. officials' fondness for saying one thing about Iraq, and later changing it or awkwardly looking away while someone soundly refutes it.
The U.S. launched anoffensive yesterday in the Diyala province of Iraq, targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq group, whom officials "believe" sponsored suicide bombings in Iraq (Washington Post).
A Maysan province official said the raids were conducted without the provincial council's knowledge. He wants an investigation because of civilian casualties. U.S. officials "said that the Iraqi government approved the mission," though no Iraqi soldiers participated in the attack (WaPo)....
An Iraqi official said 34 people died in the attack, including women and children whose corpses were transported for proper burial. A U.S. official said only 20 died in the raid, and no women or children were killed (WaPo).
It's understandable that people might come up with different body counts amid fallout, but what about other conflicting assessments? I can't help thinking about Iraq-related statements that Administration officials have made over time. In 2003, for example...
Administration officials repeatedly implied that Iraq and 9/11 were connected (e.g., Colin Powell's United Nations address). Six months later (after we invaded Iraq), President Bush publicly declared there was no link. Despite Bush's admission, a majority of Americans still believed that Iraq and 9/11 were linked (WaPo).
About 49 months ago, President Bush promised a short war; 51 months ago, he proclaimed "Mission Accomplished" (USA Today and BNP). Less than a month ago, officials said they envision a long-term occupation of Iraq, like Korea (which we've occupied for 50+ years).
In June 2006, officials said they'd cut in half the troops in Iraq by December 2007; in June 2007, they said the cuts won't happen until late 2008 to 2009 (BNP).
For five years, contradictions filled the airwaves like misquitoes in a Florida swamp. When Administration officials speak of Iraq, what are we average citizens supposed to believe?
See what some other bloggers are saying:
Bold and Decisive, but About 5 years Too Late (Peak Dems)
The Last Throes of the Occupation? (Andrew Sullivan)
Iraq Embeds: Risking Life and Limb to Bring us Truth (Wake up America)
Be Not Afraid (Michael Yon)
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