MIDDLE EAST: Bush's Iraq speech leaves a bad taste

While President Bush defended his decision to invade Iraq tooth and nail, media in the Arab world lambasted the U.S. war for unleashing disasters, divisions and terror.

Bush was addressing defense officials at the Pentagon on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq.

A fiery editorial in today's edition of the English-language Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star rebuked Bush for blaming the destruction of Iraq on the Iraqi people:

The Bush administration and its apologists like to blame Al-Qaeda for all the chaos that has plagued Iraqis since 2003, but it was Bush and his advisers who brought terrorism to Iraq.... They have helped keep it there, as well, by consistently failing to provide many of the benefits they promised as mitigating factors for the nightmare they unleashed: Millions of people have been displaced, millions more are unemployed.

Another editorial in the Dubai-based Gulf News daily criticized the "horrifying" US mismanagement of Iraq after the invasion:

Any improvements discussed by Bush today do not change the fact that Iraqis continue to suffer from this war. Five years on, the war-torn country faces the same horrors inflicted upon it in 2003. The Iraq war will haunt future generations.

In an op-ed article published by the Saudi-owned London-based daily Al Hayat, Abdullah Iskandar said that the war did not only impoverish Iraq but also opened the door for crises across the region:

Five years after the American invasion and occupation of Iraq, the outcome boils down to nothing more than multidimensional catastrophes.... The repercussions of the invasion and the occupation have left and will continue to leave deep marks across the entire region.... The demons of sectarianism have been let loose out of the guts of history in their pursuit of their lost kingdoms.

— Raed Rafei in Beirut

Photo: Today's front page of the Lebanese daily al Safir featured a photo of U.S. demonstrators protesting the war. Credit: Borzou Daragahi

Comments

[Mary M. Thonsen]

Bush's war has nothing to do with "American Freedom" - We were never at risk from Iraq! It has everything to do with OIL - His war has put our troops in harms way and killed and maimed thousands of them - of course, we don't see on Network TV, the poor victims in hospitals whose lives will never be the same -and not even to mention the hundreds and hundreds of Iraqi citizens that have been killed, including women and children. Also, in an interview with two Iraqi citizens, they said that we destroyed their country and the sooner we get out, the better - they also said after five years, they still have no clean water or electricity and everything the Americans do is wrong -and the only thing working in Iraq are the oil fields - what does that tell you??? And they said they were better off when Saddam was in power, even though he was a monstrous dictator - they also said there was no Al Qaida in Iraq before the invasion - and that Bush has made the world a more dangerous place. I think this entire administration is an abomination and it's going to take years to repair the damage they have done to our country and to regain our credibility with the rest of the world.

[Martin O]

Mark and Tony,

I have a bridge for sale in New York. Going fast so contact me as soon as possible.

[Yaweii]

For the State of Israel, I would do anything.

[Garry]

First, let me say I am sure that most Republicans realize that Bush's decision to invade Iraq had nothing to do with spreading freedom. Bush and Cheney clearly stated that WMDs were the primary reason. They added a pinch of fear by saying that Saddam was connected to Bin Laden and 9/11. Later after it was proven that Saddam did not have WMDs, and that allegations of Saddam being connected to Bin Laden and involved with 9/11 were known to be false even prior to the invasion Bush and Cheney said the war was about freeing the Iraqi people and spreading Democracy.

But there is a Republican voice that continues to have delusions of grandeur. They say that anyone questioning the motives of Bush and Cheney to orchestrate and unnecessary war is spitting in the face of our troops. They have to do this because to admit anything else means that our brave men and women were sacrificed for an unethical and immoral war initiated by men who lead through fear. But the truth our men and women are dying for a set of motives that neither Bush or Cheney have shared with America. We have no choice but to fight our way out of this boxed canyon that Bush and Cheney have lead us. We have no choice but to save America's reputation by helping the Iraqi's we have put in harms way. Yeah, Saddam was a dictator but as far as I know his actions were contained to Iraq. As far as I know women had more rights and held more public offices than they do now. As far as I know the women did not have to cover their faces as they must do now and they were no afraid to go out of their homes as they are now. So how exactly after 5 years can any moron continue to say we were right to invade and Iraq and the world had better thank their lucky stars that we are the ones with the power. Other than being delusional their must be a deep seeded biggotry. A biggotry that holds the rest of the world in contempt. They don't live like we do, so they are not as good as us. They don't have the mores so they are no as good as us. They are different and therefore must be feared and they are trying to get the upper hand on us. They talk of muslim extremism with contempt but then go about their day forcing their values on everyone else. Those that don't comply are put in the axis of evil category, or are labeled unpatriotic, or terrorist lovers.

The next time a deluded Republican says that they are supporting the troops he or she should be whisked away to the nearest VA hospital, or taken directly to Iraq to see how the Iraqi people are living out side of the Green Zone. The reasons some deluded Republicans keep saying what they are saying is because no one has told them they are the biggest group of lying, immoral, and unethical leaders of any society at any point in history. When you deal with a dictator you know you are dealing with a dictator. When you deal with these deluded Republicans they sound like they are looking out for the down trodden but in reality they are looking out for their bottom line. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

I have no more patience for any Republican who tells me he or she supports the troops. My answer to them is join the military and put your butt where you put our sons and daughters. Until then, keep your mouths shut. Your thinking has decimated this country. You controlled Congress, you controlled the White House and you raided it and took advantage of it and I have had it. And don't kid yourself, the rest of America has had it too.

[Hillary All the Way]

Bush is no doubt among the top 10 stupidest people ever born. What is worse though is that McCain agrees with Bush on Iraq for the most part. Worse even yet is that there are people in America actually even more stupid than that who actually support McCain. Now that is really stupid..

[Dave G]

I have seen them come and go over my many years but George W. Bush is the absolute worse. I don't care if the new president is Obama, Hillary, Mc Cain, or Bart Simpson any one of them will be a much welcomed change. In regards to Mr. Bush let history deal with him because that is what he is at this point - bad history.

[fzdybel]

After they enter the bunker, their perorations get really good. That's when you see just how far they've slipped their cams, just how great a length they are from reality: when they have only their military commanders to speechify in front of.

[Keith]

The Iraqi campaign is one of the worst tactical mistakes in American history. Iraqi has hobbled the military and thoroughly trashed our reputation with many allies who supported our war against Al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Bush said our mission was to destroy WMDs and break the link between Saddam and Al-Qaida, both propositions turned out to be false. We fell right into Al-Qaida hands by invading Iraq, a completely foolish theater of war. It's become our Somme and akin to Hitler and Napoleon's ill fated march into Russia. We're bogged down when our real enemies are in Afghanistan and the mountains of Pakistan. That's where our soldiers should be.

[Give Me a BREAK]

Media Bosses: Give us a real BREAK! Bush just babbles on...and on...and on, with nary a clue, and he can't work, even from a cue card - he's a retarded twit! So please, please, just STOP COVERING his mindless blatherings...it's only 10 months till we flush that sick Son of a Bush...PRAY we don't choose someone much worse - Hellary or McCain would be another unmitigated disaster, after the biggest Fool ever to squat in the White House.

[Robert Laughing]

We were warned about 'Slick Willie' ...but we elected him = such joy? We knew Son of a Bush was a Frat-rat Party boy, hiding behind his mother's shirt when Vietnam was calling. The Supreme Court (s)elected him, then some war profiteers hyped the message of St George. We and other will pay the price for decades. Now, you clowns want Hillary or zzzzzzzzzzz McCain? More joy ahead!

[Jim]

Why is anyone surprised? Two oilmen gain office and do what it takes to give us $100 per barrel oil. He only did what he said he was going to do.

[SanFrancisco MAC]

People like Mark the Bush acolyte, are as doomed as the followers of Jim Jones. THey drank poison though in their hearts, they were filed with fear of their leader- and even more afraid to show it. Go to Crawford Mark. Their are many way to hell, and following Bush, Cheney and Rove is as good-or bad away as any.
And those of you who think I'm a bleeding heart liberal just because I live in San Francisco, think again. I'm as centrist a moderate there could be, and cant stand Dems anymore I can stomach Repubs.

[jason]

Meanwhile, Osama bin Laden declares "Iraq is the perfect base to set up the jihad to liberate Palestine."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/20/binladen.message/

Putting aside the pre-war arguments, we're there. We can't leave yet. Everyone except the extreme left realize this. You have to be eyes wide shut to not realize the negative consequences associated with pulling out too soon.

[Jason Samarcolm]

"how many people have been killed both American and Iranies and how many have been liberated"

4000 Americans + 1M (BS exaggerated number, 1/8 the population, even though 1/4 the population fled the country, but worst case scenerio) = 1.4 Mil.

8Mil liberated. (for argument's sake, - 20% sunnis who profited under Saddam) = 6.4 M.

Any more questions?

[Michelle Stoverqa]

"The Bush family profits personally from these wars through contracts and cronies."
Posted by: Anthony Monaghan

Utter hogwash. You know who has though? Michael Moore, Murtha, and Feinstein.

[Jason Samarcolm]

"Lou, there are people who don't believe the British Journal Lancet's study 2 or 3 years ago, that determined that 650,000 Iraquis had died by that time"

Ummm, that's because the study has been debunked by two major reviews, one out of Harvard. The "researchers" wouldn't share their data, their methodology was bunk, and only leftists with an agenda (and BDS) cite that figure. It's no where near 1Million, 1/8th the population of Iraq, especially in light of the fact that 1/4 of the population (2M) fled Iraq as refugees.

[enn]

Dear Tony and Oh Dear Mark:
Your brains are weapons of mass ignorance.
This war and your Bush will go down in history as abominations. how many people have been killed both American and Iranies and how many have been liberated?

[Gary Klein]

Tony, you are a great example of a true Bush loyalist. And just like your President, I'm not sure which is worse. Your logic or your spelling.
Gary

[Anthony Monaghan]

The Bush family profits personally from these wars through contracts and cronies. The American people have been betrayed. Whether this continues depends on finding brave hearted and true patriots to defend liberty from the weapons runners.

[Tony]

Reality check: 1) Hussein was in complete violation of the UN charter by the time OIF began, 2) Hussein was attempting on a daily basis to shoot down US and Coalition aircraft protecting the no-fly zone, 3) Leaders of virtually every country in the region wanted Hussein gone, and asked the US to make that happen, 4) Hussein threatened missile attacks against Israel, forcing Israel to prep to attack (this could have resulted in a massive conflagratin throughout the region), and 5) Hussein was a depot who rouotinely purged the government (and civilian cells) of anyone who dared to cross him.

OIF took care of a host of sins, and history will write well of the effort.

[Peter]

Offcours it is success. From Bush and the neocons perspective – definitely. The have achieve their aims to still 3 trillions of taxpayers money by hiring they buddies a la Halaburton. They have devastated Iraq and put a puppet regime there. Israel is free to do anything they wish now And the pressure on it to abide by human standards has disappears. It looks to me the war is a “success”

[et]

It is as if Bush kept repeating the same message enough times, it will become true. To his supporters, even if you don't want to see the reality as it is, please just look at how many allies he still has around the world on the Iraq mess. It can't be that he and Cheney are the ones who are right and the rest of the world leaders are dummies, can it?

[SP in Kansas]

I say we need to go to war with Iran as soon as possible--so McBush, err, sorry, McCain can get
elected in 2008.

[QUAD]

The Honorable President Bush and his partner in crime Mr. Cheny are liars and cheats. If any one in the "real" world pulled off something like what they did in Iraq they would be in jail. As an American Citizen I feel I have a duty to say this.

They wanted this war not us and NO, we haven't benefitted in any way shape of form from it. Only Bush and Cheny have.

[Send my love ones home]

Mark stated "The Iraq war has been a success. Isn't anybody looking at all the good things that have been accomplished since we removed Saddam?"

Can you please present a list of all the good things that have been accomplished? My family are all active military. Some I have only seen once in the past 5 years. Some I havn't seen since they have been deployed. Our family has sacrificed in blood and tears for our Nation. We also know friends and extended family in the military that are divorced because of the long deployments. Some have mental illness, some with physical problems such as the ability to hear properly or walk without a cane, some have no limbs and a few paid the ultimate sacrifice. They do not like to talk about the war, they don't talk the killings nor do they talk about the accomplishments. Please Mark, tell us what exactly we have done right in Iraq to justify the sacrifices my family and friends have endured in the past 5 years?

[Paul H]

At what point during the Viet Nam war did we realize it was a huge mistake and we MUST pull our troops out? Are we not at the same point now with Iraq?

[AC]

To someone who hasn't been watching much TV lately (I get my news from print media), it is indeed jarring to see President Bush speaking. I hadn't realized how much of a toll this job has taken on him and how far he had fallen since I last heard him speak. There's that moment of realization when you come to under that the most powerful person in the world is, and I mean this with no sense of irony or exaggeration, criminally insane. He has literally lost his mind. Our country is being run by a madman. To fully appreciate this fills me with a sense of dread...

[Sixtees]

In this safer Bush world of War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, and Ignorance is Strength we hear of daily acts or terrorism both within Iraq and without. We know for certain it is not safer for Iraqis, Spain might take exception, our ports and borders are not safe and I certainly don't feel more secure or that my nephew heading off for his first tour will be safe. My biggest fear is what action Bush may take next.

[SGV]

Mark said: "Thank god he is not going to allow the anti-America, anti-military far left to dictate our foreign policy."

That tired, worn-out response doesn't work anymore. It wasn't those cliched entities (by the radical right) who advocated against this war. Those who DID push were the oil corporations, Christian kooks, and the extreme-right Israeli government that instigated us into going to war.

For God's sake Mark, please wake up and educate yourself.

[hannah]

ronci, you speak my mind, and i hope you are writing elsewhere! thanks

mark, my condolences on your myopic vision.

the arrogance and disconnect evident in each and every speach, interview or song parody by gw knocks me over.

[Dieter]

P J Evans,
right on, McCain is scary. I really do not care about the Dems either but at least, they will stop this insanity. Enough said.

[P J Evans]

All the same old lies about Iraq and Al Qaeda, about Iran and nukes, trotted out again.
All lies, all told by Bush and Cheney and their flunkies, again.
McCain still believes them, too.

[SAM CORDOVA]

The Arab world press is absolutely right. Iraq is a mess. Hundreds of thousands of Iraquis have been displaced from their homes and now roam the middle east in search of a place to house their family. the Iraquis in Iraq are in dire straits. No jobs, no electricity, bad plumbing, and plenty of despair. Families have been desimated. Family members maimed or killed. So much suffering, it is mind boggling. But America is safer, or are we? The war was unjust and unjustifiable from the start. Unfortunately it is the Iraquis, not us, paying the price for this travesty.

[chris]

funny.. i see we are more "safe" yet 2 of the countries part of the "axis of evil" have had and continue to have NUCLEAR capability N. Korea has a missile that can reach the west coast.. Iran has at least 1 NUCLEAR reactor and have expressed a desire to make NUCLEAR weapons..now think about that real good vs. what Bush has told us, especially the reason we are in Iraq vs what we have found there.. where do you all think Iran and N Korea are going to aim their missiles.. we are safe? i think not people we basically hit the wrong nation.. im so very sorry to all the parents/wifes/children in the US who have lost love ones .. i voted for Bush...

[Sean K]

The Iraq war has been a success. Isn't anybody looking at all the good things that have been accomplished since we removed Saddam? Anybody? Certainly not the far radical left. Certainly not the MSM. Our troops have done an excellent job in both Iraq and Afghanistan, in spite of the efforts to undermine them by the fifth column. You go on thinking what you want to think - the world is a safer place thanks to our brave troops, under the leadership of the Commander in Chief. Bleep, Boop, Whirr fizz. Battery Failing. Propaghanda bot 103-X about to self destruct...

[Rasputyn]

Lou, there are people who don't believe the British Journal Lancet's study 2 or 3 years ago, that determined that 650,000 Iraquis had died by that time. Given the level of violence since that time, the number is certainly close to the million you cite, (and the number of US troops dead (not even counting the permanently injured) has gone from around 2500 at that time to 4000 now.) Do you have any additional rational for the 1million number? And people need to realize that this war is draging the US economy down (the bushy needed cheap money, so fuddyduddy greenspun gave it to him in 2003, which spawned the mortgage crisis and wealth accumulation by Rolan Arnall and others, and now here we go again with helicopter ben.

[Lou]

We've gone from French Fries, to Freedom Fries, now to Terror Fries. 1 million divided by 1825 (5yrs) equals more than 500 death a day, with a large percentage of that collateral damage.

[Dieter]

What a sad person you are Mark. Keep your eyes close to reality, it will serve you well in life.
Yes, we are safer because:
- We got Osama and all his audio tape
- We are dealing with Chavez the lunatic
- We destroyed our constitution in the name of security
- We have all those Iraq Oil dollars to use for their own security and ours
- Because 4,000 of our brothers and sisters died, and shame on people forgetting the 100's of thousand Iraqis killed.
- Beacuse we have created a whole new generation of US haters.
- Because we dealt with the Saudi's where 17 of the 19 terrorists that attacked us were from there.
- Because we want to deploy missile systems is Europe
- Because we thump our chest claiming peace but we are the biggest producer and dealer of arms in the world.
- Because China, Japan and others OWN us because of them holding all our bonds (debt) making interest payments to them that equal or surpass the GDP of half the countries in this world.
-Oh well, I am tired of writing but you get the idea...

Yes Mark, we are more safe, no doubt.

[George Chapman]

"Isn't anybody looking at all the good things that have been accomplished since we removed Saddam? Anybody? Certainly not the far radical left. Certainly not the MSM." - Mark

I have been called right of Atilla the Hun and can not find a single good thing about the Iraq war. If we were safer, we wouldn't have 4000 more dead and 29000 more wounded. We would not have spent a half trillion for nothing. We took our eye off the ball in Afghanisatan - invading Iraq was presidential hubris. OC.

[Mark]

Ell - If you want to think this President lied, you go right ahead. The U S Congress approved this war in Iraq, 77- 23. There were 23 clauses in the bill; reasons to resume military action to remove Saddam. Only 2 had any mention of WMD. If this President had not resumed military action in Iraq, he would have committed, IMO, an impeachable offense. Thank god he is not going to allow the anti-America, anti-military far left to dictate our foreign policy.

[ronci]

I read the comment by Mark and realized that across America are thousands of "Marks" who truly believe that what Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld did to Iraq was justified and successful. Not only was it a travesty for this to have taken place but the frightening knowledge that so many in this country play into the duplicity and are devoid of any historical perspective that might permit them to understand the gruesome results of that undertaking 5 years ago. The countless loss of lives, both Iraqi and American and allied troops and ordinary citizens, the emergence of Al Quaeda in Iraq where it never existed, the switch from a potential success in Afghanistan to a total chaotic failure in Iraq, the trillions of wasted American dollars that have brought the American economy to its knees and the hatred that most nations of the world now have for the US is what we will have to contend with for years to come. There is no going back and the road forward is "mine filled". If McCain becomes president we will continue on this destructive path until the US as we know and love it is completely destroyed. God help us if McCain follows Bush. Bush is cowardly and will go down in history as an invader and war criminal. McCain is a radical hothead who might take us into nuclear war. 9/11 was a sad day but it will be a sadder day when this country lacks leadership to salvage what has happened and to begin to amend its ways. We are so divisive in this country when so much is at stake. We are over burdened by crumbling infrastructure, by inability to assist those in dire need after natural disasters like Katrina, by job loss, by high rates of incarceration, by needless wiretapping and invasion of privacy, by lack of health care assistance for millions, by disabled and maimed veterans treated so shabbily, by lack of educational standards that would produce a decent next generation, by the consumerism and the obsession with fun and by the flagrant disregard of all moral and ethical standards set in the constitution and the Geneva convention. I will stop here because just writing this is making me feel ill.

[Enceef]

Anyone who has the gall to say the Iraq war is a success and is well worth the price in money and deaths should seek help pronto. Numerous studies have unequivocally concluded that the world is a LESS SAFER PLACE than before and yet some mental health patients continue to think otherwise. grThese same patients continue to support a failed man managing a failed administration with failed policies, both at home and abroad. Never in the modern history of the Republic has there been a man like Bush who is so ill equipped and unqualified to lead a nation. The man is delusional and is incapable of understanding and admitting his mistakes and so the mayhem and destruction continue at the nation's expense. When are we going to understand that we cannot impose our values and will on another culture? How would you like if I invade your house and interfere with your live and the lives of your family? You would kick me out in a heart beat if not harm me. You then label me an insurgent in my own house. Damn you! It does not need an Einstein to understand such simple analogy. Bush and Cheney, the war profiteer, are in Iraq because of a compelling need to control Iraq's oil and energy resources. Anything beyond this is just collateral.

[Bruce, Colorado Springs]

"the world is a safer place thanks to our brave troops, under the leadership of the Commander in Chief." -Mark

Ok, the troops are brave, fine. HOW THE HELL is the world safer? W said at the start of the war "the Iraqis couldn't be worse off than they are now". Well, they ARE.

Under the leadership? What LEADERSHIP?

[Gored Bushed]

Oh, please, if bushy really wanted to take out Hussein, one bullet was all that was needed, it is not like America never did that before.

[ELL]

How can anyone claim invading Iraq was a success unless you difine success as invading another country, starting a war where hundreds of thousands of innocent civilianss have died, millions displaced and a country in civil war caused by a President who outright lied with the intent of permanent occupaton with 38 military bases and controlling the religion and politics of the country.

[Mark]

The Iraq war has been a success. Isn't anybody looking at all the good things that have been accomplished since we removed Saddam? Anybody? Certainly not the far radical left. Certainly not the MSM. Our troops have done an excellent job in both Iraq and Afghanistan, in spite of the efforts to undermine them by the fifth column. You go on thinking what you want to think - the world is a safer place thanks to our brave troops, under the leadership of the Commander in Chief.

[photty]

Mr Bush is running out of sympathetic venues to give his speech. All he had left was the Pentagon staff...the boss talking to the troops, who are under orders to cheer. What a coward.

[ckuhn]

Whatelse is new, America, wake up, especially you Republicans. Follow your leader to the bottom of the ocean. Forget your pride, go with your gut feeling, The Man can't admit his mistakes, can't come to terms with the Thousands who have died, to remove a Saddam, who didn't have WMD, and was not in bed AL Qeida, who had nothing to do with 9/11. GW screwed everyone and will leave ALL of with the burden to play in Lives and Dollars. Look at what he has done to American...he is a Coward