Bush's Mixed Message:Orders Assault of Falluja, Then retreat 3 days later!

[flpoljunkie]

The General in charge in Falluja, General James T. Conway, said this was the wrong message to send to the troops and the insurgents.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A16309-2004Sep12.html

Key General Criticizes April Attack In Fallujah
Abrupt Withdrawal Called Vacillation

By Rajiv Chandrasekaran
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, September 13, 2004; Page A17

FALLUJAH, Iraq, Sept. 12 -- The outgoing U.S. Marine Corps general in charge of western Iraq said Sunday he opposed a Marine assault on militants in the volatile city of Fallujah in April and the subsequent decision to withdraw from the city and turn over control to a security force of former Iraqi soldiers.

<> The comments by Lt. Gen. James T. Conway, made shortly after he relinquished command of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force on Sunday, amounted to a stinging broadside against top U.S. military and civilian leaders who ordered the Fallujah invasion and withdrawal. His statements also provided the most detailed explanation -- and justification -- of Marine actions in Fallujah this spring, which have been widely criticized for increasing insurgent activity in the city and turning it into a "no-go" zone for U.S. troops.

Conway arrived in Iraq in March pledging to accelerate reconstruction projects as a way to subdue Anbar province, dominated by Sunni Muslims. But on March 31 he was confronted in Fallujah with the killing of four U.S. security contractors, whose bodies were mutilated or burned by a celebrating mob. Conway said he resisted calls for revenge, and instead advocated targeted operations and continued engagement with municipal leaders.

<>The Marine assault on Fallujah in April ended abruptly after three days. Conway expressed displeasure at the order he received from Sanchez to cease offensive operations, a decision that culminated in the formation of the Fallujah Brigade. "When you order elements of a Marine division to attack a city, you really need to understand what the consequences of that are going to be and not perhaps vacillate in the middle of something like that," he said. "Once you commit, you got to stay committed."

more...

[Texas_Dem]

1. That kind of resolve and leadership makes me feel much safer

and confidnet about Iraq than that Kerry who does things that make sense.

[Rambis]

3. That sounds familiar.- When does Iraqi-ization of the War begin?

Stupid POS! Folks, if this doesn't scream Vietnam I don't know what does.

[fairfaxvadem]

2. ..but...but..but...John Kerry is the one demoralizing our troops!!

He is the one sending the wrong messages!!

Conway better get with the program.

[cheshire]

4. Again * blame others for his F**k ups.