Curator

Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) asks Gen Odierno some questions.

Webb: "A key part of strategizing is to be able to articulate clearly what the endpoint of that strategy is. So.. what's the endgame, in military terms?"

Odierno: "A self-reliant government that is stable, a government that will contribute inside of the regional context and the international context. Obviously, that means they need a professional security force... Obviously, a place that will not allow a safe haven for terrorists or extremists that threaten region... or the United States. ... An economic engine that [provides for] the continued improvement of the Iraqi people. ... From a military perspective, the ability to secure themselves, and do it in such a way that allows the government to continue to grow. ... and we will continue to do less and less."

Webb: "But what does U.S. military mission in Iraq look like, even if those conditions are met?"

Odierno: It'll adjust over time. We'll have less and less responsibility for direct combat... Over time, we'll change to advisory missions."

Webb: "But how long will that take?"

Odierno: "It's unknown... I think that's a policy decision, how long we'd want to have contact with the Iraqi government in future."

Webb: "But what's the endpoint? Say U.S. meets all these conditions. Should there be a continued U.S. presence there?"

Odierno: "That's a discussion... for policy."

Webb won't let this go.

Webb: "What do you think, Gen. Odierno? Will there be a need for the U.S. military in Iraq if those conditions are met?"

Odierno: "I do not."

FINALLY!!

A Senator with some BALLS!!!

Now that's how a leader asks a question.

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“I truly believe that at this point in America’s history we need a president who will not just continue ... basically the policies we have followed in recent years. We need a president with transformational qualities.”

"For that reason, I will be voting for Barack Obama.”
- Former Secretary of State Colin Powell

“You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska.”
Gov Palin explaining her national security credentials.

W.M.DEEEZ

Let's see how long it is before the good General is collecting unemployment.


Or maybe we'll see him on one of the news shows with the letters "Ret." next to his name.

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Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got til it's gone

poetrychic

some more about jim webb via npr...these were really good shows:

All Things Considered, May 16, 2008...5 minutes 15 seconds


Fresh Air from WHYY, May 20, 2008...38 minutes 59 seconds

i particularly enjoyed the fresh air conversation...the man is quite interesting to listen to...

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"it was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation, yes we can!"