On Sunday’s "60 Minutes," CBS News Chief Foreign Correspondent Lara Logan insisted the US had been defeated in Iraq. During an interview with General John Abizaid, the top US Commander in Iraq, Logan asserted, "We hear very little about victory in Iraq these days. We hear a lot about how to manage the defeat." It appears Ms. Logan suffers from selective hearing. While many Democrats and some Republicans talk about Iraq as a lost cause, sources such as Senator John McCain and White House officials still insist victory is not only possible, it is imperative.
General Abizaid dismissed Logan’s claims, and maintained that "defeat" was her word not his. However, Logan persisted in proclaiming that the United States had been beaten.
The transcript of Logan’s exchange with General Abizaid follows:
Lara Logan: We hear very little about victory in Iraq these days. We hear a lot about how to manage the defeat. And a lot of Americans...
John Abizaid: What defeat?
Lara Logan: How we minimize the defeat.
John Abizaid: That's your word. Defeat is your word, not my word. Can Iraq stabilize? Yes, Iraq could stabilize.
Lara Logan: Is that what we--is that victory now? Is that what victory will look like in Iraq, just stability? That's what we're aiming for?
John Abizaid: Victory in Iraq is a nation at peace with its neighbors, and Iraq hasn't been at peace with its neighbors in a long time. It is a country that respects the rights of its citizens. It's a country that can defend itself. It's a country that's not a safe haven for terrorists.
Lara Logan: Increasingly in this country, people are talking about how to manage defeat in Iraq. There's a loss of support for the war, very clearly showing in the present. Not a loss of support for the military...
John Abizaid: Yeah.
Lara Logan: ...or for the soldiers which still remains strong.
John Abizaid: Well, Lara, again, let me say I don't think people in the country are trying to figure out how to manage defeat in Iraq. I think people in the country are trying to figure out how to manage our involvement in Iraq so that Iraq can stabilize. You just can't walk away from these problems of the Middle East and hope that things are going to get better. Look, many people have said we're already at the beginning of World War III.
Lara Logan: Are we?
John Abizaid: No. We're not, and our involvement in the region will prevent it.
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Comments Policy
At least he is (in part) righ
November 27, 2006 - 16:21 ET by kafkakaeferAt least he is (in part) right about WWIII
"Hegel says somewhere all great events and personalities in world history reappear in one fashion or another. He forgot to add: the first time as tragedy, the second as farce."
The Eighteeenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852) sect. 1, Cf.
kaka...So, do you want us to
November 27, 2006 - 16:27 ET by Clear thinkerkaka...
So, do you want us to lose the war in Iraq?
No, no. I wouldn't want to
November 27, 2006 - 16:35 ET by kafkakaeferNo, no. I wouldn't want to miss more of that manufactured news coming from over there. Solange standhaft bleiben bis man nicht mehr steht.
"Hegel says somewhere all great events and personalities in world history reappear in one fashion or another. He forgot to add: the first time as tragedy, the second as farce."
The Eighteeenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852) sect. 1, Cf.
Manufactured news. I get it
November 28, 2006 - 10:08 ET by danboManufactured news. I get it all the time from the media.
We have the ability to win this war. But seems your friends wish to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Like Athens. We can try hiding behind our walls and take potshots at our own military. Sparta can't defeat us. We can outlast them. But then Athens lost.
Your friends will lose this one for us.
For me this one is too important to lose.
"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods." Albert Einstein
"At least he is (in part
November 27, 2006 - 16:28 ET by MightyMouth"At least he is (in part) right about WWIII"
You must mean the "our involvment in the region will prevent it" part, right?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MM...Nice catch!
November 27, 2006 - 16:34 ET by Clear thinkerMM...
Nice catch!
Thanks CT. Unfortunatly Team
November 27, 2006 - 16:50 ET by MightyMouthThanks CT. Unfortunatly Team America is gonna have to fix things yet again. Why? Because no one else will defend truth justice and the American way. This saving everyones ass is getting a little old. I've half decided that we should put up a 40 story fence around the country and let the rest of the world go to hell.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Mighty Mouth -I'm starting trouble
November 27, 2006 - 16:56 ET by misterbillMighty Mouth -I'm starting trouble here. Pretending I am another poster.. "oh, but a fence won't do the job. Oh but it's an insult". "Oh, but if you look into the sad eyes of those poor unfortunate jihadists who only wish you death, you would feel different".
To steal from a fellow blooger :Nuke 'em til they glow, and............................".
MM...Won't happen. The useles
November 27, 2006 - 16:57 ET by Clear thinkerMM...
Won't happen. The useless United Nations will declare the wall as a sign of bigotry and tear it down using donations from muslim countries.
Hey if were going to be accus
November 27, 2006 - 17:00 ET by MightyMouthHey if we're going to be accused of bigotry then I say lets really earn the title!!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Don't you mean "Truth,
November 27, 2006 - 16:57 ET by balboaDon't you mean "Truth, justice, all that stuff"? :-p
Uh....Nope. And, If the Ameri
November 27, 2006 - 17:03 ET by MightyMouthUh....Nope. And, If the American way is so frigin bad then, WHY IS EVERYONE TRYING TO GET HERE!!!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
No.WWIII is what is going to
November 27, 2006 - 16:36 ET by slvrwlfNo.
WWIII is what is going to happen if we leave Iraq before it's stabilized as Syria and Iran with their Russian and Chinese backers assume control of the region. Not only will the Iranian-Syrian hegemony be able to exert military control over the Middle East (and dominate smaller Arab nations such as Jordan), but they will be in a position to dictate global economics by directing the flow of oil coming out of the Gulf region. As Iraq splinters, it'll become a gateway for terrorist organizations who will be able to fund their activities through the illicit sale of Iraqi oil and any attempt that the US will make to curb the downspiral will be challenged in the UN Security Council by Russia and China who will use their vetoes to effectively "defang" US policy in the region.
Don't think that's possible? I beg to differ. People are free to disagree with the war, but ignorance and stupidity cannot be allowed to dictate foreign or strategic military policy.
Don't tell me that. I think
November 27, 2006 - 16:41 ET by kafkakaeferDon't tell me that. I think there are people more in need for your last advice.
"Hegel says somewhere all great events and personalities in world history reappear in one fashion or another. He forgot to add: the first time as tragedy, the second as farce."
The Eighteeenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852) sect. 1, Cf.
slvrwlf...So do the russians
November 27, 2006 - 16:44 ET by Clear thinkerslvrwlf...
So do the russians and chinese become muslim nations too or will the muslim nations go after them next?
You need to ask? Read their h
November 27, 2006 - 16:48 ET by NL207You need to ask?
Read their holy books. I take 'Global Caliphate' to mean the entire globe. Unless Russia and China have found some clever way not to be on this globe, I'd say the Islamofascists will get to them in their turn.
NL207...It behooves us to exp
November 27, 2006 - 16:55 ET by Clear thinkerNL207...
It behooves us to explain with absolute clarity to the commies that they will only last slightly longer than the USA if they decide to completely take sides with muslim nations.
Clear,They won't get it until
November 27, 2006 - 16:59 ET by BlondeClear,
They won't get it until it's in their national interests to get it.
Right now, the islamofascist regimes are their client states. And providing hard currency.
They'll get it eventually, but only when the sword is at their throat. Which is probably about the same time the liberals here at home may have a glimmer of understanding about what is really happening.
Blonde...I totally understand
November 27, 2006 - 17:03 ET by Clear thinkerBlonde...
I totally understand, that's why I think it's high time to vaporize the most trouble making countries. Then and only then will the rest of the world shut up and leave us alone.
ok
November 27, 2006 - 17:10 ET by TOEwe should encourage the chinese. they will destroy just enough of arabia to keep the oil flowing to everyone. they don't give a shit about some 70 stinking virgins, or oil boycotts. they like prosperity , and they dont treat their women like dogs. then we can get on with our interests.
There is some truth in what y
November 27, 2006 - 17:20 ET by Clear thinkerThere is some truth in what you said. The chinese may have a hardcore government, but they love the capitalism that the USA generates and strive to be more like us everyday. However.... I still don't trust them.
Clear,When we allow the polit
November 27, 2006 - 17:11 ET by BlondeClear,
When we allow the politicians to dictate rediculous ROE's, (ref. Mark's blog of a few days ago with the young female gunner not allowing to fire unless fired upon), and continual Monday morning quarterbacking by the feel-good media, we do ourselves huge harm.
We have the all the weapons we need to win, we just need the national will to use them. A good start would be to flatten the Sadr slum in Baghdad, last week.
Blonde...Remember a couple of
November 27, 2006 - 17:17 ET by Clear thinkerBlonde...
Remember a couple of years ago when they put a hit on Sadr himself, then they decided it could anger some people so they called it off? That's when I knew we were in trouble.
Clear,Oh yeah. Thank you Pa
November 27, 2006 - 17:21 ET by BlondeClear,
Oh yeah. Thank you Paul Bremer. Now, if we wish to discuss "mistakes" in Iraq...that would be my starting point.
The CPA was a fiasco. Worse than the State Department.
Letting the dips run tactical operations is idiotic.
You've hit it on the head
November 27, 2006 - 17:47 ET by terrigThe CPA was the biggest disaster in this whole story. I think Paul Bremer and gang should be held accountable for some of this. Where is old Paul anyway? Anyone know? I know Mr. Campbell Brown (Dan Senor) was on Fox today but missed what he had to say because I couldn't find the remote control and the tv was on mute. ;)
terrig,I've heard some real h
November 27, 2006 - 17:58 ET by Blondeterrig,
I've heard some real horror stories about Bremer and the CPA.
And Bush, as we know, is hugely loyal, perhaps one of his biggest shortcomings.
But I find the incessant heel nipping by the media, as well as the outright lies and fabrications, to be....can't even think of a word that comes close to the loathing I have for them.
No news would be better news....and actually, after talking about WWII w/my mom, this is probably not such a bad idea.
CHINESE
November 27, 2006 - 16:52 ET by TOEIn fact, I would love to see the islamo-fascists try to get away with their shit with the Chinese. They wouldnt have a prayer-rug. Although recently communist, 5000 years of Bhuddism didn't happen by letting petty suicidal religions walk over them! And the muslims know it! The russians are another matter.
clear thinker,It's not a ques
November 27, 2006 - 17:00 ET by slvrwlfclear thinker,
It's not a question of whether or not Muslim extremists will go after Russia and China or if either of those two nations will become Muslim, it's a question of why Syria and Iran are puppets of those two nations. China is looking to supplant the US as the world's dominant power and Russia is still smarting from having lost the Cold War. I personally doubt that either the Russian or Chinese governments will allow radical Muslims to dictate to them and they will have no qualms about crushing any attempts by Muslim organizations to terrorize their nations.
There are geopolitical ramifications about Iraq that go far beyond US involvement and if the defeatists here in our country are allowed to win, then we will be falling down a slippery slope that will be incredibly difficult to overcome.
slvrwlf....I am completely aw
November 27, 2006 - 17:08 ET by Clear thinkerslvrwlf....
I am completely aware of geo-political ramifications, I just see them differently.
I'm convinced that radical Islam wants to take down the great Satan first (us, of course) but they will not stop there, next up would be Russia. They have even better memories of how a poorly armed militia beat the tar out of the Russians in Afghanistan, so it just makes sense (to them) to go after a failing government that has lot's of resources.
CT
November 27, 2006 - 17:10 ET by misterbillAgreed , also they will long remember how the 'stans' were under the bear's boot all those years.
mrbill...That's right. They u
November 27, 2006 - 17:14 ET by Clear thinkermrbill...
That's right. They used to have contests between the ruskies and the stans to see who could be the cruelest to their fellow man.
the Chinese idea of civiliztion
November 27, 2006 - 17:17 ET by TOEdoes not include waiting for a maniacal religion to hit them first.Although different, usa, rusky and chinee do believe in some semblence of civilised behaviours. Like a domesticated but strong animal, it will seek out and destroy the rats before they come into the "cradle".
"...ramifications...&quo
November 27, 2006 - 18:22 ET by Ten7s"...ramifications..."
Of surrender? Its never good. There are gazillions of possible outcomes (assuming a Cut & Run); none benefiting us. And few benefiting anyone in the long run. We have the means to win, but we must summon the will.
"I personally doubt th
November 27, 2006 - 17:20 ET by ckc1227"I personally doubt that either the Russian or Chinese governments will allow radical Muslims to dictate to them and they will have no qualms about crushing any attempts by Muslim organizations to terrorize their nations."
That's one thing to admire about China. They won't put up with the crap that we put up with. Do you think they'd think twice about destroying mosques? Not likely, and until we adopt the same attitude, we will continue to be in the sights of those who hate us.
What makes you think
November 27, 2006 - 21:20 ET by james789What makes you think that the russians "lost" the cold war? Look at what russia lost looking back to December of 1991. They "lost" a bunch of corrupt politicians and gangsters that was strangling the economy of the country. They "lost" a lot of liability from having to prop up a bunch of puppet governments that were run by corrupt politicians and gangsters that were putting themselves before their states. They lost a bunch of old, worthless military equipment and bases that were bleeding resources away from the state while gaining the time to rebuild their remaining assets with money and support from their former enemies. They then managed somehow to become the largest oil exporter in the world who now control about 30 percent of europes energy supply, so I ask the forum here who are undoubtably smarter than I, why do people still think that russia "lost" the cold war.
If elected, I vow to repeal the 17th Amendment, change the
minimum military enlistment age to the minimum drinking age and push for term
limits for all politicians in federal government.
see previous
November 27, 2006 - 17:01 ET by TOEThe muslims know the chinese would not hesitate to drop one on Mecca if they are fucked with. I hope they do. What would the big bad united nations do about it?
"What would the big bad
November 27, 2006 - 21:39 ET by ChemicalOperator"What would the big bad united nations do about it?"
Cry and hide under the desk probably, then ask the USA to fix it.
This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
see previous
November 27, 2006 - 17:01 ET by TOEThe muslims know the chinese would not hesitate to drop one on Mecca if they are fucked with. I hope they do. What would the big bad united nations do about it?
see previous
November 27, 2006 - 17:01 ET by TOEThe muslims know the chinese would not hesitate to drop one on Mecca if they are fucked with. I hope they do. What would the big bad united nations do about it?
slvrwlf--cogent
November 27, 2006 - 16:48 ET by misterbillSlvrwlf - A very cogent explanation. When the pussies stop whining about invasion, occupation, etc. and look at the tinder box and how it will burst into flames, maybe they could understand. If we "SURRENDER" by removing our troops, the actions you explained in your post will soon follow!!
Are you expecting the candy ass libs who frequent this site to understand? I hope not, because they cannot see around their blinders.
The Despicable Demo-flip-flop
November 27, 2006 - 16:31 ET by nicksmith112The Despicable Demo-flip-floppers and the terrorists win with an American lose in Iraq.
Winning Iraq
November 27, 2006 - 16:34 ET by CelumnazThe only way the US can lose in Iraq, is if people in the US want the US to lose in Iraq.
Celumnaz...I understand your
November 27, 2006 - 16:42 ET by Clear thinkerCelumnaz...
I understand your point and I agree somewhat. The issue of the citizens being in it to win has a lot to do with media propaganda. Keep in mind that the majority of Americans still get their news from the liberal MSM, and so far this media has done everything it can to convince people that the war is un-winnable.
hey
November 27, 2006 - 17:03 ET by Tom BlumerThe only way people will be convinced that we're losing in Iraq is if the reporting from there is accepted without question. Thanks to Patterico, Flopping Aces, Op-For, Michelle Malkin, Hot Air, and others, that is becoming less likely. The media is being exposed not only for ignoring good news, which we have pretty much known all along, but also for gullibly reporting lies designed to make things look much worse than they are from stringers with hidden agendas and fake credentials.
Lara Logan has, I believe, been over in Iraq for several years. It has been obvious from the very, very strart, when she was among the first to crow (within days) that WMDs weren't being found (BTW, plenty have been, and the NYT even acknowledged that Saddam may have been as little as a year away from having a nuke), that she is vested in our defeat and/or humiliation, and willing to believe the worst, no matter how over-the-top it is. She apparently has plenty of company over there.
Pretend
November 27, 2006 - 17:14 ET by acumenLara comes across as somewhat in denial of the real Islam where insolent women like her are stoned to death and then ripped apart by no-nonsense men until there is no evidence left that she even existed. Of course Islam won't show that ugly side to the likes of Lara Logan and it appears she certainly has no desire to search and report on such inhumanity (unless such behavior is conducted by American forces). While she pretends that part of Islam doesn't exist, Islam pretends the developed west is the great satan while Islamic radicals are merely the victims of imperial colonialism.
Lara Logan is an explicit example of how Islam uses politically correct self-indulgent victimology as cover. It is no pretense that Lara is very fortunate Gen Abizaid is not interested in entertaining her defeatist attitude but she can still pretend such an attitude exists as long as there is a Gen Abizaid running the show in Iraq to protect her arrogant right to do so. But Ms Logan doesn't seem to be bothered as long as she can file her report in time to enjoy lavish praise from fellow elitists at the next cocktail party where all party-goers pretend those interested in defeating terrorism are the true enemy.
Lara has been played by the b
November 27, 2006 - 17:23 ET by Clear thinkerLara has been played by the bad guys and she doesn't even know it.
B*tch-slap!
November 27, 2006 - 17:41 ET by BBallleaperB*tch-slap!
Who has defeated the US in
November 27, 2006 - 17:20 ET by Red JeepWho has defeated the US in Iraq? Does Lara Logan know?
Is the MSM declaring victory over the military?
Throw the MSM out of Iraq, now!
Abizaid appears to have handl
November 27, 2006 - 17:21 ET by GalvanicAbizaid appears to have handled Logan's line of questioning appropriately and well.
Too bad he didn't press her on the Hate the War/Support our troops oxymoron. The troops fight to win; one can't support their mission and goal on the one hand, and throw in the towel for the other. Logan's statement is empty.
On Logan (she should read Sura 23:2. Carefully.)
November 27, 2006 - 17:35 ET by UnsaneCan this Miss Logan, military genius that she is, tick off the names of the battles lost in Iraq?
In the meantime, I hope that she commits herself to memorizing the shehada and has her favorite chador selected for everyday wear...
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy." -Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1965)
Who in the hell is lara logan
November 27, 2006 - 18:34 ET by Andrew H.Who in the hell is lara logan? What in the hell does she think she is? Dingbat of the first order trained to be incredibly dumb by the canbullshit network.
Never relent.
What a day in history! NB
November 27, 2006 - 20:09 ET by Red JeepWhat a day in history! NBC declares there is a civil war in Iraq, and CBS declares we have lost the war in Iraq all on the same day. Amazing, simply amazing.
Does Lara Logan know who we surrender to?
Guessing here.....um, Bill Cl
November 27, 2006 - 20:14 ET by BlondeGuessing here.....
um, Bill Clinton?
Wearing a blue dress, naturally.
Wearing a blue dress, natural
November 27, 2006 - 23:43 ET by StonefingersWearing a blue dress, naturally.
Bring one of those Tide stain-removing pens.
Does Lara Logan know who we s
November 27, 2006 - 23:41 ET by StonefingersDoes Lara Logan know who we surrender to?
Ummm...ABC? Or maybe, Al-Jazeera?
Thank God for Lara Logan...ho
November 27, 2006 - 23:40 ET by StonefingersThank God for Lara Logan...how else are we poor ignorant residents of the great void between the west and east coasts going to know what's going on in the world?
If it wasn't for the likes of Lara, how would us unwashed, unenlightened know what to do?
Why, we might have to think for ourselves!
Well, she is hot, and I'll
November 28, 2006 - 09:26 ET by revacardWell, she is hot, and I'll agree with her if it means sex with her. :)
True, she IS hot...
November 28, 2006 - 11:22 ET by UnsaneIndeed, she is hot...too bad that just like Norah O'Donnell (equally hot), she is dumber than a bag of hammers.
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy." -Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1965)