While condemning antiwar advocates for “not supporting the troops,” George Bush has nothing of substance to say about a recent Zogby poll showing that a sizeable majority—72 percent—of U.S. troops in Iraq want to be brought home this year, most saying now or within six months. Twenty-nine percent favor immediate withdrawal.
Only one in five agree with Bush that the U.S. should stay in Iraq for “as long as it takes.”
The effectiveness of the Bush propaganda machine was also revealed. Some 85 percent of the soldiers surveyed believe that the U.S. is in Iraq to retaliate for the 9/11 terrorist attacks—one of Bush’s big lies. No reliable experts, including the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, say that Iraq was involved in 9/11.
However, 93 percent of the soldiers said that they did not think that removing weapons of mass destruction was the reason they were in Iraq.
The Zogby poll also asked troops their attitudes towards peace sentiment back home. Thirty-seven percent said Americans who favor withdrawal are unpatriotic, while 36 percent said they believe people back home don’t think a continued occupation will work or they oppose the use of the military in a pre-emptive war. Fifteen percent said Americans don’t understand the need for the U.S. troops in Iraq.
The terrorist violence and civil strife in Iraq can be put at the feet of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation. The presence of U.S. troops exacerbates violence. Occupation aids the extremists. Conditions will improve once U.S. troops are removed and reparations are paid.
But security is a legitimate concern for the Iraqi people who are experiencing the violence and bloodshed everyday. The Iraqi Communist Party, along with other patriotic forces, have called for a clear withdrawal timetable coupled with UN troops and assistance to help stabilize the country, while the Iraqi people reestablish sovereignty. This is a sensible demand.
By all accounts this is an unprecedented poll. The majority of troops say bring us home quickly! And we should fight like hell to oblige them — bring them home now.
Comments