Today in Iraq: Resistance to Deadlines for Iraq Weakening« Thread Started on Nov 14, 2006, 3:30pm » --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today in Iraq: Resistance to Deadlines for Iraq WeakeningOctober 31, 2006 As the number of U.S. deaths in Iraq reaches 103 for the month of October, the Los Angeles Times today reports that a growing number of American military officials now believe that the advantage of setting deadlines will push the Iraqi forces to stand up and defend their country. This news comes as violence escalates and U.S. troops face increasing fatalities because Iraqi troops have failed to quell the growing power and influence of sectarian militias. Democrats reject President Bush's failed stay-the-course strategy in Iraq and want a new direction that is both tough and smart.Resistance to Deadlines for Iraq WeakeningMore U.S. officers doubt insurgents would gain, and believe that Baghdad must be pushed.By Julian E. Barnes and Doyle McManusLos Angeles TimesOctober 31, 2006"Growing numbers of American military officers have begun to privately question a key tenet of U.S. strategy in Iraq - that setting a hard deadline for troop reductions would strengthen the insurgency and undermine efforts to create a stable state."The Iraqi government's refusal to take certain measures to reduce sectarian tensions between Sunni Arabs and the nation's Shiite Muslim majority has led these officers to conclude that Iraqis will not make difficult decisions unless they are pushed."Therefore, they say, the advantages of deadlines may outweigh the drawbacks. ..."To read this entire article, please click here.read at source> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/10/today_in_iraq_r.php