I don't know if luring al Qaeda to Iraq was intentional, but I believe that, were it so, it would not be talked about in public. It's not the kind of thing you want leaked out. I think, however, that the conditions in Iraq were better suited to defeating them than the conditions in Afghanistan. Of course, if we made it known we wanted them there, they probably would have declined the invitation.
President Bush said there would be actions taken that will remain secret, even in victory. This may be one of them. I believe in covert planning, and I don't believe that, in war or poker, you put all your cards on the table 'til the hand is over.
I am convinced that even the President is not aware of all the things the military leaders cook up. I believe, for instance, that the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Kosovo in 1999 was intentional, because I believe valuable parts or documents from a stealth bomber that had been downed some weeks earlier had made their way to the Embassy. I believe that, even if I'm correct, you'll probably never hear it admitted. I believe such actions are carried out, even though they put the careers of those behind them in danger, because there are military men who value national security above job security.
I also believe this President puts national security above job approval. His intent is to win the war on terror, although he will not reveal all the tactics involved, even though it drag his popularity and his influence down the drain.
I'm not saying he is always right in his decisions, quite the contrary. I do think, however, that he is sincere about them.
V/R
Shapley
