Trips to Iraq

[Sparky]

I'm having trouble interpreting the message we're sending to the world with Bush and now Rummy visiting Iraq. On one hand it looks like they're there supporting the troops but on the other it might look like high level officials touring the spoils of war. How do you guys see this?

[Rooster]

I think it's the boss is headed to the remote office to kick some ass. (ie, put some stern words from the top down).

[Swifty_Johnson]

I hardly call having dinner with the troops and giving them talks touring the spoils of war.

Now if Bush was seen being given tours of oil fields, that would be a differant matter.

Swifty

[Canidae]

Two things they are probably doing over there.

1) Reminding the troops what they are there for (ie, cut the abuse crap out and get your heads on straight)

2) Moral. The President and Rumsfield shaking hands and telling the men and women that we believe in them and support them. Moral is a huge thing during war time and who better to walk among the troops and lift them up but a President?

[Sparky]

I hardly call having dinner with the troops and giving them talks touring the spoils of war.

Now if Bush was seen being given tours of oil fields, that would be a differant matter.

Swifty

I'm talking about how the countries that already hate us will see it :P Not how we see it.

[Rooster]

Well, the whole world knows about the problem we've just had.

It wouldn't be remiss for the head honchos to come down personally and inspect it.

Now, if happened days after the statue was pulled down and Cheney & Rummy were dancing on it... yeah, that could be misconstrued :p

[Allison]

I think the world will see Rumsfeld's visit as what it is, damage control.