President George W. Bush, in the recently updated report entitled the "National Strategy for Victory in Iraq," is redefining the policies concerning continued American intervention in Iraq.
This 35-page document outlines Bush's plans for economic, political and military success in the region. According to the Washington Post, this is the first document published defining the steps that American troops need to triumph in Iraq. The report includes reasons that American forces are still needed to build up military force in Iraq and recognizes the continuing challenges that American military troops will have to face, concluding on an optimistic note that victory can be achieved, the Post reported.
Even so, as the death toll continues to rise in Iraq and Bush's ratings are steadily declining, some say they see the report as another rhetorical device instead of a specific plan of action for bringing the American troops back home.
Fourth-year College student Steven Giballa said he feels the administration's handling of the situation in Iraq has been inadequate from the beginning.
"I've never ardently supported the administration's justifications for entering the war at the time they did," Giballa said. "Given the current situation though, the troops can't immediately withdraw."
Second-year College graduate student Namrata Udeshi criticized Bush's recent handling of the war in Iraq.
"I don't feel like he cares anymore," Udeshi said. "His approval rating has gone way down -- it's lower than it's ever been before."
One of the largest issues surrounding the new report concerns the length of time that the troops will have to remain overseas. According to the Associated Press, Bush claims that by 2006, Iraqi forces will have received enough training to be able to allow American troops to step back from more dangerous military positions. Bush, however, has not set a specific timetable for returning the troops back home, leaving the question open as to when American intervention will end.
Second-year College student Chris Henry said he thinks Bush has addressed many challenging issues during his presidency and understands the policies that Bush is adopting to handle the situation in Iraq.
"Despite whether we should or shouldn't be in Iraq, I don't think we should set a timetable for getting the troops out," Henry said. "We need to withdraw eventually, and it's time to stop throwing money down the tube in Iraq. However, Bush has had a lot to deal with in his presidency, and although he hasn't handled all the situations the best he could, I think he's doing a good job considering the issues he's faced."
While Giballa agreed the troops need to finish the work they have undertaken in Iraq, he said Bush needs to be more specific in defining the plan of action he is willing to take.
"I don't think there should be a specified timetable, but there needs to be a definite goal," Giballa said. "I think what bothers me the most is when he says that the troops will be there until they can get the job done. That's way too vague"
Read More
Four lessons from my grammas to help you lead the good life
By Grace Scott | YesterdayFollow these four lessons from my grammas to make your life — at college and beyond — as deeply gratifying as theirs have been.
Top 10 ways to do Halloween right
By Sam Saks | 2 days agoHere are some of the best ways you can honor ghosts, ghouls and goblins alike and enjoy this Halloween.
Third Year Ceremony honors halfway point for Class of 2026
By Mia Tan | 3 days agoBeyond presenting students with their class rings, the Third Year Ceremony brought together students and families in joyous celebration.
