Bush Plays Politics With Soldiers

General David Petraeus wanted to keep the troop levels in Iraq at their current level, at least until June of 2009. He understands that our occupation forces are barely maintaining the status quo in Iraq. But as usual, the most important thing for Bush is politics and making the Republicans look better, so today he will announce the withdrawal of 8,000 troops -- by February.

Of course, that's the month after he leaves office, but that's not important. It makes it look like something is being accomplished in Iraq, and lends credence to McCain's lies about a victory in Iraq. But we're not in a war in Iraq anymore. We're in the middle of an occupation, and it's not going very well either.

The truth is that even if 8,000 troops were withdrawn, we'd still have 2,000 more troops in Iraq than before the infamous "surge" (that was supposed to be over months ago). But American soldiers keep dying in Iraq -- at a rate of more than one every day.

Since January, 248 Americans have died in Iraq, and the dying continues. At this rate, over 100 more American soldiers will die before Bush leaves office ( and there's no reason to believe the dying will slow). If McCain is elected, the dying could go on for years while he promises an eventual victory.

There is no victory in an occupation. And we don't have nearly enough troops in the country to stop the killing of civilians or soldiers. Bush and McCain are lying when they say victory is imminent. The only choice we have at current troops levels (which can't be maintained indefinitely, let alone increased), is to withdraw or continue to watch our troops die needlessly.

We must bring all of our troops home, and let the Iraqis settle their own differences. We can't do it for them, and they can't do it as long as we are in the way.

Staying will just insure more deaths -- not victory.