I wrote here on Friday about deceptive arguments regarding the US troop surge. Partisans jumped on the words of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) that the surge was working. What followed were his supposed qualifications that there had been no political accommodation among various Iraqi factions. Today, the Associated Press reports (via Salon.com) that Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte expressed similar statements that, absent accommodative agreements, Iraq risks "falling back to the more violent patterns of the past."
"It's one thing to have brought the violence under some semblance of control, but it's another to follow up," he said.
These statements, obvious though they may be, address critical issues that need to be resolved. Just as importantly, they reflect the concerns of anyone who seeks the best possible outcome for Iraqis and the American troops engaged in conflict there.
Reasoned and honest debate is required not just with respect to Iraq, but any other policies that affect Americans. Why should we play the partisan game when the only "winners" are the political and financial elites who--to extend the metaphor--own and operate the casinos?
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