A comment about Iraq having become a haven for terrorist, including al-Qaeda.

"Maybe you have a different definition of "haven" than I do. As in Iwo Jima being a "haven" for Japanese troops."

Let me help.

Iwo Jima, a Japanese held island:

Could not be resupplied with materiel or troops. Finite resources.

Attacked with overwhelming military superiority by a force with unlimited reinforcements. Said force controlled the countryside it occupied. Hard and valiantly fought, but ultimately no contest.

Iraq, a Middle Eastern country. Unlimited resources of dedicated, motivated insurgents equipped with unlimited low-tech materiel. Control the countryside except during short-term, small incursions by occupying power. Which retreats into enclaves.

Attacked by a limited military force which is confined to travelling in convoys and living in forts. Does not control the countryside, does not have the man-power to do so. Has trouble maintaining security in a small enclave in the capital.

Iwo Jima: Captured completely in months.

Iraq: Lost completely in 4 years and counting.

To compare the two is not even fantasy or psychotic. It's a complete, desperate disconnect from intelligent discourse and intellectual honesty.

Arf