One of the greatest things I've enjoyed about blogging, was receiving things to review and distribute, such as CENTCOM's
Command Posture for 2006. In the thorough report they describe the situation of the current US Operations around the Globe.
For example, in Iraq:There are now only about 130,000 US troops in Iraq, as opposed to over 150,000 at the max in January, along with 231,000 Iraqi Security Forces in 108 Battalions
Insurgents are only operating in 4 of the 18 major provinces (like our states) and most civilians
DO NOT support the insurgents.
"Over 3,600 schools have been rehabilitated, and over 47,000 school teachers and administrators have been trained. Approximately 240 hospitals and more than 1,200 clinics have reopened. Baghdad's three sewage plants, which serve 80% of the cityÂs population, have been rehabilitated. Thirteen power plants have also been rehabilitated, providing approximately 60% of power generation in Iraq. And Umm Qasar's status as an international port has been restored with up to 80 ship offloads of a wide range of commodities occurring each month."
And as for the goal in Iraq for 2006:"In 2006, we will emphasize building self-reliance in Iraq's security forces and newly-elected government institutions. An essential element of achieving overall success in Iraq will depend on the leadership, vision, and character of Iraq's newly-elected government officials."
They also have reports on other places such as Afghanistan, Africa, Pakistan, and this about Iran:
"The situation with Iran is tense, and the possibility for miscalculation with U.S. forces remains high. CENTCOM forces in the region continue to watch Iran carefully to prevent any destabilizing activities that contribute to internal Iraqi or Afghan frictions, or threaten regional stability. Iran's quest for nuclear weapons capability is particularly troubling. Iran seeks "creeping normalcy" that will permit international acceptance of its nuclear fuel cycle, while buying time for potential covert nuclear activities. We believe that Iran's declared objective of self-sufficient nuclear fuel production is coupled with the ulterior goal of weapons production. Iran's withdrawal from the IAEA's Additional Protocol or the NPT could decrease the timeline necessary to produce a weapon.
A nuclear-armed Iran would dramatically increase instability in the region and could pressure other countries in the CENTCOM AOR to consider acquiring such weapons."
And for all of you reporters out there, you need to pay particular attention to this bit here:
"The enemy intends to use IEDs and suicide bombers to achieve strategic effect, creating casualties
and media impact to promote the perception of insecurity and erode public support for the mission."
This report was done by General John P. Abizaid, of the U.S. Army, and in his conclusion he had this very inspiring paragraph:
"
With our numerous allies in the region, we are implementing a strategy based on partnership and shared interests to defeat al Qaida and associated extremists throughout the region. Victory in this long war will come slowly and subtly, but we are winning. We will prevail, in the same way our country mobilized its vast resources, talented citizens, and global allies to face down the fascist and communist threats of the last century. The patience and support of the American people and the Congress will be critical in bringing about this victory."
I am currently through class 6 of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, and I must say it is the best investment in time I have ever put myself into. I have learned about how debt controls people's lives, the myths of borrowing money, and many other things.
