More of the same is not a good idea

SusanG reports today that the Institute for National Strategic Studies (of the National Defense University - the Pentagon's "school") has a new study paper out.

The title is "Choosing War: The Decision to Invade Iraq and Its Aftermath." (pdf) Here is the opening paragraph:

Measured in blood and treasure, the war in Iraq has achieved the status of a major war and a major debacle. As of fall 2007, this conflict has cost the United States over 3,800 dead and over 8,000 wounded. Allied casualties accounted for another 300 dead. Iraqi civilian deaths—mostly at the hands of other Iraqis—may number as high as 82,000. Over 7,500 Iraqi soldiers and police officers have also been killed. Fifteen percent of the Iraqi population has become refugees or displaced persons. The Congressional Research Service estimates that the United States now spends over $10 billion per month on the war, and that the total, direct U.S. costs from March 2003 to July 2007 have exceeded $450 billion, all of which has been covered by deficit spending.1 No one as yet has calculated the costs of long-term veterans’ benefits or the total impact on Service personnel and materiel.

[Emphasis mine]

There is more (see SusanG's article for a few more quotes) and our invasion and occupation do not come off well in the assessment.

For the view of the American people, SusanG turns to a new ABC poll that reports:

POLL: Iraq as a Must-Win Now Rejected by 2-1
Record Number of Americans Say Winning in Iraq Is Not Necessary for Defeating Terrorism

So Pentagon experts aren't sold on what we've done. The People aren't sold on it anymore. That leaves George W. Bush and John W. McBush telling us it's just the swellest thing since sliced bread and let's have more!

We need to repudiate their insanity loud and clear.

--the BB