Are We a Bunch of Mushrooms?

This National Intelligence Estimate revelation brings to mind growing mushrooms--they (and we) are kept in the dark and fed a bunch of manure. A few real facts would be refreshing regarding Iraq. As it is anything being said about Iraq by this administration is at best a half-truth designed to cover up their incompetence and former propaganda spiels. We have a right to know what is really going on because it is our kids lives and our tax dollars that is being thrown away. Bush makes a big thing about the government spending our money but doesn't seem to mind engaging in same when it comes to his agendas; which amounts to stopping sand down a rat hole.
Is Iraq now an ego game? A delaying of the inevitable? How about a National Intelligence Estimate about the likelihood of the U.S. winning in the Middle East. I can save the government millions of dollars right now by saying we won't win in the Middle East and at best won't lose. The Israelis have been fighting with the Arabs since the late 1920's and it is likely we could be in for a "war" that will last at least as long. Saving Face by staying in Iraq is a no-winning strategy if we try solving the "insurgency" problem by using the half measures we have been using so far. It may be too late now to step up operations that would reduce attacks on U.S. forces and Iraqi civilians. The Iraqis have too much freedom to move about, which allows some to do mischief. Our military might be the best in the world when it comes to engaging in battle but seems to know very little about controlling a population after the battles are over. If we want to win hearts and minds in Iraq give the people some sense of security.