Defense Secretary Mark Esper Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
On Monday, in a moment that does not inspire confidence in the Trump administration’s ability to manage a conflict with Iran, the Department of Defense accidentally sent a draft of a letter to the Iraqi government announcing the withdrawal of troops from the country after almost 17 years. “Sir, in deference to the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq, and as requested by the Iraqi Parliament and the Prime Minister, [the Combined Joint Task Force] will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement,” read the letter, from Brigadier General William H. Seely III, the commanding general of Task Force Iraq, to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
After the Washington Post and Reuters reported on the letter,* Defense Secretary Mark Esper issued a vague and confusing denial of its contents. “We are repositioning forces throughout the region, No. 1,” Esper told reporters in an impromptu press conference. “Beyond that, with regard to the letter, which I’ve read once — I can’t tell you the veracity of that letter, and I can tell you what I’ve read. That letter is inconsistent of where we are right now” […]
*See US-Led Coalition Tells Baghdad it Will “Move Out” of Iraq
The Most Revolutionary Act 
The whole world is in danger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed we are, Trace.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Who’s in charge? Very confusing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m asking the same question, Aunty. It appears to me that no one’s in charge – that the US government is currently in a state of anarchy. That’s very disturbing, given they possess dangerous weapons of mass destruction.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think “state of anarchy” describes it best, hence America has no government, just a bunch of bullies and sycophants doing as they well please – Washington: a classroom with no teacher present. Actually, all of America is in a state of anarchy, as are Britain, Canada, France, Italy and Australia. Countdown to Armageddon? If not that yet, we can see a coming disunity of national cohesiveness throughout most of the so-called democracies, particularly those of the western world who continue to prostitute themselves openly to the not-so-almighty dollar. How long will people, however brainwashed, continue to support belt tightening regimes designed strictly to enrich those already rich beyond measure and which impoverish the majority and destroy a nation’s infrastructure? Even ignorance must have limits? Is a war with Iran Washington’s idea to bring a renewed cohesiveness to a failed America by waving the flag and spouting patriotism?
LikeLike