White House Plans Another Fake End to Iraq War

Won't Comment on Rumors of Bush Participation
by Jason Ditz
Antiwar.com
Aug. 31, 2010

Less than two weeks ago Americans were glued to their TVs for footage of the “last brigade” of US soldiers withdrawing from Iraq. With embedded MSNBC journalists and in-studio officials trumpeting a military victory, an America exultant in having finally “won” the war, it was extremely successful, and that 50,000 US troops are still there and hundreds of Iraqis have died since the announcement was really only a minor hiccup.

It was so successful, in fact, that the Obama Administration has decided to do it again, which is one of the advantages fake endings of wars have over actual endings. Tuesday, when the President addresses the nation, he will again be trumpeting this victory, and with much fanfare.

There are even rumors that former President George W. Bush will take part in the festivities, as something of a founder-of-the-feast, having made all the fake ends to the war possible with his decision to launch the ill conceived conflict in 2003. The White House has so far been mum on whether or not Bush will have any particular role, but has assured that Obama will not say “Mission Accomplished” during his address.

President Obama is said to be planning to focus his speech on claiming credit for the illusory victory, while lauding the other ongoing war in Afghanistan. Vice President Joe Biden is in Baghdad for the commemoration there, as are 50,000 US troops that officials are desperately trying to label something other than “combat” troops.