How to Spin the Iraq War

I have to give credit to President Bush and Company on how well they have branded and marketed this war to the American public. Perhaps, they learned a few lessons from the past few wars that did not sell to well. Nonetheless, 5 years later and 4,000+ deaths due to a War in Iraq we are no where closer to our goal. As I pointed out earlier, the trouble is that there is no clear defintion of "win" so the administration can tout to chase after a goal that is not forseable.

But . . . just because we are in a war that can not be won . . . Bush has to present it as something that can be and will be if we only do the things he recommends. Any other strategy is doomed for failure. Steve Benen does a great job of pointing out how it becomes a catch 22 for the public when Bush states that there is progress and success in Iraq.

Benen notes, "When conditions in Iraq deteriorate, the Bush administration says, “We can’t withdraw U.S. troops now; this is when they’re needed most.” When violence wanes, those same officials say, “We can’t withdraw U.S. troops now; their presence is helping bring some stability to Iraq.” We should stay the course if Iraq improves, and stay the course if Iraq worsens. Either way, we have to stay the course."

I agree! This is a splendid marketing strategy that most have not caught onto. Success is thus not achievable because like I said . . . how can we win something that can not be won? After all . . . if we leave and Iraq goes to hell, Bush wins, and if we stay to quell the unrest before hell breaks . . . Bush wins.