OBAMA: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?

Wednesday, speaking to Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, President Obama said that al Qaeda has been “decimated” … making a distinction between terrorist network leaders and affiliated in the Middle East and part of Africa.

The President said, “Because of you, Osama bin Laden is no more. Because of you, al Qaeda’s top ranks have been hammered. The core of al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan are on the way to defeat”.

I’m glad to hear President Obama praise the Marines, and I would like to think we are winning the war on terror … but is this close to the statement that got President Bush slammed?

Remember May 1, 2003, when Bush arrived on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln; the carrier had just arrived from combat operations in the Persian Gulf. A big sign hanging behind President Bush read: Mission Accomplished.

Critics attacked Bush as being premature in declaring an end to the Iraq War.

The Pentagon said the sign was really concerning the crew of the Lincoln, but Liberals mocked the sign and its statement.

Later in a speech, President Bush said: “We have difficult work to do in Iraq. We are bringing order to parts of that country that remain dangerous. — Our mission continues…The War on Terror continues, yet it is not endless. We do not know the day of final victory, but we have seen the turning of the tide. — In the Battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.”

So, put President Obama’s remarks in context with the recent scare that closed more than 20 embassies and consulates … some for a week.

Just today, the State Department evacuated most of its diplomats from Lahore, Pakistan in response to a terrorist threat against the U.S. consulate. One senior officer said: “We have picked up what we regard as a threat worthy of taking this action.”
The State Department also issued a travel warning … for any U.S. citizens planning to go to Pakistan.

On the plus side … drone strikes are intensifying against militants in Yemen.
At least 8 strikes have been reported in the last two weeks … killing almost 3 dozen.
Yesterday, three separate strikes were reported Thursday; eight were killed and reportedly 4 had links with al Qaeda.
Unfortunately, some of the dead might have truly been innocent, but terrorists often surround themselves with the innocent so the U.S. can be charged with “collateral damage”.