Cheney Warns Iraq Terrorists Trying to Sway U.S. Election
WASHINGTON — Terrorist groups in Iraq are stepping up their efforts to spark more deadly sectarian violence as a way of influencing how Americans will vote on Nov. 7, Vice President Dick Cheney alleged Monday in a FOX News interview in which he warned Americans not to fall for suggestions the War on Terror is losing ground in Iraq.
“Whether it’s Al Qaeda or the other elements that are active in Iraq, they are betting on the proposition they can break the will of the American people. They think we won’t have the stomach for the fight long-term,” Cheney told FOX News’ Neil Cavuto.
Cheney added that terrorists are “very, very cognizant of our schedule if you will,” though “they specifically can’t beat us in a stand-up fight. They never have.”
Cheney said the terrorists, who are sophisticated in their use of the Internet and know how to manipulate public opinion, are trying to win the War on Terror by demoralizing the U.S. public.
“They know that the way they win is if they can, in fact, force America to withdraw on the basis that we aren’t going to stay and finish the job, their basic proposition that they can break the will of the American people. That’s what they believe. And that’s what they’re trying to do,” he said.
Do you think Vice President is right that the terrorist groups are increasing violence to effect our mid term election? Do you think the fear card on terrorism will help the GOP in the mid-term elections?
October 31st, 2006 at 7:26 am
Cheney is right. Have we been attacked? They know if Dems are in charge they win.
October 31st, 2006 at 10:55 am
The situation in Iraq was headed in this direction anyway. The real question is whether it will decrease AFTER our elections.
Don’t you think the terrorists also know that we had about 2,100 people die on 911 and Iraq has had between 44,800 - 49,000 deaths. BUSH wasn’t satisfied just going into Afghanistan. He had to go into Iraq.
“Stupid is as stupid does.”
October 31st, 2006 at 11:54 am
The only people who believe this nonsense are people who need to regularly wear depends.
October 31st, 2006 at 12:00 pm
Okay, according to Cheney Osama attacked while Bush was in office because he knew Bush was a clown and would let him escape at Tora Bora.
October 31st, 2006 at 12:10 pm
caroline
Did we gat attacked after 9/11?
October 31st, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Hey, 9/11 happened on Bush’s watch. According to you, Osama knew to wait until we had a clown like Bush in office.
October 31st, 2006 at 12:29 pm
caroline
Did you forget the question?
October 31st, 2006 at 12:38 pm
You are talking about attacks that have happened and so am I. If we are attacked tommorrow, will you advocate Bush’s removal from office?
October 31st, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Ps. You aren’t using logic.
October 31st, 2006 at 4:17 pm
Maybe Cheney is right. We should actually time our debate to coincide with the electoral process. Better yet wait until the White house gives the go-ahead for open discussion.
October 31st, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Death spike durring Ramadan
USA TODAY
For the past several years in Iraq, violence has spiked during Ramadan, making it difficult for many people to go out as freely as they would like. This year, however, has been even worse. The religion-based nature of much of the violence, new curfews and random militia checkpoints have most people staying home behind locked doors, according to many people in Baghdad.
“Our major concern is the death squads and the dead bodies found daily tortured and executed,” said Jehan Hashim, 60, a homemaker. “Even last year’s Ramadan was better. We would go out by car, and there were no death-squad checkpoints.”
The U.S. military warned that violence would spike. “Historical trends tell us that the attacks will generally increase by 20%” during Ramadan, Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, the top military spokesman in Iraq, said last week. “We assume it will still get worse before it gets better.”
The sectarian nature of the violence has brought danger closer to home. Violence between Sunni and Shiite Muslims escalated after a Shiite shrine in Samarra was bombed in February.
October 31st, 2006 at 4:27 pm
BTW it is now Ramandan.
October 31st, 2006 at 4:33 pm
Bob
Your brutal adherance to logic and reason are just irrepressable. You guys will do great at the back of the Republican bus.
October 31st, 2006 at 6:17 pm
Bill
Why do you think violence is up durring Ramandan?
October 31st, 2006 at 6:40 pm
Not sure but first impressions generally don’t work in the middle east.