FIVE YEARS IN IRAQ

Since coverage of the war has shrunk to almost nothing, the five year anniversary might be a good time to read:

Soldiers' own accounts of what war is like.

A history of the spin surrounding each year.

About the question of when the administration actually made the decision to invade.

A record of civilian deaths.

Senator Byrd's impassioned plea to resist war:
"I have watched the events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned. Instead of reasoning with those with whom we disagree, we demand obedience or threaten recrimination. Instead of isolating Saddam Hussein, we seem to have isolated ourselves. ...There is a pervasive sense of rush and risk and too many questions unanswered. How long will we be in Iraq? What will be the cost? What is the ultimate mission? How great is the danger at home? A pall has fallen over the Senate Chamber. We avoid our solemn duty to debate the one topic on the minds of all Americans, even while scores of thousands of our sons and daughters faithfully do their duty in Iraq. ...What is happening to this country? When did we become a nation which ignores and berates our friends? When did we decide to risk undermining international order by adopting a radical and doctrinaire approach to using our awesome military might? How can we abandon diplomatic efforts when the turmoil in the world cries out for diplomacy? Why can this President not seem to see that America's true power lies not in its will to intimidate, but in its ability to inspire?"

Senator McCain's response to Senator Byrd:
"when the people of Iraq are liberated, we will again have written another chapter in the glorious history of the United States of America, ...the people of Iraq, for the first time, will be able to realize [their] inalienable rights. I am proud of the United States of America. I am proud of the leadership of the President of the United States. ...we will find there are still massive amounts of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq."