Cablegate: Media Reaction - Iraq

VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #2631 3601742
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 261742Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0605

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002631

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA, PM

STATE FOR INL, INR/R/MR, NEA/IR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC PTER CI IR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - IRAQ

1. On December 23, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (Sat.
circ. 195,626) ran an editorial entitled "The Complex U.S. Scenario
in Iraq." Quote:

2. "Many compare the conflict in Vietnam to the situation in Iraq
today.... The comparison comes from the growing feeling that it is
impossible to win the war in Iraq and that it is necessary to
withdraw.... A more in depth analysis shows that the
comparison...has to do with the view the U.S. elite has of the role
the United States must play in the world. This is an old debate
between 'realists' and 'idealists'.... Today everything seems to
show that just as in Vietnam, in Iraq the realists will be the ones
to finally design the strategy to withdraw. Representing the
realists is the Baker Commission, which has called for a military
withdrawal in 2008 and has proposed to begin contacts with (Iraq's)
neighbors to stabilize Iraq through diplomacy. The White House
would do well in remembering the lessons of 'departing with honor'
that realists Nixon and Kissinger designed for the U.S. in Vietnam,
so that it does not make the same mistakes."
KELLY

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