ALLEN WEST: Obama’s monumental strategic blunder in Iraq Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/allen-west-out-foxhole/2014/j

[Casino67]

WashingtonTimes:

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA, January 6, 2014 – The new year is the time when we share our hopes for Happy New Year, wishing our friends and family health and prosperity.

It is also the time we share reflections and I would like to share with you not only my best wishes, but also my experience in Iraq and the dangerous course President Obama has taken there.

In January 2003 I was the Commander of the 2d Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System) in the 4th Infantry Division. We had already received our deployment orders and were preparing our equipment and load plans for what would become Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Our mission was to receive equipment in ports of entry in Turkey, move to our respective tactical assembly areas, and then conduct offensive operations into northern Iraq.

As with all plans, the enemy has a vote, but at that time it was a perceived ally casting its vote. Turkey rescinded permission and our ships had to shift, transit through the Suez Canal and then marry up in Kuwait late February - early March 2003.