VFA News Analysis: June 24, 2008

Benchmarks cited for Iraqi progress by the Bush administration have often been either simply wrong or far more mixed than officials let on, according to a report released by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress. The report issued Monday found that the American plan for Iraq lacks a strategic framework, is out of touch with realities on the ground and contains serious flaws throughout. The report can be found here. Another report issued Monday, highlighting the need for better oversight and emergency response in Iraq, can be found here.

With the surge in Iraq ending, the country is still not ready to stand on its own.

Guardsmen and reservists who face financial crisis while serving in war zones will now find it easier to file for bankruptcy protection, under legislation approved by the House of Representatives. The legislation must be considered by Senate.

One battalion. One week. Seven deaths.

The war continues, as do the deployments – this time, about 1,200 members of Hawaii’s National Guard.

Stop-loss redeploys a disabled soldier to Iraq.

Not seeing much about Iraq on the evening news? That’s because so far this year, the three network newscasts have devoted a total of 181 minutes to the topic — compared with 1,157 for last year.

Dealing with the trauma – hire more mental health professionals.

The G.I. Bill passes the House — nears closer to final passage. The amazing legacy of the G.I. Bill is well known.

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