Can the Bush Administration Run a War? (You Know the Answer)

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Can the Bush administration run a war?

That is, of course, a rhetorical question. But if you needed any additional proof of the obvious answer, The New York Times provides it in a fine example of front-page investigative reporting that shows how a fledgling firm run by a 22-year old and by a licensed masseur has been the American military’s lead supplier of arms–and shoddy and ineffective arms, at that–to the Afghan army. It’s a tale of incompetence and absurdity. Due to the Times‘ probing, the company has been suspended by the military. But the real question is, will anyone in the military lose their job because of this massive foul-up? From Iraq to Walter Reed to this, Bush’s adventures overseas have revealed how screwed up the military can be. That ain’t a surprise. But heads ought to roll. Paging Congressman Waxman.

Update: That didn’t take long. Waxman’s House Oversight Committee has called the company’s top brass, plus officials from State and Defense, to come testify.

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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