Usually if a nations water and waste systems have been totally destroyed by war Cholera and other serious and deadly health problems will arise. I think the issue of the problem of cholera is not that it may become a threat but that we have been lucky enough in the past that it has not begun until now. The population of Iraq may no longer need to fear the lynchmen and thugs of hussein, but the new fears of simply drinking water buying and eating food and seeking fuel may be far worse.

Our forces are at some risk and we should take all steps needed to protect them from these health issues as they risk their lives and sometimes lose while doing the bidding of the GOP. However, as a nation if we ever want to exit this country with any dignity and prospect for a lasting peace without fomenting future terrorists it is paramount that we address the issues of safe food and water for this population.

We cannot merely mitigate risks for our soldiers and then pretend we have done our duty. Whether we think the invasion and occupation of Iraq is sound policy or not we have a responsibility to ensure that the citizens of that country can at least fetch a drink of water without fear of agonizing death. Its not just about us, we broke it we have to fix it.

Eh, I''ve read reports that 4 million Iraqis are victims of ethnic cleansing and live in virtual hovels -- with no aid from anyone.

THis includes ethnic cleansing on both sides, most recently in Anbar province where the Sunni we back evicted the Shia!

We did that, we broke it, and what the HELL makes you think these idiots in the White House can fix it?

YOu should take the cholera as a warning -- what evil you sew spreads on you.

With all due respect I am calling for American action to help remedy this problem for every living soul in that nation not just our forces.

I harbor no illusions about our current whitehouse to effectively complete many tasks. But becasue we have a poor leader does not mean we abdicate our responsibility for contiuing to insist on doing the right thing. Closing our eyes and simply pulling out will accomplish nothing with regards to what nees to be done.

This is no longer a matter of politics for home, hasn't been for years.

Did any of the windbags ask Petraeus how many families have moved back into his heaven of peace?.

As America cries tears six years after 9/11, they ignore the horror in Iraq. The thousands of innocent people who die each month.. Teachers, Doctors, Judges, Reporters, students, all died under the watch of the occupying army.

What does Petraeus have to say about that?. Did any of the windbags ask him?.

Will Bush mention in his speech all the Iraqi's who have died for his democracy. A death most Americans would not die for. Will Bush talk about the loss of freedom in America and the Patriot Act, which is the" Burka" of America.

All military personnel have been vaccinated against cholera and the military also has equipment that can make water safe. Military personnel do not use water from the villiages unless it has been treated. I don't think the military is at risk of a cholera outbreak.