The biting criticism from retired Lt.-Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, while not unheard of from Pentagon brass, adds to a growing debate about the war during the lead up to the presidential election next year.

Sanchez, who commanded coalition troops for a year starting in June 2003, blamed political and military shortcomings in Iraq for helping open the way for the insurgency, including the disbanding of the Saddam-era military and failure to cement ties with tribal leaders.

Current tactics, such as the deployment of 30,000 extra troops earlier in the year, are a “desperate attempt” to make up for years of misguided policies, he said.

“There is no question that America is living a nightmare with no end in sight,” Sanchez told reporters.

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/10/13/iraq.html?ref=rss