This is a good statement, I suppose. But why in the world should it even need to be said? Bush: U.S. troops may protect selves from Iranians.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush said on Friday U.S. forces in Iraq have authority to protect themselves against Iranians attempting to launch attacks inside Iraq.

“It makes sense that if somebody is trying to harm our troops or stop us from achieving our goals or killing innocent citizens in Iraq, that we will stop them,” Bush said. “It’s an obligation we all have to protect our folks and achieve our goals.”

I seem to vaguely remember a time when America had confidence. And guts. And soldiers fighting a war didn’t need to be given “permission” to defend themselves from enemies trying to kill them.