The World According to Maliki, Der Spiegel, Bush, Obama, McCain
What a day.
It started with an article in a top-flight German publication about Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki agreeing with Barack Obama on a 16-month U.S. troop withdrawal timetable.
Then came a Reuters story taking careful note of the story appearing in Der Spiegel.
Then came an accidental blast e-mail from the Bush White House sending the Reuters piece on Maliki-Obama to all reporters on the main White House distribution list.
Then the White House said it shouldn’t have sent the Reuters story around, but acknowledging it could do nothing to undo the damage — or so we all thought.
Then came the Obama reaction to Maliki.
Then came John McCain’s reaction to Obama reacting to Maliki.
Then came an EXPLANATION from Maliki’s spokesman about what the prime minister actually meant.
What The Bourbon Room tries to do is let its readers view as much of the campaign back-and-forth as possible to judge for yourself who has the upper hand and which argument you find most persuasive. Today, this is a rich, rich field because you can see this massive tug-of-war over semantics (as if Friday’s linguistic spelunking through “timetables” and “time horizons” wasn’t enough) over what Maliki said about Obama’s timeline, what the two U.S. presidential campaigns thought he said, and, finally, what Maliki’s spokesman tried to say Maliki said.
It’s a treasure trove of political communication, reaction, counter-reaction and clarification. Trapped in the crossfire was the poor White House staffer who meant to send the Reuters story about Maliki and Obama to senior staff but instead sent it the real world (or at least to reporters who say they inhabit the real world).
Enjoy!!!
HERE IS THE DER SPIEGEL STORY:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,566841,00.html
Der Speigel: Iraq Leader Maliki Supports Obama’s Withdrawal Plans
In an interview with SPIEGEL, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Barack Obama “is right when he talks about 16 months.” It is time, he said, for an official timetable.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki supports US presidential candidate Barack Obama’s plan to withdraw US troops from Iraq within 16 months. When asked in and interview with SPIEGEL when he thinks US troops should leave Iraq, Maliki responded “as soon as possible, as far as we are concerned.” He then continued: “US presidential candidate Barack Obama is right when he talks about 16 months.”
Maliki was careful to back away from outright support for Obama. “Of course, this is by no means an election endorsement. Who they choose as their president is the Americans’ business,” he said. But then, apparently referring to Republican candidate John McCain’s more open-ended Iraq policy, Maliki said: “Those who operate on the premise of short time periods in Iraq today are being more realistic. Artificially prolonging the tenure of US troops in Iraq would cause problems.”
Iraq, Maliki went on to say, “would like to see the establishment of a long-term strategic treaty with the United States, which would govern the basic aspects of our economic and cultural relations.” He also emphasized though that the security agreement between the two countries should only “remain in effect in the short term.”
The comments by the Iraqi leader come as Obama embarks on a trip to both Afghanistan and Iraq as well as to Europe. Obama was in Afghanistan on Saturday to, as he said prior to his trip, “see what the situation on the ground is . and thank our troops for the heroic work that they’ve been doing.” The exact itinerary of the candidate’s trip has not been made public out of security concerns, but it is widely expected that he will arrive in Iraq on Sunday to meet with Maliki.
Maliki has long shown impatience with the open-ended presence of US troops in Iraq. In his conversation with SPIEGEL, he was once again candid about his frustration over the Bush administration’s hesitancy about agreeing to a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops. But he did say he was optimistic that such a schedule would be drawn up before Bush leaves the White House next January — a confidence that appeared justified following Friday’s joint announcement in Baghdad and Washington that Bush has now, for the first time, spoken of “a general time horizon” for moving US troops out of Iraq.
“So far the Americans have had trouble agreeing to a concrete timetable for withdrawal, because they feel it would appear tantamount to an admission of defeat,” Maliki told SPIEGEL. “But that isn’t the case at all. If we come to an agreement, it is not evidence of a defeat, but of a victory, of a severe blow we have inflicted on al-Qaida and the militias.”
He also bemoaned the fact that Baghdad has little control over the US troops in Iraq. “It is a fundamental problem for us that it should not be possible, in my country, to prosecute offences or crimes committed by US soldiers against our population,” Maliki said.
cgh/SPIEGEL
HERE IS THE REUTERS STORY:
Iraqi PM backs Obama troop exit plan - magazine
BERLIN, July 19 (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told a German magazine he supported prospective U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s proposal that U.S. troops should leave Iraq within 16 months.
In an interview with Der Spiegel released on Saturday, Maliki said he wanted U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq as soon as possible.
“U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes.”
It is the first time he has backed the withdrawal timetable put forward by Obama, who is visiting Afghanistan and us set to go to Iraq as part of a tour of Europe and the Middle East.
Obama has called for a shift away from a “single-minded” focus on Iraq and wants to pull out troops within 16 months, instead adding U.S. soldiers to Afghanistan.
Asked if he supported Obama’s ideas more than those of John McCain, Republican presidential hopeful, Maliki said he did not want to recommend who people should vote for.
“Whoever is thinking about the shorter term is closer to reality. Artificially extending the stay of U.S. troops would cause problems.”
Maliki, who is due to visit Germany this week, has suggested a timetable should be set for a U.S. withdrawal but U.S. officials have been more cautious, despite an improving security situation.
The White House said on Friday President George W. Bush and Maliki had agreed that a security deal under negotiation should set a “time horizon” for meeting “aspirational goals” for reducing U.S. forces in Iraq.
“The Americans have found it difficult to agree on a concrete timetable for the exit because it seems like an admission of defeat to them. But it isn’t,” Maliki told Der Spiegel.
Some five years after the U.S.-led invasion, there are still some 146,000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq.
(Reporting by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Jon Boyle)
HERE IS THE WHITE HOUSE REACTION TO THE DER SPIEGEL PIECE:
WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN SCOTT STANZEL ON THE DER SPEIGEL STORY ABOUT IRAQI PM MALIKI SUPPORTING OBAMA’S IRAQ WITHDRAWAL PLANS:
“Our government has been in touch with the Prime Minister Maliki’s office. In the interview, the Prime Minister made clear that any decision will be based on continuing positive developments - as he and the president both did in their joint statement yesterday. It is our shared view that should the recent security gains continue, we will be able to meet our joint aspirational time horizons. It is because of the President’s bold surge strategy that we’ve been able to achieve the gains we’re seeing today - be it security, economic or political progress (evidenced today by the Sunni block coming back into the government).”
Stanzel went on to say that yesterday’s statement on President Bush’s Thursday conversation with Maliki is the best indicator of where the administration is with discussions about jointly making continued progress in Iraq.
HERE IS THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN’S RESPONSE TO DER SPIEGEL:
Obama Campaign Senior National Security Advisor, Dr. Susan Rice, in response to Prime Minister Maliki’s support for Senator Obama’s Iraq plan.
“Senator Obama welcomes Prime Minister Maliki’s support for a 16 month timeline for the redeployment of U.S combat brigades. This presents an important opportunity to transition to Iraqi responsibility, while restoring our military and increasing our commitment to finish the fight in Afghanistan.”
HERE IS THE McCAIN CAMPAIGN REACTION FROM SENIOR FOREIGN POLICY ADVISER RANDY SCHEUNEMANN:
“The difference between John McCain and Barack Obama is that Barack Obama advocates an unconditional withdrawal that ignores the facts on the ground and the advice of our top military commanders. John McCain believes withdrawal must be based on conditions on the ground. Prime Minister Maliki has repeatedly affirmed the same view, and did so again today. Timing is not as important as whether we leave with victory and honor, which is of no apparent concern to Barack Obama. The fundamental truth remains that Senator McCain was right about the surge and Senator Obama was wrong. We would not be in the position to discuss a responsible withdrawal today if Senator Obama’s views had prevailed.”
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, HERE IS THE OFFICIAL CLARIFYING STATEMENT FROM MALIKI’S SPOKESMAN ABOUT THE PRIME MINISTER MEANT TO TELL DER SPIEGEL:
Mr. Maliki’s statements to the German magazine Der Spiegel
have been misunderstood
The official spokesman for the Iraqi government, Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh,
announced that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki confirmed that his
statements to the German magazine Der Spiegel have been misunderstood
and mistranslated and was not conveyed accurately regarding the vision
of Senator Barack Obama, U.S. presidential candidate, on the timeframe
for U.S. forces withdrawal from Iraq.
Al-Dabbagh explained that Mr. al-Maliki confirmed the existence of an
Iraqi vision stems from the reality with regard to Iraq security needs,
as the positive developments of the security situation and the
improvement witnessed in Iraqi cities makes the subject of U.S. forces’
withdrawal within prospects, horizons and timetables agreed upon and in
the light of the continuing positive developments on the ground, and
security that came within the Strategic Plan for Cooperation which was
laid and developed by Mr. Maliki and President George Bush. The Iraqi
government appreciates and values the efforts of all the friends who
continue to support and supporting Iraqi security forces.
Al-Dabbagh underscored that the statements made by the head of the
ministerial council (Prime Minister al-Maliki) or any of the members of
the Iraqi government should not be understood as support to any U.S.
presidential candidates.
End of the statement
Now, dear readers, let me know if you’re all briefed up and see things clearly.
What a joke. Why can’t we have an election where the focus is really on the issues without false promises, exaggerations, and these “B” rated campaigns every 4 years. We really do need to start over and throw all the current bums out.
Great work Major,
It will be interesting to see if Obama’s camp sticks with the first reopts on Maliki’s statement or the clarification.
I sure wish you weren’t so in the bag for obama. Not in these articles, you are just reporting. However, most of the time, since you have been following the Obama camp around for so many months, it seems you are “delighted” with Obama’s every move….I just hope you aren’t feeling any “tingle up your leg” when you see him. ala chris mathews.
thank god that’s cleared up! so Maliki is agreeing if all goes well there would be withdrawal, (eventually?)not the Obama message that Obama is right and he would following Obama’s 16 months, right? I hope this makes from page, that this was lost in translation and don’t let Obama run with it! Onething we don’t want is this Obama character going to other lands and making policy like a President. Most of us don’t give a damn what the socialists think of us! America doesn’t need approval for anything we do.
I am all briefed up and see things clearly as mud. No wonder we are still in Iraq years after “Mission Accomplished”! Good luck to McCain and his 1001 Arabian Nights in Baghdad.
Rove, you magnificent bastard.
Okay, isn’t it reasonable to believe the initial report from the interview given by the Iraqi Prime Minister, than what any surrogates attempt to spin after accidental emails are sent, and calls are made. Isn’t this the 2nd time the President of the United States has directly intervened in the Presidential Election Process via influencing international opinions and actions, the first being where Obama was originally to speak in Germany, and now having the Iraqi Prime Minister backtrack on his remarks. Is there really a desire to win the election at all cost, at the expense of restoring glory and honor back to the United States, which has been diminished and tarnished because of the lies from the current Administration. There really is something interesting going on, and I do appreciate your putting the facts out there to let the people judge for themselves. Those who are capable of forming an opinion until they have read or heard the facts. This election has been more like people running for a popularity contest rather than who has the best ideas and plans for moving our country forward, not static, not mired, and not foolish.
I always post comments, and never see them again. So do with this what you will.
Malikis’ support only confirms the argument that the arab nations (muslims) support obama; iam concerned he endorsed obama but am enlightened of malikis’ intent for this Great Nation “AMERICA”!
Malikis’ endorsment for obama is concerning and so is the support obama has in the arab (muslim) nations; what is malikis and obamas real intent for this Great Nation ” AMERICA”!?
why isnt my comments posted?
Here’s my question: What was it that Prime Minister al-Maliki SPECIFICALLY said that was somehow misconstrued/mistranslated? What is the CORRECT translation?
Also, who did the translating? Did Mr. al-Maliki bring his own translator (if not, why not?), and who looked at the translations before they were published?
maliki said it right the first time, but was pressured by the wh to retract his statement somewhat, i do believe. he knew exactly what he was saying. seems like obama was right all the while.
Major
ask obama the tough questions, no kid gloves.
Well, the Horse have bolted already, why is Maliki trying to belatedly shut the door. He endorses Obamas’ position. It is understood he will not like to be seen as supporting a particular candidate, but at the same time, should he allow himself to be pressured by the Bush Administration to backtrack form his position and the position of the ordinary Iraqis, that would be cowardly.
WHAT THE !@#$%^&* WERE THEY THINKING?!
HOLY SHAMOLEY ; THESE GUYS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE OUR LEADERS ? MAN, ARE
WE IN TROUBLE!!!!
Clearly, Maliki supports a 16 month withdrawal, but got shooed back into his shell by Bush.
So many American people have their heads in the sand.
Don’t they realize that Hitler was Germany’s “Man of Change”? He ran on the same platform …. he was going to bring about great changes to benefit everyone. Well, he certainly did! The citizens rallied to support him - cheered him on as they watched in idolization. Sounding familiar? And after all the “changes”, we know what happened next.
With Barack we will be asking for bigger government, bigger taxes to support all the “giveaway” programs he is proposing, less money in everyone’s pockets, and the loss of even more small businesses. You think big business runs everything now? Just wait!
The government already wants to tell us what light bulbs to buy, how our food should be grown (and who can grow it), what we can and can’t wear, what can legally be put into our childrens’ vaccinations, etc. Pretty soon we’ll be told we can only have so many children (like China already does). Where does it all end?
I have thought and have seen the paralleism between the Hitler campaign and the Obama campaign. It’s scary but true.
The people of Germany idolized Hitler and fell at his feet, much like Americans are doing to Obama.
Hitler had a hidden agenda as I believe Obama has as well. There are way to many “unknowns” about Obama. I don’t think America really likes this guy that much, they just want change and since McCain is a republican, America automatically tunes him out because of Bush.
McCain is very different from Bush and will be the best candidate to lead America. I pray America will come to her senses and vote Obama out…..if not, America will enter very dark days as did Germany under Hitler.
Yes Major
That run down helps a lot…..Thanks
Major,
I have been a fan of yours for years. You have the un-deniable ability to take the most dis-combobulated political issue and tranlate it into a clear message…and if I can get it…thank you…cristina
Don’t trust without verifying first!!! It seems like we have to wait about 48 hours for the real picture/story to emerge.
The Iraqis like Obama because of his MUSLIM ROOTS:
The New York Times By SABRINA TAVERNISE and RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr.
Published: July 17, 2008
In Iraq, Mixed Feelings About Obama and His Troop Proposal
Nassir al-Hiti, an Iraqi general, said Iraqis “would be very happy” to see Barack Obama elected president, but called Mr. Obama’s withdrawal plan “very difficult.”
Saad Sultan, an official in an Iraqi government ministry, contended that Mr. Obama could give a fresh start to relations between the Arab world and the United States.
Mr. Obama has never practiced Islam; his father, whom he barely knew, was born Muslim, but became a nonbeliever.
Mr. Sultan, however, like many Iraqis, feels instinctively close to the senator because he heard that he had Muslim roots.
“Every time I see Obama I say: ‘He’s close to us. Maybe he’ll see us in a different way,’ ” Mr. Sultan said. “I find Obama very close to my heart
[...] pretty good account of this episode can be found on THIS Fox News blog, of all [...]
Barrack Hussein Obama’s feeds off the success of George Bush’s surge strategy. The same strategy he opposed last year, he and the other impotent democrats chose to withdraw instead of staying the course in Iraq. It worked, stability has arrived, the dems are so apethetic they still want Iraq to fail. They strive for failure. Obama is a failure, cut and dry!
Actually,I doubt anyone, From Bush to God and back really know what the others say, think or mean.
Actually, I don’t think anyone from Mr Bush to God and back really know and understand what all concerned say or mean..Just Rhetoric all around as if the Beltway streched all around the world.
AGAIN, Obama and Susan Rice see what they want to see and not what is actually there.
This is frightening. With less than 4 months until the election, Obama in ONE week hopes to gain foreign policy/national security experience and to try to show some semblance of being a commander. This story typifies what will happen when this green kid screws things up. We are told Obama has 300 foreign policy advisers. Since no two of these advisers can agree on anything, Obama flip flops AND we have the major screwup as narrated in this story. Pray for America.
Major,
What bothers me is that they Obama campaign can do anything it wants and the media just thinks it’s great. When the McCain campaign went to Middle East and Colombia, it was not covered by the major media and if it was, there was the commentary that followed the report that it was poor taste for candidates to go campaign out side of the country. Now Obama does it and it is spun as inspirational, wise, and thoughtful.
Yes. it’s perfectly clear to me. Maliki talks out of both sides of his mouth just as Obama does due to the fact that neither have much experience in the “think before you speak” category.
They make a perfect couple.
Does this site even accept comments?
Well, they lost me when they started talking about “Long Term” strategies which are effective “Only in the short term”. What the heck is THAT all about????
Thank you for explaining this to me. It did not make any sense before your timeline. I am glad you are along on the trip so we can find out what really is happening. The love fest reporting leaves out too many facts.
Like the old joke about the three diamond merchants who made a good living selling the same diamond to each other, (each time at a profit,) if the parties involved continue to re-edit the same three paragraphs long enough, they will be on the same page.
Well I’m glad all the lies are straightened out and now we know who to believe.
JOHN McCANN 08
Oh Boy, yes indeed , What a Day! Talk, talk, talk, and talk………, those guys might have already suffered from the pain of the blister bursting around their tongues!
The bottom line here is that Obama and his group are merely trying to make any effort letting his blindly worshipers to believe, that HE is the only capable person who can ends the war. Of course, he also intends to avoid the “CUT and RUN” impression from the people, even though it could be that way in the reality.
To Maliki, he has got nothing to lose, he can get most the doughs he needs from this country regardless. He also likes young brotherly Obama naturally, he would “agree ” and “promise” things Obama brings out to boost the popularity, even those stuff just a kind of diplomatic “blank check’”, yet it’s good enough to fool Obama’s supporters and other narrow-minded and short-sighted voters.
Obama, the candidate who is completely lack of any advanced administrative experience, has been so lucky staying in the race as a front runner. His talents of “act” and “speech” surely helps him covers-up his weakest point of EXPERIENCESLESS!
I do believe that every voter in this country needs to look at this guy one more time, and consider him twice before the general election day!
God bless America!
Chrene
Yup, all briefed up. Obama called this one right.
What is MISSING in the analysis is WHAT COMMUNICATIONS OCCURED BETWEEN THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND THE MALIKI GOV. after the story was circulated. That was obviously the non-accidental purpose of the “accidental” email circulated by Whitehouse staff — to call for an urgent communications to Maliki regarding his reported comments.
But we don’t have the contents of that communications. We can only assume it was a request
that he issue a “clarification” with a thinly veiled treat of consequences if he did not.
Obama doesn’t keep his word. He was going to debate McCain but now he won’t. What’s up with this guy whose pictures always show him looking up towards heaven? The media hangs on to every word he says and never questions him on his answers. Why don’t the media do their job?
If you think life is about how cool you are,
how much money you have
how many rich friends you have
how sexy you are
vote for Obama.
Hi, Folks, this short message is for you! Yes, for all of you guys who have been so narrow-minded, short-sighted and blindly with your mental-head in the sand, act as the die-hard worshipers for Obama’s CHANGE and JUDGEMENT mindlessly day and night already…….
Now, just calm down for a mementent, read these two comments by the German Man on this page, and you will admit that he provides a clear, objective and sincere wake-up call to all of us!
Thanks a 1000×1000, German Man, we owe you a big one!
Chrene
“surely helps him covers-up his weakest point of EXPERIENCESLESS!”
Oh, you MUST be a Bush supporter.
We should all be pretty upset about the fact that the two most stand-up, honest and transparent candidates got into the general election and all of a sudden started acting like politicians. Is this REALLY what we have to hear to elect someone? A bunch of pandering and posturing? Apperently so.
Wow. These are very, very high-level meetings that are obviously well-planned. I am impressed. I wonder if any portion of these talks will be open to the media? In a way, I hope not because the MSM will find the negative angle (or make one up) and run endless tape about it.
This trip is unprecedented, isn’t it? McCain should learn that he should be careful about what he asks for. He dared Obama to take a trip abroad, and look at the world event that it’s turned into. I bet McCain is kicking himself now.
Hmmmm, interesting that so many world leaders are willing to meet with Senator Obama . . . it’s almost like they think he’s the next President of the United States or something . . .
(I kinda got that feeling too!)
P.S. Maybe Senator McCain should have gone with Senator Obama on this trip - then he could stop whining about not getting enough coverage!
Not getting enough coverage is the best thing that ever happened to him - considering all the nonsensical things he says!
Wonder why we don’t hear about him balancing the budget in his first term anymore . . . hmmmmmm . . .
so why isn’t Karl Rove in prison???????
“Al-Dabbagh underscored that the statements made by the head of the
ministerial council (Prime Minister al-Maliki) or any of the members of
the Iraqi government should not be understood as support to any U.S.
presidential candidates.”
The clarification: I don’t take back anything Maliki said, just don’t take it as an endorsement of a candidate (just the main premise of their position on this one issue…
I think it would be better to to take time in reading through others’s hitherto given comments before I can make my own which I did.”So many heads,so many minds”,I believe.I noticed the overwhelming majority of whom are of the common point that the Obama’s withdrawal plan,not only is it materially impossible to complete within a 16-month period of time in terms of logistics but ,it has proved to be initially wrong and, more importantly,currenlly wrong as new developments take place despite the fact that it was initially backed by the Iraq P.M. Malaki who later on, backtracted and repulsed the idea due to his claim of misunderstanding or or mistranslation or perhaps due to his second-thought reversal.
So I couldn’t help concluding that the guy doesn’t have the gut to admid his error,scramble to spin,blur the facts and manage to cover his poor judgement lest to be judged as unfit to be commander-in-chief.
If somehow such a commander-in-chief can be elected as President,we should be prepared to accept dangerous decisions when it comes to national security.
Response to the Comment by Michael, July 20, 2008
Hi Michael, at the present time, I don’t really support any one.
During past few months, I just focus myself on the basic principle which is; who will be the better one to fill in for that position, the highest and the toughest one in the nation? I try not to let any other factors interfering my observations, but I am just unable to find enough needed experiences from Obama’s credibility to be a head of this greatest nation under the sun!
An old friend of mine even kidding on me by saying ” have you heard about the less evil” theory?
Chrene
Absolutely I see clearly. Obama is spinning Maliki’s words to his own benefit. Maliki has said before that he wants America out of Iraq as soon as possible. Now that the surge that Obama did NOT support is working that time will be sooner instead of later. So Obama needs to take credit for having the “right” plan for withdrawal within 16 months. Give me a break. McCain was the one who was right about Iraq all along. McCain supported the surge. Once you make a mess, which the war was, you need to see it fixed not abandoned. It’s not a matter of winning. It’s a matter of responsiblity. Maybe Obama just doesn’t see that. Let me explain it a little clearer for some Obama supporters. Once you make a baby you should support it and help it towards the best future it can acheive.
The Rev, Jim Jones said to his 908 followers, drink this Kool Aide and I will lead you to a better place. And they followed him to their deaths.
Barack Obama, the Presidential Democratic presumed nominee, says to his followers, we need change and I am the leader that will accomplish that. Don’t question, just follow. And they did in the Primaries.
Why Europe and why now?
This trip is both a distraction and a delaying tactic. He needs to visit Iraq and Afganistan because he has been spouting solutions without concrete knowledge of the facts and situation and is only going because this was successfully brought to the fore of the campaign by John McCain.
He’s going to Europe to give rousing speeches, without even being his party’s nominee, to populations that cannot vote for him anyway, but he expects to parlay large and enthusiastic rallys in Europe into a rousing and enthusiastic Colorado nomination to the point that he will give his acceptance speech not in the convention to the Delegates that will nominate him but at a football stadium. He is already planning to discard the Delegates as having served their purpose. We have not seen this level of orchestrated narcissism since Hitler. He is hoping that once again, blind enthusiasm will carry him through the campaign all the way to November, as it did in the Primaries. Hillary Clinton’s sobering questions did not stall his campaign until it was too late - he already had the delegate counts he needed.
Winston Churchill said “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.
mine don’t get posted either
you people ar e funny, Hitler, Brotherly, looking to the heavens, you got your self a bunch of winners here Major.
Short reminder to all of those worshipers/supporters of OBAMA, you love him, yet you love more for this great country, right? then please just take a glance at German Man’s two comments on this page, it will make your day, and may be you will feel that a new-born brain is instantly within you as well!
God bless America!
Chrene
The only reason why President Bush started talking about timetables is because he knew the Iraqi leaders were going to be warm to Obama’s gradual withdrawal plan. Obama has been saying all along that if ground conditions permit it, power will be given back to Iraq and over a year and a half we will gradually reduce our troops. Turns out that is exactly what the people of Iraq want too, and even W had to jump on the bandwagon.
Future President Obama continues to get things right, and McCain is often wrong and backpeddling. What good is all of McCain’s experience if he is already wrong?
This nation did not drink kool-aide, we’re just not going to let the nation be held hostage under four more years of GOP mismanagement!
Oregonians for Obama!
“Maliki’s words to his own benefit. Maliki has said before that he wants America out of Iraq as soon as possible. ”
Now you’re spinning Obama’s words, he never said he was going to pull the rug out from under Iraq either. If you look at today’s stories, you’ll see the Iraq president and PM are supportive of a gradual withdrawal. Obama has supported a gradual withdrawal and transfer of power to the Iraqis as well. Maliki’s stance is much closer to Obama’s, than McCain’s 100 year plan.
Oregonians for Obama!
Great article Major Garrett!!! It was very informative.
While reading this article I began to wonder . . . What’s up with Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki? Why would he be quoted by a German reporter as supporting Senator Obama’s 16-month proposed withdrawal from Iraq and then say the German magazine misunderstood him? Why would the White House mistakenly leak the story of al-Maliki’s support for Obama’s 16-month proposal? Did al-Maliki inform the White House that he was backing Senator Obama’s withdrawal plan before the German magazine published the article? Why did the White House not want to share this information with the American public? Why is the White House now supporting a “time horizon?” What is a time horizon?
After reading this article I have concluded . . . Nuri al-Maliki said just what he meant about supporting Senator Obama’s 16-month withdrawal plan, but because the presidential election is so heated and probably because of some pressure from the White House, he felt it was best to not look like he was favoring Senator Obama over Senator McCain so he tried to dress up his initial comments to look neutral in his support. It didn’t work. It is becoming more and more obvious that the majority of Americans prefer Senator Obama and evidently so does the majority of rest of the WORLD.
Nuri al-Maliki’s exact words:
SPIEGEL: Would you hazard a prediction as to when most of the US troops will finally leave Iraq?
Maliki: As soon as possible, as far as we’re concerned. U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes.