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PrintIraqi leader insists on deadline for troop pullout
Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:48 AM EDT
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Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki dug in his heels Monday on the future of the U.S. military in Iraq, insisting that all foreign soldiers leave the country by a specific date in 2011 and rejecting legal immunity for American troops.
Despite the tough words, al-Maliki's aides insisted a compromise could be found on the two main stumbling blocks to an accord governing the U.S. military presence in Iraq after a United Nations mandate expires at the end of the year.
Last week, U.S. and Iraqi officials said the two sides agreed tentatively to a schedule that includes a broad pullout of combat troops by the end of 2011 with the possibility that a residual U.S. force might stay behind to continue training and advising Iraqi security services.
But al-Maliki's remarks indicated his government was not satisfied with that arrangement and wants all foreign troops gone by the end of 2011.
That cast doubt on whether an agreement is near and suggested al-Maliki is playing to a domestic audience frustrated by the war and eager for an end to the foreign military presence.
"There can be no treaty or agreement except on the basis of Iraq's full sovereignty," al-Maliki told a gathering of Shiite tribal sheiks. He said an accord must be based on the principle that "no foreign soldier remains in Iraq after a specific deadline, not an open time frame."
Al-Maliki said the U.S. and Iraq had already agreed on a full withdrawal of all foreign troops by the end of 2011 — an interpretation that the White House challenged. Until then, the U.S. would not conduct military operations "without the approval" of the Iraqi government, al-Maliki said.
White House spokesman Tony Fratto said negotiations with the Iraqis were continuing and repeated the U.S. position that the withdrawal must be linked to conditions in Iraq — a clear difference with al-Maliki's interpretation of what had been agreed.
"Any decisions on troops will be based on the conditions on the ground in Iraq. That has always been our position and continues to be our position," Fratto said Monday in Crawford, Texas. "There is no agreement until there is an agreement signed."
Fratto said the U.S. was "optimistic that Iraq and the U.S. can reach a mutual agreement on flexible goals" and allow "Iraqi forces to provide security for a sovereign Iraq."
President Bush has long resisted a timetable for removing troops from Iraq, even under strong pressure from an American public distressed by U.S. deaths and discouraged by the length of the war that began in 2003.
Last month, however, Bush reversed course and agreed to set a "general time horizon" for bringing troops home, based on Iraq's ability to provide for its own security. But the Iraqis insisted they want a specific schedule.
"We find this to be too vague," a close al-Maliki aide told The Associated Press on Monday. "We don't want the phrase 'time horizons.' We are not comfortable with that phrase," said the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Another top al-Maliki aide, also speaking on condition of anonymity for the same reason, said the Iraqi government had "stopped talking about the withdrawal of combat troops. We just talk about withdrawals," including trainers and logistics troops.
U.S. and Iraqi officials said last week they had agreed to remove American combat troops from Iraq's cities by next June, withdrawing to bases where they could be summoned if necessary. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, but the plan appeared in line with a U.S. strategy to turn urban security over to Iraqi police.
During his Monday address, al-Maliki also suggested the question of legal immunity for U.S. military personnel or contractors remains a sticking point in the negotiations.
The draft agreement provides that private U.S. contractors would be subject to Iraqi law but the Americans are holding firm that U.S. troops would remain subject exclusively to U.S. legal jurisdiction. The U.S. has ruled out allowing American soldiers to face trial in Iraqi courts.
But al-Maliki said his country could not grant "open immunity" to Iraqis or foreigners because that would be tantamount to a violating the "sanctity of Iraqi blood." He did not elaborate.
One of the al-Maliki aides said he believed language could be found to overcome differences over the withdrawal schedule but immunity was a tougher issue to resolve.
U.S. officials in Washington have privately expressed frustration over the Iraqi stand in the negotiations, which were supposed to have ended by July 31. The agreement must be approved by Iraq's factious 275-member parliament, where opposition to a deal is strong.
It appeared al-Maliki was seeking to bolster his nationalist credentials ahead of provincial elections late this year and a national ballot in 2009.
Al-Maliki's Shiite allies face a strong challenge from followers of anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, long an opponent of the U.S. presence. The prime minister's strong statements in support of an end to immunity and for a firm withdrawal timetable would make it difficult for him to accept an agreement that falls short of his public demands.
In violence Monday, an American soldier was mortally wounded in a shooting attack on his foot patrol in north Baghdad, the U.S. military said. An Associated Press tally shows at least 4,147 U.S. military personnel have died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003.
___
Associated Press writers Sameer N. Yacoub and Hamza Hendawi contributed to this report.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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15
3.6
{"commentId":2576156,"authorDomain":"alkimija"}
And if the US doesn't pull out in response to Iraq's demands, I wonder if there will be as much outrage as there is over the incident in the Caucasus.
{"commentId":2576156,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"alkimija"}
- 12 votes
#1 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:17 AM EDT{"commentId":2576224,"authorDomain":"arcanebliss"}
Slowly the GOP's stance on Iraq is dwindling.
{"commentId":2576224,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"arcanebliss"}
- 14 votes
{"commentId":2576454,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
Mr Bush: I want my oil...you promised.
RNC spin coming - wait for it.
{"commentId":2576454,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
- 8 votes
{"commentId":2576572,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
Yes, we want them to be free and independent, just as long as we call the shots and keep the oil.
{"commentId":2576572,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 17 votes
{"commentId":2577235,"authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
"The thing the leader of the sovereign nation of Iraq doesn't understand, is that we broke his country and it is out duty to fix it. This is complex american ethics that no non american can appreciate. Should we leave before the job is done just cause an iraqi politition says so? who leads this country? I thought this was america.. no one tells us what to do.. all I know is I didn't vote for al-Maliki did you?
and doesnt he understand thagt an energy supply that large is too important to let al quada have?
No iraq doesnt und ertand how important it is that they stay occupied by american forces."
Mongo(r)
{"commentId":2577235,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":2577541,"authorDomain":"tschreck"}
The people of Iraq have spoken..
now what is it you were saying about bringing democracy to the cradle of civilization?
yeah.. i thought so.
{"commentId":2577541,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"tschreck"}
- 12 votes
{"commentId":2577572,"authorDomain":"luckydog"}
More evidence I suppose that the surge is working...when they kick us out that is.
{"commentId":2577572,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"luckydog"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":2578953,"authorDomain":"shawnf1"}
BRAVO MALIKI....exercising democracy and letting the world know what Bush agenda really was about. A Pup of Bush/Cheney creation biting their hypocritical rear. Could not have scripted this any better.
Now comes the conundrum: admit Bush foreign policy failing put the truth out there that we were really there for oil or resurrecting Haliburton or at the behest of our so called friends.
Obama is the only one with not only judgement but with kahunas who has stated we will NOT have permanent bases in Iraq and will get out at date certain. Imagine that judgement, conviction and guts being displayed by a "liberal". This conservative's hat is off to Obama. There is more....again from a conservative....... we have had enough of putting agenda before country.
Pendulum has swung long enough in favor of oil companies and social injustice and out of control chief justices. Now we need to allow for a balance and a sanity at all levels of government.
Oh I remember the forty years of Democratic rule and I also am so ashamed of the last almost 8 years of the republican rule.
Let's see what Obama can do.
Bravo Maliki.....you are teaching us all a lesson in democracy and showing the world yet again what Bushies are about.
{"commentId":2578953,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"shawnf1"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":2579199,"authorDomain":"jennifer-troupe"}
For PETE SAKE!! 10 billion dollars a month!?! Bring the troops home before we all end up living in cardboard boxes!
{"commentId":2579199,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"jennifer-troupe"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":2580913,"authorDomain":"cuevasa"}
Good for the prime minister. Finally the Iraqi Government are showing "cojones". All i hope is when violence flares up again; he'll show more "cojones" to deal with it. I'm with the prime minister on that one. If he wants us out by tomorrow then we should HAUL AZ out of there.
{"commentId":2580913,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"cuevasa"}
{"commentId":2581390,"authorDomain":"shawnf1"}
I just want to know when do we send the invoice for this idiocy........to Haliburton and whoever else mastermineded and benefited from this FIASCO??
{"commentId":2581390,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"shawnf1"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":2576263,"authorDomain":"jonmusser"}
hmm interesting
{"commentId":2576263,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"jonmusser"}
- 1 vote
#2 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:26 AM EDT{"commentId":2576417,"authorDomain":"annoyed-373400"}
Next thing you know we'll be at war with our Iraqi allies.
{"commentId":2576417,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"annoyed-373400"}
- 8 votes
#3 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:40 AM EDT{"commentId":2576442,"authorDomain":"visioncoast"}
"There can be no treaty or agreement except on the basis of Iraq's full sovereignty," al-Maliki told a gathering of tribal sheiks. He said such an agreement must be based on the principle that "no foreign soldier remains in Iraq after a specific deadline, not an open time frame."
Hallelujah. Since we can't force our own government to abide by its citizens' wishes, I'm thankful that Iraq can. Kind of disturbing, though, isn't it? A foreign power can force the U.S. government to do what it will not do at the behest of its own citizens.
The Bush administration now speaks about "time horizons," but even that now appears unacceptable to al-Maliki's government.
"We find this to be too vague," a close al-Maliki aide told The Associated Press on Monday. "We don't want the phrase 'time horizons.' We are not comfortable with that phrase," said the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations.
And the Bush administration gets called out on its manipulation.
{"commentId":2576442,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"visioncoast"}
- 11 votes
#4 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:42 AM EDT{"commentId":2577460,"authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
at least he used the GOP approved verbage and doesn't have to get slapped down by his handlers like McCain was when he dared said time tables.. he had to go everywhere denyign he said it
{"commentId":2577460,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":2580960,"authorDomain":"cuevasa"}
i couldn't agree with you more. the problem is though; this American Society keeps voting in the same crap time and time again. That's why this CORRUPT GOVERNMENT keeps doing what its doing. That's a fact not an opinion.
{"commentId":2580960,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"cuevasa"}
{"commentId":2581631,"authorDomain":"visioncoast"}
the problem is though; this American Society keeps voting in the same crap time and time again. That's why this CORRUPT GOVERNMENT keeps doing what its doing. That's a fact not an opinion.
Oh, yeah. I can't believe what I read on Newsvine. Hardcore Republican partyliners who will defend to the end. It's an amazing thing to witness, like mass hysteria on steroids.
And our corrupt politicians just keep licking their chops. Fools, all.
{"commentId":2581631,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"visioncoast"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":2576546,"authorDomain":"nitewingsg1"}
King Bush/Cheney/Haliburton Inc. have worn out their unwanted invasion, occupying stay. More than likely disagreements in Oil Contracts, and how to split the golden pot.
In one key part of the draft agreement, private U.S. contractors would be subject to Iraqi law but the Americans are holding firm that U.S. troops would remain subject exclusively to U.S. legal jurisdiction.
In short, the US Military is occupying Iraq, and will do as they damn well please.
"sanctity of Iraqi blood."
I take that as meaning, we don't want rapes, children born out of wedlock and unwanted marriages, by foreign visitors. Like all the baby's born and left behind in Vietnam, Japan, Korea and other country's where the moral obligations leave when the men go home to their familys..
{"commentId":2576546,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"nitewingsg1"}
- 3 votes
#5 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:49 AM EDT{"commentId":2577068,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
Moral obligations leaving? Bwaaah ah haha. When did those START?
{"commentId":2577068,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2579140,"authorDomain":"steve9001"}
Perhaps China or Russia have offered their help in oil production capacity. Who needs McBush et al anymore when alternatives are everywhere.
{"commentId":2579140,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"steve9001"}
{"commentId":2580473,"authorDomain":"nitewingsg1"}
True MRZK.COM, moral obligations by the United States never has been a strong suit when it comes to packing up and heading home. Nor is it one given much thought before using innocent children for personal gain. Human Rights are only words used to criticise country's that don't follow the imaginary path of the self-righteous belief America has spread in the World. America is one of the most morally corrupt, Human Right violators on record. American Backed Company's are closing factories in China because there isn't cheap labor there any longer, $120 a month is not cheap labor. I think their looking at Vietnam again. America, spreading the wealth.
{"commentId":2580473,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"nitewingsg1"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2576620,"authorDomain":"kingmarty"}
Good for him. We've been baby sitting this fledgling government for long enough. It's past time to begin decreasing our troop levels there.
{"commentId":2576620,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"kingmarty"}
- 3 votes
#6 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:56 AM EDT{"commentId":2576727,"authorDomain":"crankyman"}
Did anyone notice that we are still talking about three more years???
I say fine for the 2011 timeline. We will just bill Iraq for our troops. They can keep the oil and anything else they want.
I didn't want to go in there in the first place, but we are there, might as well do the job right once Bush is gone.
{"commentId":2576727,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"crankyman"}
- 2 votes
#7 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:04 PM EDT{"commentId":2579171,"authorDomain":"steve9001"}
Does anyone think for one moment that Bush Cheney and the like care about recouping the cost of this war footed by our tax dollars?
{"commentId":2579171,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"steve9001"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2576823,"authorDomain":"zydor"}
There is no conceivable mandate to stay beyond 2011 if the Iraqi government does not wish the troops to stay. He is right in insisting on a defined pull out date, it puts the ball firmly in the Iraqi court, still leaving a door open to stay if conditions change. There needs to be a "this is it" date, and from that point they stand of their own two feet. If trouble ensues they call for help, but it puts them in the driving seat which is where things should be, and why all the recent fighting has taken place - restoring sovereignty to the Iraqi government.
{"commentId":2576823,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"zydor"}
- 4 votes
#8 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:12 PM EDT{"commentId":2579738,"authorDomain":"bohdansz"}
If Iraqis are friends of the United States it should be in their sovereign interest to invite the U.S. to have bases in Iraq. There are scores of sovereign nations that have done just that. What happens in Iraq is that Iraq is not sovereign, not because of the United States, but because of Iran. Iran, the mortal enemy of Iraq, is holding the al-Sadr's gun to al-Maliki's head! let's call the spade, spade!
{"commentId":2579738,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"bohdansz"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2582173,"authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
Now the excuse to be in Iraq is Iran...............no end of reasons, huh?
{"commentId":2582173,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2583982,"authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
What happens in Iraq is that Iraq is not sovereign, not because of the United States,
Um, when Hussein was in power, Iran pretty much had it's hands full. Last time I checked, it was the U.S. that was taking credit for deposing that evil dictator.
{"commentId":2583982,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2576899,"authorDomain":"sgreenway"}
Hmm.. I wonder how long it will take the GOP to say that this had been their plan all along...
{"commentId":2576899,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"sgreenway"}
- 8 votes
#9 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:18 PM EDT{"commentId":2576905,"authorDomain":"logdump"}
A big slap in the face to the Bush doctrine Cheney McCain and The Neocons. Get the C130's in the air go get our Boys and Gurls Now.
{"commentId":2576905,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"logdump"}
- 3 votes
#10 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:19 PM EDT{"commentId":2576973,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
Yeah, we need them back here working so we can pay off this $500B bill we ran up...just what did we get for all that time, money and sacrifice anyway?
Still pending: Overdue repairs to our roads, bridges and dams, our students are falling behind the world in education and the economy is in a shambles. Bush will leave with a nice portfolio, though. Nice work, Republicans.
{"commentId":2576973,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
- 4 votes
#11 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:24 PM EDT{"commentId":2577107,"authorDomain":"carloz"}
We certainly didn't find any WMDs to destroy. What we have are dead Americans and dead Iraqis while Bin Laden and the Taliban are still on the loose in Afghanistan -- and needs in the USA have been neglected.
{"commentId":2577107,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"carloz"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":2577413,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
Don't forget we also leave with the unfettered capability of our government to snoop on us and imprison various classes of "combatants" without regard to due process. The incoming President will also be able to disregard the wishes of Congress under the guise of "privilege". Finally, we left any vestige of "the shining city on the hill" at the border of Iraq and squandered global good will from 9/11. Grand slam, GOP.
{"commentId":2577413,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":2577799,"authorDomain":"carloz"}
Amen to that! Let's hope that the voters opt for a change this November and finally put an end to this nightmare. A vote for McCain is a vote to continue Bush's policies. As that excercise guru used to say, stop the madness!
{"commentId":2577799,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"carloz"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2577320,"authorDomain":"Lyn-307031"}
Gee there goes that time Horizon thing.
{"commentId":2577320,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"Lyn-307031"}
#12 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:48 PM EDT{"commentId":2577482,"authorDomain":"funkybunch"}
Now we have to declare war on Iraq all over again! Dangit!
{"commentId":2577482,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"funkybunch"}
- 3 votes
#13 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:58 PM EDT{"commentId":2577500,"authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
Someone should ask mccain about this video
IF malaki percists and sasy he wants us troops out in a year, two years 16 months?
"he wont", McCain
pretty cool even the iraqi government is supporting the obama plan.
{"commentId":2577500,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
- 10 votes
#14 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:00 PM EDT{"commentId":2580956,"authorDomain":"stunada53"}
Sorry as much as I like Obama, this is not his plan. Maliki and the clerical leaders have been planning this for months. Without troop withdrawal al-Maliki has no shot at being re-elected
{"commentId":2580956,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"stunada53"}
{"commentId":2581091,"authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
did I credit obama?
the video in questions says "if the iraqi leader demands we leave'
and mccains response is "he wont"
but if you want to talk about barracks plan.. when directly questioned about barracks specific 16 month time table the iraqi leader said that was a good timetable.
now I'm touting obama.
{"commentId":2581091,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":2581855,"authorDomain":"sgreenway"}
Maliki and the clerical leaders have been planning this for months.
Umm... Barak has been talking about this for YEARS. Since at least 2006. Sen. Obama: Iraq withdrawal should begin in 2007
{"commentId":2581855,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"sgreenway"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":2577700,"authorDomain":"ReaderReader"}
If the Iraqis don't want us there, then we should get out. I have no problem with letting them bash it all out amongst themselves. Then we can no longer be blamed for everything that's wrong with the Middle East. I do think the deadline should be much earlier than the end of 2010 though. Why are we wasting our time and money where we're not wanted when we could be concentrating resources on domestic issues instead?
{"commentId":2577700,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"ReaderReader"}
- 2 votes
#15 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:12 PM EDT{"commentId":2578268,"authorDomain":"Mars313"}
So the whole country of Iraq are terrorists? How dare they question the US of A? Don't they know that our judgment is better than theirs, and if they don't straighten out, we'll just indiscriminately kill MORE of their women and children. How many dead kids do they need to see before they bow to us and wash our feet?
{"commentId":2578268,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"Mars313"}
- 3 votes
#16 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:52 PM EDT{"commentId":2578815,"authorDomain":"kidkilowatt"}
Does this mean we'll still "win" the war?
{"commentId":2578815,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"kidkilowatt"}
#17 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:30 PM EDT{"commentId":2580323,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
There's just no percentage in nation building.
{"commentId":2580323,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
{"commentId":2580897,"authorDomain":"stunada53"}
No one won this war expect Bush Cheney and Haliburton
{"commentId":2580897,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"stunada53"}
{"commentId":2579414,"authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
Good thing al-Maliki is realsing just how toothless bush has become.. the last several times he has tried to take the stand eh wants us out.. he has been quickly slaped down by the bush administration and had to recant his own words on tv.
He has been suggesting we leave for well over a year now.
{"commentId":2579414,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"JoulesBeef"}
- 2 votes
#18 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:09 PM EDT{"commentId":2579589,"authorDomain":"bohdansz"}
For years, I have been mistrustful of Prime Minister al-Maliki. He has too many "agendas" in his head. While it is hard to blame him, given that his life is in danger, one cannot forget the 4,000 plus dead Americans soldiers. Their lives must also be worth something! This is why I hereto propose the following solution to this "withdrawal" debacle: Given that Iraq, indeed, has a right to act sovereignly, let it act! The first sovereign Iraqi act must be to ask the troops to live by the year 2011, which they did. But the second sovereign act must be to invite the U.S. troops back in, to Iraq! In this way, the sovereignty will be fully preserved, and the interests of the U.S. also will! If Mr. al-Maliki disagrees, this will mean that he does not have respect for the Americans who died so that he could be Prime Minister!
{"commentId":2579589,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"bohdansz"}
#19 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:19 PM EDT{"commentId":2579806,"authorDomain":"Mars313"}
Yeah, how dare they not respect our wishes of a permanent base and control of the oil fields? Those ungrateful bastards.
Here's an idea, before you mourn and demand payment from the Iraqi for 4000 lost soldiers, first blame the people who sent you there with no plan, little equipment, and more hidden agendas than your command could comprehend. Then, acknowledge and respect the hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians that died because of the incompetence of the US military's command.
It's convenient to ignore all of the civilian deaths while whining about dead soldiers. Soldiers sign up to possibly die, civilians are just trying to live.
Boo hoo, you don't get your base. Poor baby. Remind me to cry for you later.
{"commentId":2579806,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"Mars313"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":2579866,"authorDomain":"JoeBpsplk"}
Let's say you are a poor Poker player. You gambled all night and lost $4,000.00 dollars. That night you tell your spouse that you lost your life savings, and because you lost $4,000.00 you have to go back and play Poker again the next night, and the night after that... "Support the Poker chips"!!!
"Aren't you just continuing a big mistake?" she asks. "All of our money, our future... GONE!!!".
"But I have to keep playing" you say. "The Poker players on the ground say that I do. And I have to let them tell me what to do, don't I? After all, they know how to run my life better than I do, and I'm sure they don't have an agenda that wants to keep me in the Poker game"!!!
{"commentId":2579866,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"JoeBpsplk"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2580361,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
Only if you are a joker (McCain).
{"commentId":2580361,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2579788,"authorDomain":"JoeBpsplk"}
Wait a minute!!! Pulling out of Iraq is not up to the Iraqis... or President Bush... It's up to the "generals on the ground"!!! And these ground-loving generals will NEVER find a reason to leave. As a matter of fact they want to stay there forever.
Started by Bush because of "weapons of mass destruction". Continued for 5 years because we have to "support the troops". Staying forever because of the "generals on the ground".
Only a REAL U.S. president who makes things happen rather than offering excuses for why he won't leave will be able to get us out this huge costly mistake in Iraq. Oh yes, that would be Barack Obama!
{"commentId":2579788,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"JoeBpsplk"}
- 4 votes
#20 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:32 PM EDT{"commentId":2580055,"authorDomain":"michaelgammons"}
If our soldiers are going to be subject to Iraqi law, it should not be while on base or on a mission or if one of our soldiers has just escaped his Al-Qaida captors and happens to kill some human-shields in
his way. "No missions without Iraqi approval" means Al-Sadr will know our every move.
The longer we stay in Iraq, the easier it will be for Iran to annex it when we leave or the Iraqi military to have their coup d etat when we leave. I say leave now and let them hire their own military
advisors. Its not like they are hurting for cash, they are sitting on a ton of our taxpayer dollars
as is. Let them bribe their way to victory so we can concentrate on Afghanistan.
Al-Qaida in its blind hatred has pretty much played right into the hands of Iran; what a bunch of morons.
{"commentId":2580055,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"michaelgammons"}
#21 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:50 PM EDT{"commentId":2583911,"authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
Livid in America, I agree with most of your points. But I'd also suggest that you could write your last sentence this way:
Our administration in its blind hatred has pretty much played right into the hands of Iran; what a bunch of morons.
And what's so important about concentrating on Afghanistan if Bin Laden is most likely in Pakistan?
{"commentId":2583911,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2580085,"authorDomain":"DEMSLOVECENSORS"}
Pull 'em out now, we don't need the permanent base thee, thats what Bush was really after, not catching terrorists, or bringing democracy, we wanted a stronghold in the middle east to help protect Israel, and watch Iran
{"commentId":2580085,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"DEMSLOVECENSORS"}
- 3 votes
#22 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:52 PM EDT{"commentId":2580380,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
Should have relied on a REAL ally, like Georgia. Oops!
{"commentId":2580380,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
{"commentId":2583931,"authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
I believe Mr. Bush was very much focused on the disruption of oil supplies. Given the amount of money to be made when the price of oil skyrocketed, this would seem to be an obvious conclusion to me.
{"commentId":2583931,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"tlharmon123"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2584124,"authorDomain":"DEMSLOVECENSORS"}
Good point
{"commentId":2584124,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"DEMSLOVECENSORS"}
{"commentId":2580121,"authorDomain":"tswelt"}
Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa...... Can we not call it pulling out of Iraq? I mean come on, could it be any more suggestive...
All immature joking aside, I think its great that the Iraqi government wants us out of there. Everyone in the US wants us out of these (if you dont, why dont you sign up for the army). Everyone in the world wants us out of there. Hmm I wonder why we are still there if nobody on the planet wants us there. Oh yea I forgot, all the people that are making astronomical profits off of the war. Thats funny, they all seem to be in positions of power??!! I guess we could have seen this coming - thank you people who voted for Bush (twice) - we all appreciate your stupiditiy in F-ing up our country, and our country's world image.
{"commentId":2580121,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"tswelt"}
- 1 vote
#23 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:55 PM EDT{"commentId":2582059,"authorDomain":"aine"}
Send the ones that want us there to Iraq to fight. Bring the rest home.
{"commentId":2582059,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"aine"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":2589944,"authorDomain":"tswelt"}
much much agreed.
{"commentId":2589944,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"tswelt"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":2580501,"authorDomain":"MRZK"}
You're welcome. Would you like your final bill now, sir?
Stupid Republicans, never again come to me with tales of "fiscal restraint" and "tax waste" after this mess. We could have employed every welfare mother in public works projects, rebuilt the trade center and subsidized oil for 2 decades for what we spent here (and had change left over). Let us not forget the terrorists we mobilized for the next president and future generations to do deal with.
Oh that's right, you'll just blame us for that just like you blamed us for those surpluses we left last time.
Party of fiscal responsibility my ass!
{"commentId":2580501,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"MRZK"}
- 4 votes
#24 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:18 PM EDT{"commentId":2580667,"authorDomain":"jaymack"}
Hmmmm....they don't like any of our "immunity" deals and they don't like our "general time horizon" deals. They sound smarter than our own congress. They must not have any republicans in their government yet or they just don't want any republicans in their government. Smart!
{"commentId":2580667,"threadId":"339511","contentId":"1783140","authorDomain":"jaymack"}
- 3 votes
#25 - Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:30 PM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"339511","isPrivate":false}
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