If Iraq Asks, We'll Leave?

In the Rose Garden today, President Bush was all over the place on the question of Iraq. Each sentence seemed to undermine the one before it. After taking pains to explain that we had to fight them (the terrorists) in Iraq so we didn't have to fight them here, he then went on to explain that al-Qaeda has not yet set up a base of operations in Iraq, and will "find us wherever we are." Bush also stated that we were in Iraq "at the request of the Iraqi government." A rather awkward assertion, given that we forcibly toppled the previous government. Furthermore, and this was the strangest line of the whole news conference, after repeating that we needed to be on the offense against terrorism, Bush declared that we would pull out if Iraq, "if they [the Iraqi government] asked us to leave."

Huh? Hasn't that already happened?
A majority of members of Iraq's parliament have signed a draft bill that would require a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. soldiers from Iraq and freeze current troop levels.
And again in 2006.
A timetable for withdrawal of occupation troops from Iraq. Amnesty for all insurgents who attacked U.S. and Iraqi military targets. Release of all security detainees from U.S. and Iraqi prisons. Compensation for victims of coalition military operations. These sound like the demands of some of the insurgents themselves, and in fact they are. But they're also key clauses of a national reconciliatin plan drafted by new Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki...
And back in 2005.
Iraqi lawmakers from across the political spectrum called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from their country in a letter released to the media on June 19.
Go figure. Maybe they just didn't say "please."

Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)

Coming Soon

Most Recent Comments

Politics Video

Security And Politics In Iraq

Security And Politics In IraqAs the security situation improves In Iraq, there is still the question of political progress (September 5)

Supporters: 'Palin Has a Record of Achievement'

Supporters: 'Palin Has a Record of Achievement'Women supporting Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's vice presidential pick, gathered in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday to call for an end to 'sexism' in politics. (Sept. 3)

Obama: No Time for 'small' Politics

Obama: No Time for 'small' PoliticsAt a campaign event in Michigan, presidential nominee Barack Obama said with Hurricane Gustav eyeing the Gulf Coast, there is no time for 'small' politics. (September 1)

A Trip of the Political Side of the State Fair

A Trip of the Political Side of the State FairThe Minnesota State Fair is not only a marching ground for the school band, but a place for old school retail politics. The AP's John Mone takes a look at how elections are won at this great American gathering. (Aug. 31)

Mo Rocca 180 - More Than Just Joe Biden!!!

Mo Rocca 180 - More Than Just Joe Biden!!!Mo Rocca 180 - More Than Just Joe Biden!!!







News Search
AOL News

Elections Blog

Read the latest election news stories around the U.S. on AOL News. From congressional and gubernatorial elections to the latest local election results, we deliver the information you need.

© 2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
AOL@News © 2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
BACK TO TOP
Blogsmith