Iraq sets Time for U.S. Pullout

[smoothmoniker]

This gives him perfect cover to do exactly what Bush & Friends would do, follow the signed agreement. He'll phrase it much better, of course.

"The Sovereign Nation of Iraq has asked us to protect their fragile democracy from violent foreign agitators until 2011. We have an obligation to honor their request, and then to peacefully withdraw from their soil."

The real question is ... what will he do if Iraq turns into an utter shitstorm the day the last boots are up.

[TheMercenary]

Well if he does what the liberal base demanded and voted him into office to do, it really doesn't matter what happens the day after we leave.

[xoxoxoBruce]

No, what the base wanted is an end to the war in Iraq. They won't be disappointed in the end coming about in a way that's the safest exit for their sons & daughters stationed there.

[TheMercenary]

And if there is a resulting genocide then what? not saying it will happen but what if.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Then it's Bush's fault.

[tw]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

And if there is a resulting genocide then what?

Then we have another example from history on why a country does not go to war without a smoking gun, a strategic objective, and an exit strategy. Basic military concepts ignored with contempt by Johnson in the 1960s and by George Jr in the 2000s. But then both believed in the "might makes right" bull.

Whether a massacre occurs or not cannot be averted by American military. America that had responsible diplomacy may avoid that catastrophe. But the current administration that even subverted the Oslo Accords, destroyed a solution in Korea, undermined the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, subverted the anti-ballistic missile treaty, and destroyed the reform movement in Iran is also incapable of doing the Dayton Accords or negotiating a World Trade agreement (only GATT round to fail was under George Jr's watch).

Can American diplomacy avert what otherwise appears to be an inevitable civil war in Iraq? It requires diplomats empowered by an intelligent leader.

[TheMercenary]

Obama makes his first promise for his new administration.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27854138

[classicman]

I have heard that plans for part of that pledge are already in place and set to move forward as soon as Jan. 21. This is a very hopeful sign IMO.

[classicman]

Rethinking a campaign pledge before even taking office.

In light of the downturn, Obama is also said to be reconsidering a key campaign pledge: his proposal to repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. According to several people familiar with the discussions, he might instead let those tax cuts expire as scheduled in 2011, effectively delaying any tax increase while he gives his stimulus plan a chance to work.

That approach, Daley said on NBC's "Meet the Press," "looks more likely than not."

Link

[TheMercenary]

Rut ro... don't tell pinko!

[classicman]

Well I wonder if it is simply a politician reneging on a promise or a thoughtful leader recognizing the nuances of a situation and modifying his decision. I fear the first and hope for the latter.

[TheMercenary]

Agreed.

[TheMercenary]

With all this money the Dems are promising we are going to have to gin up the presses and make some more. Didn't they try that in Rhodesia?

[Urbane Guerrilla]

Let's see. Yep: tw's true to form. Everything he wants in post #21 weakens us vis-a-vis the totalitarians out there. The boy just luuuuuvs him some American weakness, in aid of his... manifest desires.

Which are better understood than is good for him and his.

[Urbane Guerrilla]

Merc, more conspicuously in Zimbabwe, which presently does not possess a money economy readily recognizable as such.