Further confirmation that Iraqi P.M. Maliki prefers Obama’s plan
Despite Iraqi P.M. Maliki’s efforts to distance himself from his statements after a call from the White House, the New York Times confirmed the original analysis - that he endorses Obama’s plan for withdrawal:
From the Times:
But the interpreter for the interview works for Mr. Maliki’s office, not the magazine. And in an audio recording of Mr. Maliki’s interview that Der Spiegel provided to The New York Times, Mr. Maliki seemed to state a clear affinity for Mr. Obama’s position, bringing it up on his own in an answer to a general question on troop presence.
The following is a direct translation from the Arabic of Mr. Maliki’s comments by The Times: “Obama’s remarks that — if he takes office — in 16 months he would withdraw the forces, we think that this period could increase or decrease a little, but that it could be suitable to end the presence of the forces in Iraq.”
He continued: “Who wants to exit in a quicker way has a better assessment of the situation in Iraq.”
You guys remind me of the Russian folktale of the wolf who desperately chews off his paw in order that he might escape the trap into which he has stepped:
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/capitalgames/228339/secret_report_corruption_is_the_norm_within_iraqi_government
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/320496.html
If these links work as I hope, they’ll touch on Maliki’s corruption and the fundamental reasons why we can’t trust the man. Granted, this is Bush’s war, and he’s therefore responsible for embedding Maliki in office, but I wouldn’t look to damage McCain by turning to the word of Maliki himself, who–according to even the most widely-read liberal sources–can’t be relied on.
Sure the fox would love to see the farmer leave the hen-house? Why wouldn’t he?
And the New York Times and Der Spiegel as witnesses to Maliki’s veracity?
Wer versuchen Sie zu scherzen, meiner militarische brueder?
Mr. Leibold,
How many links would it take to convince you that George W. Bush can’t be trusted? (Can you say: “Where are the WMDs in Iraq?”)
We want out, Maliki wants us out, Win:Win!!!! Where is the conflict? (Only with Republicans that are in this war for the profit…can you say: “Haliburton”?)
This is great. At least one veteran here in in agreement with me. McCain is suffering with what war has inflicted on ever warrior who has been in any war, post trauma stress syndrone. He is in denial. His position is a cover for his denial which makes him dangerous.
McCain’s record does not make him a candidate for commander in chief. He graduates four or five from the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy out of almost ninety. He crashed four multimillion dollar aircraft and was shot down in the fifth. He was on the fast track to Admiral, supported by people knowing and being proded by his father. He for lack of any other word, collaberated with the enemy. Again a enemy made by the US policy of inserting themselves, the “American” people in the middle of affairs we should not be associated with, unless a serious threat is posed to the United States of America. Etc., etc… towards the subject of why he should have been declared as unfit to serve, when “they” in our day found any reason to do so. In short, McCain in not a hero. He was not the only one in Vietnam. 582000 plus, did not come home. Us who have come home or, in the box, are the heroes. History will not show us as such, only as aggressors. Sent to war to fight and die for the ill peceived conceptions of old men who make bad decisions. And please don’t forget the woman warrior, she has always been with us, treat her well.
We are Veterans, imagine if our experiences supported “change”. Remember, there is only one color here, that color is “green”. Remember and adhere to, “We are all brothers”. Our weapons are now the vote. I hate to inject this but as a black American drill instructor, pt, bayonet and habd to hand, This was my mantra. The same thing LC Hal Moore said, after mentioning all of the races in his unit, “We are all brother”, and now, sisters.
We taught you to give nothing more than to give name, rank and serial number. We taught you to suffer pain and indignities. We taught you to die for a cause, that cause was to protect your brothers and sisters. John McCain should have died. He would then be a true hero. Remember, God is always absent without leave when there is a war. He leaves chaplins in charge, but we still die and a maimed for life both physically and mentally. Change, choose someone who will make every effort not to send us to the wrong confrontation.
And to all of my brothers, and sisters, thankyou fpr your service. In forty years plus a few, I’ve been told that nine times. In my thoughts are all of you, in my thoughts you will no, I say it often. Trust me, you’re not going to here too much. Thanx Veterans. Thanx to you families.