Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:51:46 GMT

"...Embarrassingly for the White House, it mistakenly sent out a Reuters clip of the Maliki interview to its general press list with this headline: "Iraqi PM backs Obama troop exit plan --magazine." Whoops..."

Even when the current administration is doing what they are commonly known for doing best - Control the Message - They show a surprising amount of incompetence.
And McCain, hours later, continues to misconstrue Obamas message. McCain is no "quick drawl, mcgraw" on responding to the news cycle. News in his campaign must go through several gyrations of removing the big, multi syllable words and then translate the meaning. And then rote rebuttal #4 - Foreign Policy response. It's so embarassing to watch. McCain makes Bush seem articulate, and just six short months ago, I would have thought that completely impossible.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Nashville_fan — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:52:00 GMT

""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," said McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann "
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
How can this be true when the McCain campaign and the media have been giving Senator Obama h*ll about "flip flopping" on Iraq because he said he would modify his timetable if need be based on conditions on the ground and meetings with commanders? How can both statements be true? Or are they just trying to muddy the water and hope the media falls for it? Uh-huh.

P.S. What's up with the question for a headline. Clearly Maliki DID endorse Obama's position, and until he takes it back with HIS OWN MOUTH, how could you report otherwise?

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Colleen, Ithaca, NY — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:52:02 GMT

I love it! A sovereign nation wants us out within 16 months. Staying would be an unwarranted occupation. Period.

Go Obama! Keep showing us true leadership in foerign policy.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

SClark — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:53:35 GMT

Yes he did endorse Senator Obama Timetable

Who here really believes that Maliki words were misinterpreted?

The George W. Bush White House was in damage control because they are looking more and more like fools everyday… (If every that could be possible)

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Nashville_fan — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:57:21 GMT

Time tables, time horizons, call it what you will, the point is AMERICAN TROOPS WIN and John McCain LOSES. We will not be in Iraq for 100 years.

Thank God.

And the "surge" working story? Whatever you folks in the media, the Bush Administration, and the McCain campaign need to help you sleep at night after feeding us all the lies that led us into an unneeded "war" of choice that left more than 4000+ dead troops, untold dead Iraqis, all because the "shock and awe" campaign of Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney was an abysmal failure.

They didn't go in with enough troops (that Gen. Eric Shinseki told them they needed, for which he was rebuked by the Bush Administration) and were too proud to admit it for 5 years. Now they want a pat on the back for doing what they should have done in the beginning. No excuse for that. None.

Iraq is still a dangerous h*ll hole and no amount of spin is going to change that.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Charleston, SC — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:57:53 GMT

McCain is willfully ignoring one of the "facts on the ground" is that the Iraqis want us to leave. The Iraqi people want it, the Iraqi government wants it, and the American people want it. The only ones who want us to stay are Bush and McCain.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Casey | Tecumseh, Mo. — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:01:09 GMT

Once again, Senator Obama is shown to have the judgment necessary to lead this country in the right direction.

It's hilariously sad how the Bush Regime, now taking steps that Obama has advocated for the past year, still insists that there is a difference between a "time horizon" and a "time table" for withdrawal.

http://nobushthirdterm.com

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

cettel — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:02:01 GMT

If Americans are rational, this will kill McCain's Presidential chances, which have been based upon McCain's demand that U.S. troops stay in Iraq in a long-term military occupation on the model of the U.S. occupation of South Korea and Germany, the very thing that Maliki condemns and asserts that Iraq's Government won't accept.

Do Americans want to go to war against Iraq's Government -- another "regime change in Iraq"?

Or will Americans recognize that McCain's current Iraq policy is just as stupid as was his 100% support of Bush's invasion of Iraq, in 2002 and 2003?

How could it be any clearer that McCain's judgment on international relations is disastrously poor, a danger to the U.S.?

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Lou R — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:07:31 GMT

Minister Maliki backtracks on his preference towards the Obama 16 month strategy most likely after the White House intervenes on behalf of the McCain campaign. This is Republican political theater at its worst---so invisible there is no intrigue whatsoever. Poor Joe Lieberman was left mummering to himself on a FOX Commentary interview trying to change the facts to support his chosen one, John McCain.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

A.Brocco.Albuquerque,NM — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:11:13 GMT

Another McCain myth shot to hell1 The list gets longer daily. This is the best person the GOP could come up with, scary, really scary.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Jerry O'Connor — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:13:58 GMT

Sometime in the next few weeks McCain will announce that "since my surge has worked so well we can now set a 16-month timetable to get our troops out of Iraq and reinforce our effort in Afghanistan where the real battle against terrorists is underway, which - of course - has been our position all along."
A flip-flop? No.... just a "continually evolving plan being developed as the situation on the ground warrants."
Just a coincidence, I guess, that by Election Day McCain's November plan will strongly resemble the one Obama offered in March!
But give him credit, better late than never!

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Terry, IN — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:15:46 GMT

Maliki's "mis-quote"

Political leverage in the 51st state

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0708/Political_leverage_in_the_51st_state.html

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Gregory, Bennington, Vermont — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:22:45 GMT

I have to say, your analysis was pretty weak tea... I guess you want to play it safe, rather than actually help make sense of this for your readers.

Was it an endorsement?

Evidence Contra:

1. At first glance it seemed to pop up out of the blue, and clearly took the press, the campaigns and the White House by surprise.

2. Maliki issues a denial.

3. Given its cover (Obama superstar) Der Spiegel is clearly sympathetic to Obama.

Evidence Pro:

1. Maliki makes three comments in the course of an interview with a fairly reputable and mainstream German publication suggesting his support for Obama's timetable (if not campaign).

2. Party papers aligned with Maliki in Baghdad apparently include his original statement without correction.

3. The denial was issued through Centcom, government-military organization closely aligned to (and staffed by) the White House.

4. The denial was late in coming, lacked specifics, and basically offered a hedge (mentioning horizons and timetables). No translation errors or misquotes were cited.

5. A statement released earlier in the week by Maliki similarly suggested support for a relatively rapid withdrawal and was in line with his comments to der Spiegel. This comment was also the subject of some later walk back in the Western press.

My question: When I have given lengthy comments to the press, the reporter has called back to confirm each and every direct quote. Was this also the case with the der Spiegel interview?

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

banko — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:29:46 GMT

McCain is an insecure man who is not as principled.
Obama eats with U.S. troops
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/07/20/vo.afghanistan.obama.cnn

Senator Obama Opening Remarks in Kuwait
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp_s92SlENo

Senator Obama With U.S. Troops in Kuwait
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bimTBZPYvWM

Obama in Kuwait, From CNN
http://thepage.time.com/obama-in-kuwait-from-cnn/

Photos And Video From Barack Obama's Foreign Tour.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/19/photos-and-video-from-bar_n_113843.html

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Brenda — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:35:29 GMT

Once again Obama shows the ability to be the commander and chief in every aspect, we could not be any luckier to have someone as brilliant as this man running to be our next president!!! The non the other hand with have flip flop McNuts, McSane, Mc I don't ever know what I am talking about!!!!
Bravo Obama you continue to out do him everyday!!!

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Matt C Mechanicsburg — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:35:31 GMT

The Bush Administration gave the same "transcription error" excuse weeks ago when the Iraqis first announced they wanted US troops to leave. Since then, the Iraqis repeated their calls. It turned out the White House was lying. Now that Malaki's words are there in black and white, the White House has the nerve to give the same excuse again.

Maliki's comments on the surge are as important as those about Obama's withdrawal plan. Bush, McCain and the media keep repeating that violence is down because of the surge. There are other reasons for violence to be down and Malaki named them. Malaki is in a better position than anybody to know the state of affairs in Iraq.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Wyll D Sarge — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:37:19 GMT

It is times like these that I think we must remember how beautiful America really is. The regime of Bush has seemed at times totalitarian. Bush's refusal to even discuss timetables in Iraq seemed for a long time to be an issue the king wouldn't budge on. Events have played out in such a fashion that not only is Bush budging but it seems as if a timetable may be inevitable now. When the world seems at its worst, people can still make a difference with principles and the tenacity to state what they believe without fear of reprisal.

For those qualities alone, I will vote Obama in the fall. In my opinion, those are the true qualities of a leader.

Integrity. Honor. The ability to make a decision.

Hopefully, Iraqis will enjoy those qualities in their leaders.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Mark Thieme — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:38:35 GMT

"Whatever you folks in the media, the Bush Administration, and the McCain campaign need to help you sleep at night after feeding us all the lies that led us into an unneeded "war" of choice that left more than 4000+ dead troops, untold dead Iraqis, all because the "shock and awe" campaign of Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney was an abysmal failure.

They didn't go in with enough troops (that Gen. Eric Shinseki told them they needed, for which he was rebuked by the Bush Administration) and were too proud to admit it for 5 years. Now they want a pat on the back for doing what they should have done in the beginning. No excuse for that. None."
----------------------------------------------------
I have been on this blog for a couple of years and seldom have I encountered a more cogent analysis of this shameful debacle. Great post Nashville.

After all the blood, death, and money, it becomes clear; long before the rapturous mythical reckoning of "history" GWB, et al, were praying for, even if it took 100 years.

Even if it took 100 years they were desperately, grotesquely, hanging on for ultimate vindication, if only in the history books of 2210. Hoping to avoid "embarrassment."

My dear God, have mercy on us, especially the criminals who twisted elections and the fools who voted for all this.

To all of us who have lost beloved family members, who have sacrificed our dearest and best, to all of us whose grandchildren will still be scraping blood from their own innocent hands, we pray for unmerited mercy.

For all those in Iraq whose lives and culture, whose very futures have been obliterated, whose families have lost more than anyone can imagine, Lord have mercy.

All so these ridiculous idiots (they know who they are) may avoid "embarrassment."

I don't believe in hell, and I pray for deliverance from hate and vengeance, but right now, acquiescing to temptation, I must admit, I am also a sinner. Mercy. Have mercy on us all.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Corey, KS — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:38:37 GMT

Sad... sad... liberals.

To quote Al-Maliki "Of course, this is by no means an election endorsement."

Yet, somehow it is an endorsement?

Only in your minds can a NON-ENDORSEMENT be an endorsement.

Both General David Petreaus, Prime Minister Al-Maliki, and John McCain support a withdrawal that's based on the security conditions. Where as Barack Obama supports withdrawing troops based on a certain date, regardless of what the conditions are on the ground.

Way to listen to our Generals, Obama.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

beak mur, dallas, busharagua — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:46:47 GMT

The next advanced spin trick to be employed is to impress on the American psyche that Al-Maliki was misquoted or taken out of context. Standby for a tsunami of stories claiming the Al-Maliki's statements were wildly exagerated. Look for Condi Rice as one of the sources of this new misdirection.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

justwaitandsee — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:52:52 GMT

So was he against it before he was for it

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

mexed, san antonio, texas — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:53:19 GMT

McCain and McBush will ignore whatever they want. Their campaign managers will continue to twist the words of Maliki to suit their needs and they have done since the start of the war. These twins have done that for 8 years and would like to continue. Bush will continue to speak out of both sides of his mouth and McCain will try to keep up with him. Barack called for talks with Iran and McCain and Bush ridiculed him. Now Bush is doing it and McCain is scrambling to catch up or "reframe" the reality. How Americans can continue to see the McCain and McBush team as better able to handle world politics or military involvements is beyond me. Time and time again we see how the Republican manner of leadership is out of touch with what reality demands. Barack may not have 71 years of experience but neither does he have a vision that is blocked by 71 years of looking at the world as it no longer is. This is nothing new. Experience is a great thing. I'm 63 and proud of it. But it is not everything. Barack is not a child and he is certainly intelligent. The Republican leadership elitist and patronizing attitudes continues to be blinded.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Sharon, Antioch, TN — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:00:11 GMT

Nashville_fan (Sent Sunday, July 20, 2008 12:57 PM)
*****************
Great Observation!

John McCain'S camp needs new talking points. They keep saying the surge(escalation) worked. Finally, they get more troops in Iraq which were needed in the first place and begged for for five years. Now they want a cookie.

Anyway it doesn't matter why the Iraqis want us out. Now is the time to leave because a SOVREIGN NATION ASKED US TO. Bush and McCain want a permanent presence not because of terrorism but because of the likes of Halliburton, KBR, and now Big Oil with no-bid contracts.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

DiamondE — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:11:16 GMT

The Iraqi government doesn't walk back on its statement (that would be lieing), Al Dabbagh doesn't explain anything - it's just what the WH tells us, via the CENTCOM.

Der Siegel stands by its reporting of the interviews;
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/SPIEGEL_Full_Al_Maliki_Interview_Transcript_and_MORE

The story has been published in Iraq and has not be contested by even the Iraqi-affiliated press.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Chris in AZ — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:12:01 GMT

Until there are alternate quotes, this "mistranslation" backtrack should be viewed as what it truly is, spin.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:12:11 GMT

It appears that the Iraqi government is in complete agreement with the Obama strategy on Iraq. So much for “cut and run”, “no timetables” and talk of “surrender” if Obama is elected.

The administration and the McCain campaign have been thoroughly undercut by our allies, the Iraqi government. The Iraqi government asked at least three times for us to leave their country, the sooner the better. They have also said that any permanent US bases would be under Iraqi control. The freely elected Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, demanded a “timetable” for withdrawal of U.S. troops. Now the Bush administration has agreed to a timetable for withdrawal regardless of what they choose to call it.

Senator McCain said in 2004, that if Iraq asked us to leave we would have no choice but to go. However,
McCain is still insisting that our departure bedependant on conditions on the ground and wants permanent US bases in Iraq. The Iraqi government made it extraordinrily clear they want us out, the sooner the better. No bases, no troops, we can take it from here!

Last I checked, Iraq is a Republic with a democratic Constitution and a freely elected government. By not acquiescing to their wishes we would become an occupying army. Unfortunately, this is the McCain world view and his understanding of a Democracy. There will be democracy in Iraq as long as the government does what we say and does our bidding. This is coercive democracy or democracy at the point of a gun. It should not come as a surprise to anyone. The Bush administration, embraced by John McCain, has desecrated our Constitution and infringed on our rights for 8 long years

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

SANDRA — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:18:14 GMT

SEN OBAMA HERE IN AMERICAWE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. HOW BLESS WE ARE TO HAVE YOU RUNNING FOR OUR NEXT PRESIDENT . WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU HAVE A SAFE PRODUCTIVE TRIP. OUR FORCES LOVE THAT YOU ARE THERE WITH THEM. MCCAIN AND COMPANY ARE GOING NUTS FOXHOUND ARE ON THEIR KNEES WITH LIES AND ANYTHING THEY CAN COME UP WITH. THOSE PICTURES WITH THE TROOPS ARE GREAT THEIR SMILING FACES TELLS THEIR STORY THEY ARE READY TO COME HOME.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

aleese — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:19:57 GMT

Al-Maliki clearly is intimidated by The Bush Administration, and the bluster of Senator McCain. McCain's dogged insistence upon driving the 'no surrender, win with honor' rhetoric, continues to be a false accusation leveled at the Iraqi's that they were our enemy when we invaded them 5 years ago, and still are. Yet they are innocent of any, and all wrong doing against us. Maliki knows that the aforementioned propaganda of Bush, and McCain is an attempt to cover evil American oil baron's thievery of Iraqi oil. He's caught in a juggernaut. He's running around the world looking for support for Obama's plan, because Barack has formulated it out of a sense of justice.

In addition, McCain's stubborn Iraqi talking points have nothing to do with the original mission as stated by Bush. Finding WMDs, and being greeted as liberators, has morphed into something else years after the two hugging liars victoriously announced 'mission accomplished in Iraq'!

McCain, his lobbyists, (Big Oil), Bush, Cheney, and Haliburton et al, impudently keep changing the objective, and moving the goal post for withdrawal, while continuing to fill their pockets with money soaked in blood.

Kieth Olberman took issue, (as many of you did), with the deceptive language used by Bush, that has made Maliki nervously uncomfortable. He drove home the point that a 'time horizon' means staying. He said, when moving toward the horizon, it never gets any closer.

Bush, and McCain have no intention to leave Iraq. Bush wants to stay until the wells give out, and McCain, has taken the vow 'til death do us part'!

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Independents for Obama — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:21:29 GMT

Centcom, Centcom, CENTCOM: Maliki's so-called clarification came out of CENTCOM, i.e. the US military!

(I'd be curious to know what percentage of press statements released by the Prime Minister come from CentCom.)

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

McCain=Bush=Global Agony — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:27:13 GMT

Cory in KS...why can you not wake up and acknowledge the planet is is despair, because of the lies, theft, and secrets the Dumbya Administration has exploited. Global Energy Crisis, 4000 dead Americans for oil, the largest bank foreclosure in American History, Single Family Home construction the lowest in 17 years...stock market has not seen this decline in decades, and yet you STILL try to make Obama look a fool. It is YOU that looks a fool...choosing the Grand Oil Party over the United States. Will you protect and defend Bush all the way off the edge of the cliff? Can you not see your ideas have not worked, and have in fact doomed the nation? Country before Party..for shame. Your not even fooling yourself anymore. It's not about Obama.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Rick,Ky — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:30:36 GMT

Somewhere over the rainbow!!!!!!

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

not a dem anymore — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:32:17 GMT

Since when does the White House accidentally leak anything? Was Bush talking to Maliki the day before?

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Andy — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:35:11 GMT

The Republicans trying to manipulate Maliqi in backtracking. This is embarrasing.

We need some honesty and true patriotism in America.

America needs Obama.

Republicans would love to have Obama...

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

JM, Tampa, FL — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:36:41 GMT

Hey First Read, I hope I am not being censored here :(
I feel the attached article needs to get attention, because this is a major concern - not just mine. Please read on. We need to make sure this coming election is not tampered. It's really sad when you can not trust your government.

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6189#more-6189

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Benny, SFBayArea, California — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:39:05 GMT

Our "contract" with the Iraqi government is predicated on the United Nations directive which expires at the end of this year. The basis of the agreement is that a sovereign nation (Iraq) can ask the UN-mandated "guests" to leave at any point after that but can also negotiate long-term security agreements. al-Maliki stated last week that the nation of Iraq wants these guests to leave as soon as possible. John Sydney McCain III has previously stated that once the Iraqis elect a government, that government would have the power to ask us to leave and we would be obligated to do so. So, now that the war escalation (erroneously called a surge) has given the government enough confidence to say they can take off the training wheels, we should acknowledge this fact and agree to their wishes. Our mandate has expired and a sovereign nation has emerged. To extend our presence in this country would not only violate the UN mandate but would be a violation of international law.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Beverly in Chicago — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:43:38 GMT

If Maliki feels America’s continued presence is not tantamount to an admission of defeat; rather a victory of a severe blow inflicted on al-Qaeda and the militias; why is the Bush regime spinning his statement? Whoever reads the interview can clearly determine McCain’s relentless position has been all wrong. Besides Maliki has also made it clear he is not supporting Obama. He only wants us out!
This is an obvious, unashamed, example of the media and McSame/Bush efforts to derail Obama and portray him as a photo-op candidate and inexperienced. Duel Personality McCain had the audacity for criticizing Obama as not doing his job as a Senator. Yet, once Obama does go Duel Personality McCain attacked Obama only because Obama’s position is as straight as an arrow.
Obama’s posture has been on target before the primaries even began. Iraq is a dumb war. And the Bush regime along with Duel Personality McCain and his supporters are dumb too; because WEAPONS OF THEIR MASS DECEPTIONS and victory with honor have all been (and still are nonexistent). Even both Bush and Duel Personality McCain supposedly agree more troops are needed in Afghanistan. That maneuver is more than a flip-flop. It’s following the true leader, Obama.
If it wasn’t for the Iraq invasion Al-Qaeda and the Taliban would not be in Iraq. Maliki and other Iraqi people want all foreigners out! Believe it.

BTW: That Dumb George Bush's click of the mouse is the maneuver for this blantant attempt as to why things got lost in translation. Speigel stands by their translation

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Corey, KS — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:48:57 GMT

Al-Maliki is clearly intimidated? What bs.

Some of you Obama supporters really need to get a clue. I know none of you care about what happens in Iraq, but try to pay attention along the way.

Al-Maliki has stated for months, his preference to US troops staying in Iraq to help provide security and train Iraqi forces.

The New York Times recently did a piece quoting an Iraqi General who opposed Senator Obama's withdrawal plan.

General after General from the US & Iraq have stated their prefrence of a withdrawal based on the conditions on the ground rather than withdrawing by a certain date.

The only people spinning this story is the Obama supporters who are desperately looking for anything to support his terrible plan.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Obama / Biden 08 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:49:25 GMT

I want the bush administration to explain why the Army "Central Command" sent out the rebuttal! This stinks of political manipulation by our current unprosecuted criminals in office because the Iraqi endorsement put a yank in their giddy-up.

Senator Obama has it right!

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Jim, the Mississippi Delta — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:07:19 GMT

Maliki is a puppet of the Bush Administration. He moves when Bush pulls the strings and has zero credibility.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Rose — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:14:53 GMT

McCain will accuse Maliki of not listening to General Petraeus and other commanders on the ground. He will also accuse Maliki of not "visiting" Iraq in a long time having been holed up in the Bagdad green zone.
He will cite the examples of Korea and Germany to buttress his claim that Americans should stay in Iraq indefinitely. He will spin and spin until he starts to get dizzy, poor old man.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

peter N Y — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:18:01 GMT

if those words from the iraqi prime minister is'nt understood this just shows how far behind in english and comprehension r those who did not understand what was said in that interview

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Truth2008 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:43:36 GMT

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

CENTCON is not the Iraqi Government — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:53:19 GMT

The "mistranslation" statement originated from CENTCOM.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/maliki-backs-obamas-troop-withdrawal-plan/

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Fernando Otero — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:54:08 GMT

One more time...Obama is right McCain is wrong. Is anybody keeping score?

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:56:11 GMT

Al-Maliki has stated for months, his preference to US troops staying in Iraq to help provide security and train Iraqi forces.

The New York Times recently did a piece quoting an Iraqi General who opposed Senator Obama's withdrawal plan.

General after General from the US & Iraq have stated their prefrence of a withdrawal based on the conditions on the ground rather than withdrawing by a certain date.

Corey, KS (Sent Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:48 PM)
.............................................
Perhaps you missed the news this week.

On at least three occassions this week the Iraqi's have asked us to leave as soon as possible. The administration has agreed to a timetable for withdrawal (doesn't matter what you call it). Negotiations on a Status of Forces Agreement were terminated.

Contrary to what you have in this and your other post, Obama has said that he will remove troops as carefully as possible and will consult commanders for advice.

You should have checked the papers or internet news services for the last 2 years before you posted.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Beverly in Chicago — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:03:43 GMT

Corey, KS (Sent Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:48 PM
Al-Maliki has stated for months, his preference to US troops staying in Iraq to help provide security and train Iraqi forces.

General after General from the US & Iraq have stated their prefrence of a withdrawal based on the conditions on the ground rather than withdrawing by a certain date.

The only people spinning this story is the Obama supporters who are desperately looking for anything to support his terrible plan.

=========================================================
Sorry Corey in KS

You too got lost in translation today. A few weeks back the Bush regime said the same thing about mis-translations. Do you remember that Maliki’s Deputy came and repeated it was no Mis- translation? Malki says he wants us out. Believe it.

This is not spinning the story the only people spinning this story is Bush and Duel Personality McCain and their supporters; because they have no strategy to win in Iraq. They will never have a strategy to win in Iraq, as long as there’s the Black gold and the other spoils of war in 100 years.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Mark E, Manteno, IL — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:09:14 GMT

LOL at MSDNC. You guys will NEVER accept that YOU got a story wrong, particularly a story on your candidate Obama. So you try to kill two birds with one stone in your Bush Derangment Syndrom land. Blame Bush for the media getting a story wrong. LOL. I will be laughing hard when your dying breed of liberal agenda journalism eventually goes bankrupt. You took a big step in that direction today. Keep marching.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Thomas — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:20:28 GMT

Sad... sad... liberals.

-Corey, KS

*******************************************

So up is down in your world huh? As someone said earlier, it's the republicans that are crying in Congress.

You're one of the few fish with a big hook in your mouth, still wiggling uselessly.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

GAcosta,Edgewood,Kentucky — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:21:01 GMT

This article appears to be putting the cart before the horse. Now, the question is: Has the surge been successful? It appears that the answer is a definitive "Yes"! Who pushed for the surge? Senator Obama? That answer will get you an incorrect. If we would have listen to Senator Obama, we would not be where we are today and creating a democracy in Iraq. Who would have thought! Sometimes you got to what is right instead of pander to your political base. Finally, note please that my comment went beyond name calling in which the left seems to wallow in like a pig. Go John McCain.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Elsie Shawn, Seatle, W — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:28:32 GMT

If OBAMA wins for President of USA I will kill myself. I refuse to live in my beloved America with a President under this islamic-name Barack Hussein Obama. We are AMERICA! not a Muslim country.
Wake up America!
Do not REGRET late!

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:41:53 GMT

Scheunemann, who has been among those most consistently wrong about virtually every aspect of the Iraq invasion and occupation, is the foreign policy equivalent of Phil Gramm in the McCain organization – and every bit as irresponsible.

Now Scheunemann exhibits the depth of his partisan irresponsibility. The actual "fundamental truth" is that unlike Obama, he and John McCain have been entirely wrong from the beginning, to the extent that they have exhausted any remaining credibility.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Terry, IN — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:46:43 GMT

Corey, KS

Good Trollimg!!

A Grim Fairy Tale: The Trolls Under the Bridge
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-j-elisberg/a-grim-fairy-tale-the-tro_b_113326.html

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I'm sure, by now, the generals have been instructed, by the administration, as to what to say to Obama.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Independent Texan — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:52:59 GMT

We have lost over 4000 troops in Iraq already, They aresn't ready, able or can stand on their own right now. So lets do what you dems want. Lets pull out like Obama has PROMISED you. Now..... within a year, AlQaida WILL have gone in a secured a MAJOR strong hold there. It will be a terrorist counrty. Now, you obama dems what do we do? Then you we see more attacks here in this counrty on Americans because you guy won't do sh--. besides talk. Lets see they killed almost 4000 in a matter of hours,how many Americans can they kill in 4 years ? We would have no defence under obama, cause he ONLY wants to talk. Hell if he truely had his way he would do way with the military altogether. Where does that leave us people ???? THINK!!!!!!!! Obamas plan is to indirectly to strengthen ALQaida and Terrorist groups by giving them a counrty to move into and free target practice on US soil and American Lives. And this is what YOU obama dems want !?!

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Al in LA, CA — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:03:44 GMT

McCain can try to spin all he wants, that was a clear endorsement of Obama's plan, if not of Obama himself.

McCain is going to sound very desperate all week trying to spin this.

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

joel benvaniste — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:04:20 GMT

We all want to know:

Clearly Maliki DID endorse Obama's position, and until he takes it back with HIS OWN MOUTH, how could you report otherwise?

Where's Tim when we need him?

Did Maliki endorse Obama's plan?

Patty D. Bristol Pa. — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:04:52 GMT

Of course he did! Maliki wants us out of there, the Iraqis want us out of there. Lets go! I can't wait for Bush to get out of office. It will take years to recover from his disasterous decisons.