21 posts tagged “politics”
In case anyone thought otherwise...
US troops to stay in Iraqi cities after June
By ROBERT H. REID – December 13, 2008
BAGHDAD (AP) — Some American troops will remain in Iraqi cities after a June 30 deadline for combat soldiers to leave urban areas, the top U.S. commander said Saturday.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions by his own spokesman that the Iraqi government may ask some U.S. troops to remain behind as trainers after the Dec. 31, 2011 deadline for the withdrawal of all American troops set by the new U.S.-Iraq security agreement.
Those comments are likely to rekindle debate here about the agreement, which was ratified by parliament last month and takes effect Jan. 1. But Iraqi voters must approve the deal in a referendum by the end of July.
Suggestions of loopholes in the withdrawal timeline could be exploited by Iraqi politicians seeking to undermine al-Maliki ahead of the referendum. A number of Sunni and Shiite politicians, as well as the powerful Shiite clergy, accepted the deal after assurances from al-Maliki that the timeline for the U.S. departure was firm.
Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of coalition forces in Iraq, told reporters that troops who serve in training and mentoring teams would not be included in the mandate to pull combat troops from the cities.
"We believe that's part of our transition teams," Odierno said at the U.S. Balad air base where he met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates. He said the training and mentoring teams would stay at urban security stations to support Iraqi soldiers and police.
He did not say how many troops would remain in urban security stations but said all locations would be coordinated with the Iraqi government based on its requirements and needs. He said repeatedly that he expects to have all U.S. troops out of Iraq by the end of 2011...
"It's important that we maintain enough presence here that we can help them get through this year of transition," Odierno said...
The Obama's.
Here's my favorite picture of our President elect and his family.
Leaving no potential avenue of attack unexplored, the Republican National Committee has decided to bash Barack Obama over his October visit to see his ailing grandmother in Hawaii.
The Mormon Church has spent $20 million to pass Prop 8, which would "eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry." The Courage Campaign Issues Committee, Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger all agree: NO ON PROP 8!
It is the final countdown!
The Tennessean's Endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President:
This newspaper believes Obama would be an inspiring choice at an extraordinary time for the nation. The country needs a fresh, energetic face in the White House. Every race for president is important, but the current confluence of events, including the war on terror, mountainous challenges in the economy and a growing strain upon the nation's health-care system make the current race a call for vigorous new approaches and enthusiasm.
Obama has managed to put a tone of optimism in his campaign at a time it would be very easy to be downhearted, worried and pessimistic. That characteristic alone goes a long way in demonstrating the kind of leadership the nation needs.
Obama has made the case effectively that his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, represents too much of the same failed policies that have plagued the nation during the Bush administration. McCain, it must be said, is a genuine military hero and an honorable candidate. His years of service both in the military and in Congress are traits any American should admire. But at this time, at this juncture, McCain does not embody the motivational leader Americans deserve for such crucial issues.
There is no question the economy is foremost on the minds of many Americans today. People are witnessing a financial system in chaos, and they are seeing their personal lives in upheaval because of the problem. People are fearful about their jobs, their retirement, their ability even to meet day-to-day needs. At the moment, the nation is still trying to get a handle on exactly what is happening in its economy, as some of the best economic minds in the country try to sift through possible solutions. Obama offers no magic wand, but he has been effective in linking the crisis to failed economic policies, and he expresses a keen understanding of how the crisis is creating hardship on American families.
Obama correctly makes the case that the nature of the war must change. He wants to see the United States shift its flawed strategy in Iraq toward a more effective approach in Afghanistan, the original front in the aftermath of 9/11. McCain insists the military surge in Iraq has succeeded. But citing success with the surge fails to acknowledge the mistakes that led to the surge that McCain wants to celebrate. Obama has articulated the bigger picture on the war better.
Further, Obama demonstrated sound judgment in selecting as his running mate Sen. Joe Biden, whose experience and knowledge of foreign policy prepare him to step in if need be as chief executive. McCain's selection of Gov. Sarah Palin, by comparison, may have shown political savvy, but at the expense of offering a vice president the country could rally around.
It would be nice to say one of the two major candidates has a sure way to fix the nation's health-care problem. Each has outlined a plan — Obama on a theme that emphasizes more access to coverage and McCain on a dramatic twist geared to allow people to shop more among private plans — but neither seems to be a convincing solution by itself. The health-care issue must remain high on the next president's agenda.
In a historical context, support of Obama might be expected to focus on his race. He is the first African-American to head a major party ticket for the presidency, which should be a source of great pride for the candidate and the country. It must be noted here. But the times and the candidate do not signal such a narrow view, where race is the overwhelming story of Obama's candidacy. Throughout a lengthy, trying campaign, Obama has simply emerged as the right person at the right time to lead the nation when leadership is at a premium. The nation could ask for no more. Obama has the opportunity to lift the United States at a time when its burdens are heavy. His campaign has carried a theme of "Yes We Can," which is exactly the message the nation needs to hear most now.
For the first time ever the LA Times has endorsed a Democratic presidential candidate. It also the first time since 1972 the paper has endorsed any candidate in a presidential election.
From the endorsement:
It is inherent in the American character to aspire to greatness, so it can be disorienting when the nation stumbles or loses confidence in bedrock principles or institutions. That's where the United States is as it prepares to select a new president: We have seen the government take a stake in venerable private financial houses; we have witnessed eight years of executive branch power grabs and erosion of civil liberties; we are still recovering from a murderous attack by terrorists on our own soil and still struggling with how best to prevent a recurrence.
We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement. We need a leader well-grounded in the intellectual and legal foundations of American freedom. Yet we ask that the same person also possess the spark and passion to inspire the best within us: creativity, generosity and a fierce defense of justice and liberty.
The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president...
