John Kerry: This Is Maliki’s Last Chance

[kerrygoddess]

John Kerry: This Is Maliki’s Last Chance
May 1st, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

Today, on the fourth anniversary of Bush’s “mission accomplished” speech, John Kerry spoke on the floor of the United States Senate on the Iraq War.



Kerry spoke out against Bush’s promise to veto the Iraq funding bill, and urged Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki to reshuffle his cabinet and fire ministers who are standing of the way of political progress in Iraq. John Kerry made clear that if this effort does not succeed, Maliki should step down.

Below are Kerry’s remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Kerry. Mr. President, four years ago today the President stood on an aircraft carrier underneath a banner that read “mission accomplished” and declared that major combat operations in Iraq were over.

When he spoke those words, 140 American troops had been killed in Iraq. Since then, over 3,200 more American troops have given their lives. Just today we learned that April was the deadliest month this year — with 104 Americans dead. With every passing day, it becomes more obvious that the President should really have said “my fellow Americans, major combat operations in Iraq are just beginning.” On that day he should have had a plan to match rhetoric with reality. But we are where we are, and it is even more tragically clear to all but a few that, if we want to accomplish our mission, we must change course.

MORE - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=5729

[Tom Joad]

1. What standing does Kerry have to ask Iraq govt. to do anything?

No more authority than Bush or any other American.

kerry's responsibility is to remove US troops from a nation invaded illegally.

[Benhurst]

2. Exactly. Thank-you.

[TayTay]

3. The standing of a US Senator who is being asked to pay for it

Both in money and in the loss of lives among American military personnel.

[karynnj]

6. The Iraq gov't wants the US govt to keep them in power

by keeping our troops there indefinately. Kerry does not have the ability to remove the troops.

[LittleClarkie]

9. He has as much authority as anyone to ASK anyone to do anything

He has no authority to TELL the Iraqi government to do anything, however.

He can only suggest.

As for removing troops, he's working on it. But he has little authority there either. He's not the president, alas.

[Major Hogwash]

4. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Bush ask for 6 more months last November?

"Just give us 6 more months."
"Give the surge a chance."
"Give my new General 6 months."
"Let's see where we are in 6 months."

Well, time's up.
The deadline has passed.

Start withdrawing the troops now.

Bush has had 4 years to "win the war in Iraq."
6 more months isn't going to make any difference.

[TayTay]

7. Yes, he asked for a "Freidman" back then

Six more months to prove that he could turn things around and establish stability in the region.

Watching Bush talk about Iraq is like watching an old viewing of "The Ten Commandments." We are at about the 9th plague and still this stubborn little king refuses to face reality and withdraw the troops. (I think it's Cheney who keeps whispering in his ear that he can't give in because history will never forgive him and others will think he is weak, like his father. sigh!)

[Clarkie1]

5. Nice to see you still around. nt

[kerrygoddess]

8. Still around...

Keeping very busy these days! Thanks!