Letter of Joseph R. Biden On Federalism in Iraq

[PatSeg]

This letter was presented in Arabic to the Iraqi people.

<n recent days, there has been much attention paid to this non-binding amendment, both in the American and Arab press. I welcome debate on the amendment - the issues at stake are critically important for the people of Iraq. Unfortunately, this debate has included a great deal of misinformation - some of it from people who have clearly not read the amendment.

First, the amendment does not "partition" or "divide" Iraq. It calls for keeping Iraq together by assisting Iraqis in bringing to life the federal system enshrined in the Iraqi constitution, which leaves the choice of forming regions to the people of Iraq's 18 provinces.>

snip

<Federalism is not new to the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates is a successful example of a federation. Polls have shown that more Iraqis choose the United Arab Emirates as a model for their country than any other. Partition, or the complete break-up of Iraq, is something entirely different than federalism. I strongly oppose the partition of Iraq.>

snip

<Second, the amendment is not a foreign imposition. Iraqis already have made the decision for federalism - not division - in their Constitution.>

snip

<The Senate amendment focuses on what the United States and the international community should do to promote a political settlement in support of this decision. It does not force the Iraqi government or people to do anything.>

<Your audience also may not be aware that I am the author of a law which prohibits the establishment of permanent US military bases in Iraq or any attempts by the United States to control Iraq's oil resources.>

More - http://english.daralhayat.com/opinion/contributors/10-2007/Article-20071020-bdc3937d-c0a8-10ed-00c3-e8c41e448adf/story.html

[jillan]

1. Biden writing a letter to the Iraqi people. I am so impressed.

He truly amazes me because he cares so much.

[PatSeg]

9. I think he realizes that the Iraqi people have been

intentionally misinformed.

[Jillian]

2. I really liked this part:

Our shared objective is to end the violence, suffering, and instability in Iraq, and the threat that this instability poses to Iraq's neighbors.

[ginchinchili]

3. I rather like your other Biden quote:

"The next correct decision Bush makes... will be his first" Joe Biden. Pretty witty, and so true.

[Jillian]

6. That's Biden! Witty and truthful.

[PatSeg]

10. I love that one!

I am rather fond of sarcasm, especially when it is true.

[demommom]

4. He is a fighter,he never gives up and he is a true patriot.

:patriot:

[PatSeg]

11. I think he knows how important this election is

and I believe his motives are sincere. I really believe in him, and I'm not prone to gullibility.

[demommom]

5. kick

[Think82]

7. KIIICK!!!!!!

[gateley]

8. First of all, I love that he's addressing the Iraqi people themselves so they

can hear directly from him how he envisions the plan. That's just very respectful and to my knowledge, none of the other candidates have done so.
Of course, none of the other candidates have proposed a way out of Iraq that focuses not only on getting our troops home, but helping rebuild and heal the country.

Secondly, I did NOT know this:

<Your audience also may not be aware that I am the author of a law which prohibits the establishment of permanent US military bases in Iraq or any attempts by the United States to control Iraq's oil resources.>

This guy continues to amaze me - no US bases? Not try to control their oil resources? The U.S. can really be sincere in its desire to help and respect Iraq's sovereignty?

I mean this from the bottom of my heart - if I had heard another candidate present such a thoughtful plan, and show this respect to the Iraqi people by bring his/her message directly to them, they'd be my choice for President.

This speaks volumes about Biden. I'm even more proud to be a Biden supporter.

[PatSeg]

12. I'm sure there are a lot of corporate folks that aren't too

fond of him right now. If Biden is elected, the free ride will be over and many will be held accountable for their corruption and greeds.

[Think82]

13. KICK