Iraqi Official Says Government Wants Timetable for Withdrawal - WaPo

[rndmprsn]

hmmm...how are the repukes going to explain their STRATEGY FOR STAYING IN IRAQ even after the Iraqis now want us to leave?

going to get interesting.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070801311.html

BAGHDAD, July 8 -- Iraq's national security advisor said Tuesday that his government would not sign an agreement governing the future role of U.S. troops in Iraq unless it includes a timetable for their withdrawal.

The statement was the strongest yet by an Iraqi official regarding the politically controversial negotiations between Iraq and the United States over the U.S. military role in Iraq. A United Nations mandate that sanctions the presence of U.S. troops in the country expires in December.

Speaking to reporters in the holy city of Najaf, National Security Adviser Mowaffak al-Rubaie declined to provide specific dates, but said his government is "impatiently waiting" for the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops.

"There should not be any permanent bases in Iraq unless these bases are under Iraqi control," Rubaie said. "We would not accept any memorandum of understanding with side that has no obvious and specific dates for the foreign troops' withdrawal from Iraq."

On Monday Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki issued a statement saying his government was inclined to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United States that included a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops...

...The Bush administration has long opposed a firm timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, arguing that the American military should leave only when Iraq's security forces are capable of securing the country and that setting a pullout date would allow insurgents to lay low until after U.S. troops were gone.

[Bullet1987]

1. This will go unreported

1. The Corporate/Media powers don't now and never have cared what the Iraqi government wants. All that talk about being in Iraq to help the Iraqis was a bullshit talking point...but they don't want this out because if they do pump it up it means we're not wanted there. And why shed more blood in a place where we're not wanted? Unless of course you want to be viewed as an Imperial force (which is how many foreigners view us anyway...but most Americans don't see it that way).

2. It plays to Obama's strength. He's been talking about a timetable for months now...and the corporate MSM doesn't want to give him any kind of advantage over their Golden Child McJoke.

[Renew Deal]

3. I heard it today on 1010 WINS in NY

So you're wrong.

[Bullet1987]

5. You know exactly what I'm talking about

CNN, MSNBC, and FAKE

It may be mentioned, but it won't recieve the attention it deserves.

[Renew Deal]

6. OK, Tivo all of their newscasts tonight.

I'm coming over. :popcorn: :D

[bunnies]

2. k&r. Obama should be shouting this from the rooftops. nt

[rndmprsn]

7. thats what i'm saying!

[Renew Deal]

4. This is great news

for us and the Iraqi's.

[grantcart]

8. and it isn't the first time they have said it either