Iraq Sees No Quick Changes Under Obama

[unhappycamper]

Iraq Sees No Quick Changes Under Obama
November 05, 2008
Associated Press

BAGHDAD - Barack Obama may say change is on the way, but many Iraqis aren't counting on an immediate shift in U.S. policy toward their country when the Democrat takes office as U.S. president.

At the same time, Iraqi officials recognize the new president-elect's perspective on the war in Iraq differs greatly from current U.S. President George Bush.

"We don't expect any change to happen overnight or any hasty change in U.S. policy and commitment toward Iraq," Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told Al-Arabiyah TV moments after Obama claimed victory over Republican John McCain.

But he acknowledged that Obama "will not have the same enthusiasm and momentum for this situation" in Iraq as Bush.

Obama opposed the Iraq invasion of 2003 and has called for a complete withdrawal of combat troops within 16 months. But Zebari suggested the situation on the ground may dictate his moves as president.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/iraq-sees-no-quick-changes-under-obama.html?col=1186032310810