Kerry: Iraq Visit Helped Focus His Views

[cal04]

Sen. John Kerry said meeting with American and British troops in Iraq on Saturday helped clear his thoughts about what needs to be done to stabilize the country and he looked forward to hearing ideas from Iraqis.

Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president in 2004 and possibly a future contender, conferred Saturday with U.S. and British officers in the southern city of Basra and with American troops in Diyala province during a nine-day Middle East tour.

``Today was very informative and very helpful in crystallizing some of my thoughts insofar as what we can negotiate ... and what needs to be accomplished,'' Kerry told The Associated Press by telephone.

``I certainly learned more about what the troops can or can't achieve,'' he said.

(snip)
Kerry declined to elaborate on how the visit affected his views on Iraq because his meetings continue Sunday. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a firsthand assessment on ``what's possible in the political dynamics.''

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6285509,00.html

[rusty charly]

1. Kerry declined to elaborate?

you're kidding

[karynnj]

2. Do you not see the reason given as valid?

"Kerry declined to elaborate on how the visit affected his views on Iraq because his meetings continue Sunday." Kerry would be a pretty poor diplomat, rather than the excellent one he is, if he stated his conclusions before having all the meetings

It also seems to be a very unreasonable thing to say about the man who has laid out detailed comprehensive plans at least 3 times on what he thinks can be done - (Sept 04 (NYU), Oct 05 (Georgetown and written as proposed legislation - not acted upon), and in April - June 2006 (NYT op-ed and Kerry/Feingold).

In 2006, the powers that be in the Democratic party did not want Iraq to be discussed - for fear of the political cost - even though the policy was wrong and it needed to be changed. Kerry thought that was immoral. He was the strongest voice speaking out.

[babylonsister]

3. karynnj, you rawk! Well said! nt

[Bluebear]

4. I think you misinterpret the post.

"Kerry declined to elaborate? You're kidding!"

As in, if you simply ask Kerry what time it is he tends to tell you for the next half hour how to build a watch. ;)

[karynnj]

5. Got it.

But, you have to respect a person knowledgable enough to tell you what has to be done on important issues rather than one who simply speaks in vague jingoistic slogans (such as Bush).