Juan Cole believes Obama might not be releasing photos to keep Iraq withdrawal timetable

[mod mom]

Thursday, May 14, 2009
Obama Reversal on Torture Photos:
Is He Afraid they would Destabilize Iraq?

President Obama has reversed himself on his earlier determination not to oppose a ruling by a Federal judge that remaining photos of the torture and abuse of prisoners by the US military in Iraq. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of US troops in Iraq, appears to have made the decisive intervention with Obama on this issue.

I share Joan Walsh's dismay at this reversal.

I'm trying to think what is behind it from Obama's point of view, and I have a hypothesis. You could imagine a conversation going this way between Odierno and Obama (am rubbing my chin and that hokey wavy dream special effect is coming up on the screen):


' Odierno: Sir, with all due respect, the release of these photos will endanger US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. You must oppose the judge's ruling.

Obama: I've already made my decision on that issue.

Odierno: I thought you wanted a clean withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq.

Obama: Yes. And . . ?

Odierno: If we get a new wave of JAM and al-Qaeda attacks coming off outrage at those photos, Iraq could become unstable enough to delay the withdrawal timetable.

Obama: You're saying you might not be able to get out of the cities by July 1 of this year, or might not be able to get combat troops out by September 1 of next, if these photos are released?

Odierno: It is a real possibility.

Obama: I want our combat troops out of Iraq on the current timetable.

Odierno: I'm not sure it is realistic, sir. It sure as hell isn't if those pictures rile the Iraqis up. '

-snip

http://www.juancole.com/

[DebbieCDC]

1. Yeah well we'll see

I am getting tired of ascribing good motives when I don't see the "change" that was promised

[mod mom]

3. This one makes sense to me. I believe Obama wants to get our forces out of Iraq

not only for moral reasons, but also that the military is over stretched and financially we can't afford it. The release of the photos could escalate violence to a point that the timetable would be delayed.

[stillcool]

6. I'm not sure what 'change'

you were promised, but I can guarantee you're not going to see it. You can give it up right now. When people aren't willing to contact their own representatives regarding torture, the sponsorship and passing of bills, and every other concern they have..what's the point? Maybe 'next' time you'll get the President you want, who will do everything you want, when you want, and how you want it.. regardless of the government we have, and those that represent the people.

[ecstatic]

2. and if he doesn't meet the deadline, the left will go bezerk

not realizing that every action has a consequence.

[DS1]

4. Go? They're already there.

[mod mom]

7. and of course, we were right about our opposition to the war in the first place,

we were right about how it would cause a proliferation of hate toward this country and how there are worthy projects at home that could use the financial resources. We need to get out of Iraq, already! It's past time to end Bush's war!

[polichick]

5. Some also think it has to do with the timing of his speech in Egypt...

Gives me the creeps to see people like McCain, Lieberman and Graham applauding Obama about this.