France urges 2008 date for U.S. departure from Iraq

[maddezmom]

PARIS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The U.S.-led forces backing the Iraqi government should leave the country around the time of the next U.S. presidential elections, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said on Tuesday.

"There has to be the prospect of a departure by the international forces so that the Iraqis take their destiny back into their own hands," Douste-Blazy said on Canal+ television.

"I think it's obvious that it should be before (or) around the American elections" in 2008, he said.

His comments come as U.S. President George W. Bush prepares to announce a new strategy in Iraq, where U.S. forces have become mired in a worsening war that has killed more than 3,000 U.S. soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis.

more:http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L09916866.htm

[illinoisprogressive]

1. We do not like war and cowboy presidents

As a frenchperson I have to say, this is great. We just don't like wars. And we think Bush is stupid.
You should hear my mother go on about how stupid she thinks he is. And she likes to call him Hitler.

[rodeodance]

2. month after month, delay delay delay

[caligirl]

3. looks like a 6th or 7th tour for some troops.n/t