Obama urges gradual withdrawal from Iraq

[Herman Munster]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061120/ap_on_go_co/obama_iraq

CHICAGO - Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, who is contemplating a run for the presidency, on Monday called for a "gradual and substantial" reduction of U.S. forces from Iraq that would begin in four to six months.

Speaking to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Obama envisioned a flexible timetable for withdrawal linked to conditions on the ground in Iraq and based on the advice of U.S. commanders. He also called for intensified efforts to train Iraqi security forces, U.S. aid packages tied to Iraqi progress in reducing sectarian violence and new diplomacy with Syria and Iran.

"I believe that it remains possible to salvage an acceptable outcome to this long and misguided war," he said. "But I have to be honest today, it will not be easy. For the fact is that there are no good options left in this war."

Obama was not in the Senate when President Bush sought and received support from Congress in 2002 to use military force against Saddam Hussein. But he has publicly opposed the war since then.

[aquart]

1. Define effing gradual.

Once again, he tries his damnedest not to offend anybody.

OUT NOW. Tomorrow.

[mike_c]

2. I'd like to hear real justification for "gradual withdrawal...."

So far all I've seen is political cowardice. If the war is illegal, wrong, immoral, unwinnable, etc-- in other words, if withdrawal is justified-- what is to be gained by a gradual disengagement? If it's wrong a year from now, why isn't it wrong today, or tomorrow?

And the statement that Obama believes it is "possible to salvage an acceptable outcome." What does that mean? It's just politician doublespeak.

[Cha]

3. We'd be "salvaging" a lot of

Soldiers lives by leaving tomorrow..but bush and cheney need more lives sacrificed on the altar of Lies & Hubris.

[liberalpragmatist]

4. I'm not really getting the criticism here

This is a pretty detailed approach. I think people are hung up on the word "gradual," but ignore the substance of what he's saying. He's pushing for substantial reductions over the next 4 to 6 months and for the remainder to be redeployed within the country in more secure areas.

This is not far from what Wes Clark, for example, has proposed. It's more aggressive that what Hillary's proposed. And it seems to differ with Kerry's plan only with regard to a firm date.

If anything, the criticism should be that this speech isn't warmongering - it's just not all that original and pretty much in line with what most other Democrats are saying.

[eleny]

5. I hate this kind of stupid shit

Hey, Obama! Who are you going to ask to turn out the lights in the barracks?