Bush: No 'Graceful Exit' From Iraq

Al-Maliki Says Iraqi Forces Will Be 'Fully Ready' By June, But Bush Rejects Talk Of A Timetable

(CBS/AP)  President Bush on Thursday rejected calls for a measured withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, even as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, facing doubts about his ability to dampen violence, asserted that his forces could take full control by June.

A day after publication of a leaked White House memo questioning al-Maliki's leadership capabilities, Mr. Bush shared a news conference stage with him and offered what sounded like unconditional support. "He's a strong leader," President Bush said. "He's the right guy for Iraq."

Still, the president and his advisers acknowledged formidable challenges for the Iraqi leader in quelling rising sectarian violence.

"There is a real sense of urgency but there is not a sense of panic," said Stephen J. Hadley, Mr. Bush's national security adviser and the author of a leaked memo that underscored doubts about al-Maliki.

In an interview after the summit Thursday, al-Maliki told CBS News anchor Katie Couric that he was "very happy" with his meeting with President Bush.

"I reminded both of us of our victory in Iraq — the victory of democracy and freedom against dictatorship," al-Maliki said.

When al-Maliki returned back to Baghdad Thursday, he repeated the one message from recent days that Iraqis wanted to hear: "We will gradually dispense with the need to have international forces in Iraq."

But, as CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports, that word, "gradually," is an admission that Iraq's defense ministry may not be able to take on that job as soon as is expected by some. The Iraqi army now has almost 119,000 members — that's 10 divisions. Only one, responsible for a relatively stable area south of Baghdad, currently reports to Iraq's prime minister; a second is in the process of transferring command. The others are under control of the coalition and are still riddled with problems, from inadequate training to shortages of equipment, Palmer reports.

The president used the news conference in the Jordanian capital to get in front of reports that a special committee headed by former Secretary of State James A. Baker III and former Democratic Rep. Lee Hamilton would call for a phased withdrawal of troops to begin.

"I know there's a lot of speculation that these reports in Washington mean there's going to be some kind of graceful exit out of Iraq," President Bush said. But he said if there is talk of a timetable, "all that does is set people up for unrealistic expectations."

A source close to the study group tells CBS News national security correspondent David Martin that the commission's goal "is a change in the primary mission from combat to support." The bipartisan panel is expected to unveil its recommendations next week.

In an interview, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Couric that there have been questions about al-Maliki's leadership. But, she said, "This is someone when you look in his eyes, that you know his commitment to his people. You know that he has one of the most difficult jobs that one can imagine in the international system."

Al-Maliki, meanwhile, declared in an interview that Iraqi forces would soon be in a position to take over security for the country — a position U.S. officials have questioned.

"I can say that Iraqi forces will be ready, fully ready, to receive this command and to command its own forces, and I can tell you that by next June our forces will be ready," he said.

It's not the first time al-Maliki has spoken of a six-month time frame for having Iraqi soldiers and police up to speed. But his latest words could be seen as implicit OK for the U.S. to prepare for the gradual withdrawal that is expected to be recommended by the Baker-Hamilton commission.

On the Air Force One flight back to Washington, Hadley said Mr. Bush would not act immediately on Iraq policy in light of the commission's coming report, but in "weeks rather than months."

"This is an important report," he said. "We are at an important stage on the issue of Iraq and it's not something we should shoot from the hip on."

When speaking to reporters after the morning summit, President Bush's message sounded more like "stay the course" than "change the course," CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod reports.

Rising opposition to the war contributed to the Republican loss of both houses of Congress in midterm elections, and increasing calls for a change in strategy are coming from Democrats and many Republicans. Mr. Bush acknowledged the clamor and said he understood how a withdrawal might be popular.

Still, he declared, "We're going to stay in Iraq to get the job done, so long as the government wants us there."

Mr. Bush said he wanted to begin withdrawing troops "as soon as possible. But I'm a realist because I understand how tough it is inside of Iraq."

There are about 140,000 U.S. forces in Iraq. In fact, the Pentagon is developing plans to send in four more battalions — about 3,500 troops — early next year, partly to boost security in Baghdad,

Mr. Bush said he and al-Maliki agreed to speed the training of Iraqi security forces and turn over more military responsibility to Iraqis.

[olebd]

Bush says al-Maliki the "right guy for Iraq" yet yesterday there was no confidence in him.

al-Maliki says they'll think of something to curb the actions of the al-Sadr militia yet, yesterday we heard of what a strong influence al-Sadr has over Iraq.

Seems like the same old fluff we've been hearing for six months from the Pinocchio (al-Maliki) and Gepeto (Bush)

There are still no plans made after this meeting.

We desparately need an exit strategy.

[bluestardad]

American does not care about the security hand over it wants its troops home. Quit playing games with American lives!

[bluestardad]

Baghdad Bob has been brought in to help the Bush Administration and is working behind the scene to help Tony Snow polish up his presentation. It is also rumored that good ole Bob is being considered for employment on Fox News Channel.

[luvny-2009]

Shiite militia blamed for much of the country's sectarian violence and were told by al-Maliki that controlling the group was no "big deal."

I agree they are fighting US not them. They want us out of there completely but Bush wants to keep his foot in the door for OIL. We have created a magnet there for terrorists.

[mrthornman]

This is such a ******* mess.

[uglicoyote]

Maliki, yer doin a heckuva Job.

[gramto7]

Duhbya, yer doin' a heckuva job, too! NOT!!!

[tomar0317]

More words, words, words. The only action is no action. A time table for the the Iragi government to show responsibility and our exit is long over due. It's time for the Iragi people to stand up for themselves.

[observantx]

What we and the rest of the world needs is for Fearless Leader and his handlers to make their own graceful exit. I propose that on January 20th, when the newly elected Congress is sworn in that boy George and his theocon cabal resign. The Speaker of the House becomes the president (Yes, I know that is Ms. Pelosi, hang on a second) and we move on.

As for having Pelosi & company in charge, how could they possibly mess it up any more than it already has been? Any average man or woman on the street who has a record of paying their bills, staying out of trouble and raising decent kids could do better than our current clueless and deluded wannabe king.

Pelosi would not be my choice, but right now ANYONE not connected to this gang of thugs is preferable. Any other suggestions on replacements for our miserable failure of a president?

[tj1504]

On Saturday, Al-Jazeera, the Arab satellite television news service, quoted Faleh Hasan Shanshal, al-Sadr's political aide, as saying, "We have asked al-Maliki to cancel his meeting with Bush. . . . We will suspend membership in parliament and the cabinet if he goes ahead." This was taken to mean that the al-Sadr group would withdraw its support from Iraq's coalition government and precipitate a political crisis.

[tj1504]

To stay in office, Maliki needs the backing of al-Sadr's 30 deputies in the 275-member Iraqi parliament. Furthermore, though not in the government himself, Moqtada al-Sadr effectively controls two government ministries -- health and transportation.

[tj1504]

Bush is expected to press for tougher action by the Iraqi authorities to suppress the growing sectarian violence by rival Sunni Muslim and Shiite militia. The Wall Street Journal reported that the president also will propose a Middle East conference on Iraq, presumably involving Syria and Iran. Vice President *** Cheney is currently in Saudi Arabia pushing the same proposal, according to the paper.

[tj1504]

Maliki will urge Bush to establish a timetable for the U.S. troop withdrawal, according to a well-informed Western source in Baghdad who asked not to be named.
Spiraling sectarian violence last week claimed the lives of more than 200 Shiite Muslims in a series of insurgent bomb attacks in Sadr City, Baghdad's sprawling, populous Shiite slum. On Friday, in an apparent reprisal, Shiites -- reportedly members of al-Sadr's militia, the black-clad Mahdi Army -- attacked four Sunni mosques in Baghdad, and there were more attacks in the northern town of Tal Afar, with an overall death toll in both locations of 53. Addressing a meeting Saturday, al-Sadr again called for a timetable for U.S. withdrawal, blaming the American presence for the fighting.

[tj1504]

Despite Sadr's threat to Maliki, the White House said the meeting would be take place as planned. In Baghdad, the Western source said Maliki -- a secular Shiite -- is still planning to attend the summit. Cancellation would reinforce Sunni criticism that he favors the Shiites, and even that he is in al-Sadr's pocket. Shiites make up 60 percent of Iraq's population; Sunnis around 12 percent.

[tj1504]

If al-Sadr's threat turns out to be real, and not mere political posturing, Iraq's first elected government under last year's new, U.S.-brokered constitution could collapse. But in the Middle East things are rarely what they seem: the source said there is a feeling in Baghdad that Maliki and the fiery young cleric could have planned the showdown. If the government is forced to resign Maliki could remain as caretaker until the political crisis is resolved. He would then have a free hand to crack down on Sunni Takfiris (jihadist fighters) and Saddamists, supporters of the deposed and sentenced dictator.

[tj1504]

As prime minister, Maliki is forced by Washington and the political situation on the ground to be even-handed in confronting unrest. According to reports, the Bush administration, as part of a reconciliation effort, wants him to offer amnesty to Sunni insurgents who renounce violence (but not to al-Qaida terrorists). But as the bloodshed worsens, the idea of Sunni killers going free becomes increasingly unpalatable to Iraq's Shiite majority.

[tj1504]

Sources say Shiite leaders like al-Sadr want to take advantage of American uncertainty over what to do next in Iraq to crack down on Sunni insurgents. The Sunnis, for their part, have also stepped up their attacks in the hope of tipping the country into civil war before the Bush administration decides to increase the number of American troops in Iraq, when open insurgency would become more difficult.

[tj1504]

The major imponderable in an all-out attempt by Maliki to defeat the Sunni insurgency is the reliability of the Iraqi security forces. When fighting broke out Friday between Sunni gunmen and members of al-Sadr's Mahdi army, Iraqi troops were powerless to stop it without the help of U.S. forces and helicopters. "We could not intervene, not the army nor the police, the fighting was too heavy," an Iraqi Ministry of Defense spokesman was quoted as saying. "We called in American troops for reinforcement. They were able to stop the fighting."

[tj1504]

"We called in American troops for reinforcement. They were able to stop the fighting."

[tj1504]

real news ...


NoT THIS CBS Cra99..

[tj1504]

NO sh!7 dose that mean we are winning

[getcentered]

"Bush Vows To Speed Iraq Security Handover"

Oh NOOOOOO!!!!

DID SOMEONE SAY CUT AND RUN?
OR Gracful Exit,
This war is the Iraqis fault,

"Is them children learning?... We will be hailed as liberators...stay the course... mission acomplished...the insurgency is in its last throes...we know exactly where the weapons are...iraqi oil will pay for rebuilding...We are winning.................

[tj1504]

getcentered you are CR@66,


there is no way we can cut and run......

[rsoxfan1123]

TJ1504-"tipping" the country into civil war...? the dictionary definiton of a civil war is "a war within a country between two factions". there is no specific number of particpants required, although it is hard to imagine there aren't enough people fighting in Iraq to qualify it. even colin powell has admitted it.
since al maliki is a shiite, it is hard to imagine he will ultimately oppose al sadr. the biggest western mistake is underestimating the importance of religious ties in the arab world of the middle east. these people are sunni/shiite first, Iraqi countrymen second.

[rsoxfan1123]

"cut and run" are nasty words for admitting what a huge mistake Iraq was and refusing to throw more money and lives into this cesspit. it was hard to admit in viet nam as well, but the longer we "stay the course" (or "go long") the more maimed and killed americans there will be. sometimes it takes a bigger man to admit he made a mistake than to run a country into the dirt.

[tj1504]

Rox, you all most have it%u2026
Iraqis R loial to there clan, religion then country yes duhu..


As far as civil war no no and not yet.
What dictionary,,,
Civil war first you need a number of groups (usually 2) that are seeking to win power by an armed struggle.
EX. A separatist group attempting to over throw the gov typically and install there own leader/gov system we do not have that hear

We have a multitude of small gangs think mafia (up to 5,000) personnel the majority of the violence is West or in the capital..
And yes there are foreign fighters and terrorist

[tj1504]

Suppose I go and get a beer form the fridge and voila we are gone from Iq %u2026
What do you think will happen ??

[tj1504]

http://struggle.ws/wsm/ws/2003/ws78/iraq.html

[tj1504]

"It should take more to make peace than to prevent war. The sword once drawn, full justice must be done. 'Indemnification for the past and security for the future,' should be painted on our banners." --Thomas Jefferson to Robert Wright, 1812. ME 13:184

[rsoxfan1123]

TJ1504- you almost have it. the war is between the sunni and shiite factions for control of the country. it is not simply about "armed gangs patrolling the streets". the death squads are often trained and funded by the US (de facto Iraqi military)and are shiite, while the sunnis want control of their country back. sadam hussein was sunni. since the sunnis are a minority, and the Iraqis vote along religious lines, bringing democracy to Iraq amounted to placing the shiites in power. (Iran and syria are 90% shiite as well, so a splendid anti-american alliance will form there as soon as we pull out between Iraq, Iran and syria.)
the clans are organized along religious lines as well. try a webster's dictionary under "civil war".

[tj1504]

rsoxfan

You have to look down range not 2yrs not 5yrs think about this area in 15yrs time ....

[rsoxfan1123]

TJ1504- in 15 years Syria, Iran and Iraq will be an allied shiite alliance that hates us. Ironically enough, we will have created this with anti-american alliance with american blood. since hussein was a sunni, it balanced power in the region.

[tj1504]

its unstable now
THERE ARE WMD IN THE region soon to have nukes, correction some of the countries in the middle east already have them at least 2
We need to finish the job and not let the terrorist win

[tj1504]

you dont think the power to vote in a political system will not..?? think tr

[rsoxfan1123]

TJ1504- the power to vote equals putting the shiites in power. they vote along religious lines. these are not western people we are dealing with.

[tj1504]

Correct we should play the sides%u2026 and pick a winner and support them
The old cold war trick%u2026. Good idea
Then we can run away

You don%u2019t think that the people have the ability to pick a competent leader
Or you don%u2019t believe in the fundamentals that our nation was founded on

[rsoxfan1123]

its unstable now
THERE ARE WMD IN THE region soon to have nukes, correction some of the countries in the middle east already have them at least 2
We need to finish the job and not let the terrorist win

Posted by TJ1504 at 11:03 AM : Nov 30, 2006

the WMD are in N Korea and soon Iran, since they know we are so tied up in Iraq we can only sit and watch. ironically enough, we gave two countries that hate us the opportunity to develop nukes when we sent our whole military on this wild goose chase in Iraq.

[tj1504]

There not western%u2026 yu don%u2019t say they don%u2019t speak English%u2026 ultimately there will be more issues that religion

[rsoxfan1123]

You don%u2019t think that the people have the ability to pick a competent leader
Or you don%u2019t believe in the fundamentals that our nation was founded on

Posted by TJ1504 at 11:07 AM : Nov 30, 2006

these are not western people. no, they won't pick their leaders based on anything other than religion. look around and use common sense.

[tj1504]

Are you advocating military action ,, get som

[tj1504]

Yes or no the middle east is of strategic importance ?

[tj1504]

If I look around I see consternate wire what do you see

[rsoxfan1123]

TJ1504-we have our middle eastern strategic allies in jordan and saudi arabia. throwing Iraq into chaos and tying our military up was stupid.

[tj1504]

Well that is the way you feel%u2026 BTW kwait and UAE are in the alliance
Are we in a war or not pls tell me professor ?

[observantx]

The president and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also pressed the prime minister to disband a heavily armed Shiite militia blamed for much of the country's sectarian violence and were told by al-Maliki that controlling the group was no "big deal."

NO BIG DEAL?

That statement shows that there are three possibilities here. Either al-Maliki is as clueless as Fearless Leader, he is in control of the militia, or it is in control of him.

Either of these conditions spells disaster. If al-Maliki is clueless about the dangers of the militias, he can do nothing to eradicate them. Disbanding and disarming the militias is the only way to secure any resemblance of peace in Iraq. If a-Maliki is controlling the militias, then he is responsible for the carnage in his country. If so, he is as murderous and treacherous as Saddam Hussein. If he is being controlled by the militias, we have entrusted a puppet with rebuilding the mess we have created. We are talking to the wrong man.

[frankly6]

Why is the summit on security in Iraq being held in Jordan. Can't they hold a security summit on Iraq in Iraq?

[rsoxfan1123]

TJ1504-Iraq is in a war between the sunnis and shiites. our troops are standing in the middle trying not to get their arms, legs and head blown off. kuwait and the United Arab Emirate have nothing to do with this mess. this is bush's brainchild.

[patriotic9]

A Secular Dictator in the Middle East is much better then a democratically elected Religious Radical.

[tj1504]

Why is the summit on security in Iraq being held in Jordan. Can't they hold a security summit on Iraq in Iraq?


Bush has been to IQ

what is your point

[rsoxfan1123]

observantX- al maliki is a shiite. enough said.