AMMAN, Jordan, July 21, 2008
Obama's Balancing Act Abroad
In The Middle East, Obama Juggles Troop And Territory Issues That Are Delicate And Potentially Explosive
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Eye To Eye: Obama's Iraq Tour
"Only On The Web": Katie Couric speaks with Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, about the short and long term implications of Barack Obama's tour of Iraq.
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Presidential candidate Barack Obama greets Gen. David Petraeus in Baghdad. Photo released by the U.S. army, (AP Photo/Ssg. Lorie Jewell)
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Obama in the Mideast
Democratic presidential hopeful holds talks in Iraq, Afghanistan
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Barack Obama
A look at the life and meteoric rise of the president-elect.
During the primaries, Obama built his candidacy on the premise that he believed the Iraq War was a mistake he opposed all along. As he said: "a war that never should have been authorized. A war that I believe should never should have been waged."
Now he faces a delicate balancing act.
"What he has to do is pull off two difficult tricks," said President of the Council On Foreign Relations Richard Haass. "One is to be sympathetic to the troops there. At the same time, he's been critical of the policy. And secondly, he has to show some consistency with his policy. At the same time, he has to adapt to change. Pulling that off is obviously the political challenge in the immediate time frame that he faces."
Obama says he'd withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq within the first 16 months of his presidency. But later he gave himself flexibility by saying that after he talked to commanders on the ground he would "refine" his policies.
That's reassuring to some Iraqis who fear being abandoned by the United States.
"They don't like fast withdrawal because they are afraid of consequences, they are afraid (it will) create a vacancy that will be used by terrorists," said Dr. Mahmoud Othman, a member of Iraqi parliament.
Not only did Obama oppose the war, he opposed the surge - the addition of some 30,000 troops last year - saying it wouldn't work.
He said on Face The Nation in January of 2007: "We can send 15,000 more troops, 20,000 more troops, 30,000 more troops. I don't know any ... expert on the region or any military officer that I've spoken to privately that believes that that is going to make a substantial difference on the situation on the ground."
John McCain is now citing this as a major error in judgment.
"He was wrong when he said the surge wouldn't succeed," McCain said. "He was wrong when he said an increase in troops would do no good."
But the success of the surge - it has brought violence in Iraq way down - has paved the way for Obama to propose sending in as many as 10,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.
Violence there is on the rise. Terrorist attacks are up 40 percent this year. More U.S. troops were killed in Afghanistan in May and June than in Iraq. The Taliban are back - and al Qaeda is making its presence known across the border in Pakistan, launching attacks virtually unchallenged.
Often called The Forgotten War, Sen. Obama has pledged to make Afghanistan the focus of the war on terror.
Throughout his trip this week, from Kabul to London, Barack Obama will have to deal with anti-American anger and resentment that's grown since the invasion of Iraq.
Jordan is no exception. About half the population there is Palestinian, and many believe the war on terror will never be won unless the United States addresses the Arab-Israeli conflict.
That's precisely what Obama will try to do when he travels to Israel.
For the first time in years, there are some glimmers of hope in the Arab-Israeli stalemate.
All that as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been shuttling to the region to try to broker a peace deal in the final months of the Bush Administration.
Both sides in the conflict want a signal that a president Obama would be involved and engaged from the very beginning.
"You cannot leave a political vacuum," said Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Palestinian legislative council. "Here, that gets filled by violence,"
"As far as the Middle East is concerned, should Obama be elected, he won't have 100 days of mercy. The issues are burning, they are critical, they need experience, they need deep wisdom - simplistic ideas, slogans will not work here," said Haaretz columnist Ari Shavit.
Israel wants assurances its special relationship with the United States will continue. And last month, Obama tried to do just that when he spoke before a powerful American-Jewish group about one of the most contentious issues.
"And Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided," he said.
But the next day, he seemed to backtrack.
"It's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues. And Jerusalem will be part of the negotiations," he said.
Whether Israel will share Jerusalem is just one issue. There is also the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees who lost their homes in 1948, when Israel was founded.
But beyond the Palestinian Question, Israel and the United States now see an even greater threat to the region's stability looming: a nuclear Iran.
Officials in Israel estimates Iran will be able to build a bomb as early as 2009, and worldwide concerns over a preemptive Israeli military strike are rising.
"Right now, Iran is on the march," Shavit said. "We have not seen America and Europe able to stop it. We've not seen a real change of heart in Tehran; we've not seeing the Iranians where they feel they're paying a high price for their endeavor, which is a dramatically dangerous endeavor."
All these issues will be on the table when Obama continues his whirlwind tour. But the ultimate success of this trip will be measured back home, with American votes, on Nov. 4, 2008.
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See all 137 Comments%u201CI am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse.%u201D
Barack Obama
January 10, 2007
Obama was dead wrong then -
He is dead wrong now.
This will be gone in 3, 2, 1 . . .
Edward R Murrow and the rest of the giants of news journalism are rolling over in their graves.
What was once the Tiffany network has become just another K-Mart bargain basement bin.
The loony-left MSM describes this as a "tough" and "challenging" trip. This is clearly an effort to set the bar so low that even a Kerry-like shallow, arrogant, platitude-spouting, inexperienced, elitist, flip-flopping gas-bag, who is so mentally deficient from extensive drug use he even has to plagiarize his hollow platitudes, can pass it.
Sorry, hussein sycophants of the MSM - but everybody can see right through this phony trip for what it really is: an insubstantial PR tour for a self-promoting narcissist.
Unfortunately, the loony-left MSM will continue to treat hussein as if he has already been elected/appointed president -- showing that they have now fully and completely abandoned all journalistic ethics and will do anything to ensure victory for TheOne.
This will be gone in 3, 2, 1 . . .
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Posted by SamTheTVCat at 07:31 PM : Jul 21, 2008
One of my posts got pulled tonight. Seems to happen on a regular bases, and I''m not saying anything bad. I have no idea why they remove posts.
%u201CI am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse.%u201D
Barack Obama
January 10, 2007
Obama was dead wrong then -
He is dead wrong now.
Posted by OneAmerican- at 07:01 PM : Jul 21, 2008
To err is human but to invade a country and have no post invasion plan on how to bring that country under control and as a result have over 4000 US soldiers killed is absolutely unforgivable.
The hypocrisy of Bush supporters is simply too much. That freaking b.astards of a president can make all the mistakes he wants but god forbid the people who want to replace get a few things wrong.
Trillions upon trillions of dollars gone down the drain but god forbid if Obama comes with a plan to help Americans that might end up costing 15 billions or so.
Obama is first and foremost a scholar and so are most of his friends: Philosophers and thinkers who''re trying to figure out the best way forward.
Bush and his friends are the ones who can only think of how much money they can make for themselves even if it means sending jobs overseas, or having a bogus war.
Ann then they pretend to love their country and countrymen more than others. What a bunch of crooks.
I don''t think Barack needs to prove anything - because this election seems to be more about getting out of Iraq than anything else. The first sign of hope that that might become a reality, and people are seizing on it and clinging to it in desperation like it''s a liferaft.
I don''t think anybody cares whether Barack controls the media, or whether he never says anything other than platitudes, or whether all he does is shoot hoops. Nobody cares if he''s using redeployment of a brigade to Afghanistan to make himself look tough. People just want out of Iraq. Period. That''s all. Anybody who pushes the ball forward to that end, even if it''s an accident of circumstance gets peoples'' support.
I think that''s how he beat Hillary, and it looks like that''s how he''s going to be McCain. Like I guess this election if summed up in one concept would be fatigue.
The alarming part is that the war in Iraq and Afghanistan are being viewed through the filter of a political campaign rather than on the merits. Not sure about that . . .
Posted by AJMarine111
One of the censors routinely removes posts that call Barack names like ''creepy''. I''ve found that when I take the time to lay out the fact that Barack is apparently controlling media access and is only releasing select clips such as him playing basketball as opposed to clips of his dialogue between the world leaders such that the public is deprived of the full view of Barack probably missing 5 shots before he finally hit the basket and of Karzai probably rolling his eyes at Barack''s lack of preparation for the meeting, that sort of message will go through.
I feel like people should be allowed to call politicians that the censor likes ''creepy'' though. It''s not like I''m calling people on the board creepy. Anyway . . .
"In The Middle East, Obama Juggles Troop And Territory Issues That Are Delicate And Potentially Explosive"
Oh, but of course they''re "delicate and potentially explosive" matters. Only "experts" and those geniuses at the White House should handle these most complicated situations.
Everyone else is just too d.umb for them. Everyone who''s not part of the establishment please move over and don''t get in the way of these rocket scientists we have running the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Arab-Israeli issue, and Iran, because they''re doing such a wonderful and intelligent job.
Oh, goodness, why would anyone else would want to tackle this "delicate and potentially explosive" issues and get us into trouble?
Posted by VastR-WCon
That''s what makes me wonder about people - like his supporters if pushed to give their opinion on whether they actually agree with that sentiment likely would because it''s objectively true, although his supporters would probably phrase it in more flattering terms.
I just don''t think people care that he''s like that . . . so all the frenzy must be about something else. Withdrawal?
"I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse."
Barack Obama
January 10, 2007
Obama was dead wrong then -
He is dead wrong now.
Posted by rharrin1 at 08:00 PM : Jul 21, 2008
You are talking about basic training - not a self-sufficient National Army and Police force built from the ground up.
Despite your ignorance on the subject, believe it or not, there is a vast difference.
%u201CI am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse.%u201D
Barack Obama
January 10, 2007
Obama was dead wrong then -
He is dead wrong now.
Posted by OneAmerican- at 07:01 PM : Jul 21, 2008
To err is human but to invade a country and have no post invasion plan on how to bring that country under control and as a result have over 4000 US soldiers killed is absolutely unforgivable.
The hypocrisy of Bush supporters is simply too much. That freaking b.astards of a president can make all the mistakes he wants but god forbid the people who want to replace get a few things wrong.
Trillions upon trillions of dollars gone down the drain but god forbid if Obama comes with a plan to help Americans that might end up costing 15 billions or so.
Obama is first and foremost a scholar and so are most of his friends: Philosophers and thinkers who''''re trying to figure out the best way forward.
Bush and his friends are the ones who can only think of how much money they can make for themselves even if it means sending jobs overseas, or having a bogus war.
Ann then they pretend to love their country and countrymen more than others. What a bunch of crooks.
Posted by whiskyrocker
That''s why I was against the surge, but as a civilian I didn''t really ''get'' the whole argument about surging to bring about calm such that the troops could come home in a way that left everybody feeling good. I feel now like even if Iraq becomes a cesspool after we leave, the troops''ll have that so I''m glad McCain didn''t listen to the rest of us in that respect . . .
"I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse."
Barack Obama
January 10, 2007
Obama was dead wrong then -
He is dead wrong now.
I have heard others say that they think it might be a "bug" or something in the system. It isn''t always because they have intentionally "pulled" it. Who knows?
And here is the kicker, the so-called conservatives are already blaming him for stuff, such as high gas prices and the failing dollar, as if he had been the president for the last 8 years and now they are going to hold him responsible. It is so bizarre!
It really looks like this guy is going to be president.
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Posted by erasmus81
You always know when they are deleting your posts, because as soon as you post again, they will delete it within seconds. It is quite arbitrary. I have seen some of the most racist stuff left in tack in the process. It all depends on who is suddenly monitoring.
"I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse."
Barack Obama
January 10, 2007
Obama was dead wrong then -
He is dead wrong now.
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Posted by OneAmerican- at 08:08 PM : Jul 21, 2008
+ report abuse
The entire premise of the "Surge", was to allow us to "Leave" Iraq, this according to Shrub himself. Now that the "Surge" was such a success, Pappy and Shrub insist we can''t leave.......so what was the success???
The Democratically elected Government of Iraq wants us to leave, the Iraqi people want us to leave, the American people want us to leave, so the only ones demanding we stay are the Neocon Nazis......
Must have something to do with that Pesky and Elusive Iraq/Pakistan Border referenced by Pappy on the Nooz this morning.......ROLMMFAO
$1 Trillion wasted in Iraq so that we in the USA can have $4 plus gas, runaway inflation, and a housing depression. Those that vote Republicon are directly to blame for all that now ails the US economy.
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Posted by donnie500 at 08:20 PM : Jul 21, 2008
+ report abuse
Good 50''s Sci-Fi reference, Chester......
**********
Not when you need one.
What happened to immediately? Isn''t that what he said before? On another article, he said that it would depend on what was happening. They may have to stay longer.
I have had my posts deleted many times. It amazes me that ANYONE would allow the racist ones to remain.
What happened to immediately? Isn''''t that what he said before? On another article, he said that it would depend on what was happening. They may have to stay longer.
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Posted by erasmus81 at 08:26 PM : Jul 21, 2008
+ report abuse
I believe he''s said his intent all along is to extracate us from this Clusterf**k as soon as possible, while of course using common sense in it''s execution. This is in direct opposition to Pappy and his Hero, Shrub. They didn''t build massive Air Bases there to walk away. They want and intend to stay forever, or until all the Oil''s gone, whichever comes first......
"In The Middle East, Obama Juggles Troop And Territory Issues That Are Delicate And Potentially Explosive"
Oh, but of course they''re "delicate and potentially explosive" matters. Only "experts" and those geniuses at the White House should handle these most complicated situations.
Everyone else is just too d.umb for them. Everyone who''s not part of the establishment please move over and don''t get in the way of these rocket scientists we have running the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Arab-Israeli issue, and Iran, because they''re doing such a wonderful and intelligent job.
Oh, goodness, why would anyone else would want to tackle this "delicate and potentially explosive" issues and get us into trouble?
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Posted by rharrin1 at 08:29 PM : Jul 21, 2008
+ report abuse
A point I''ve tried to make since day one......
Posted by erasmus81 at 08:26 PM : Jul 21, 2008
_______________________
"When they say they want us out, we will leave."
George Dumbya Bush - May 2007
Well guess what. Nouri Al-Maliki said yesterday that they want us to leave in 16 months. That just happens to be what Obama said.
When, exactly, did the U.S. entered into a "special relationship" with Israel, and why? Did the American public have input in this? Considering that the U.S. gives Israel billions of dollars in aid every year, what reciprocal actions has Israel done on America''s behalf?
England? Yes. Israel? Hmmm...
Posted by donnie500 at 08:46 PM : Jul 21, 2008
_______________________
He already did; he sent over 4100 Americans to their deaths, and millions of Iraqi. It''s called the war in Iraq.
Posted by donnie500 at 08:43 PM
You mean like Bush and Cheney who didn''t serve, or McSame that destroyed five jets while training, graduated near the bottom of his class, and then spent the rest of his military career as a captured prisoner?
Yea, I know what you mean.
Posted by incog-nito at 08:45 PM : Jul 21, 2008
________________________
The billions we send to the Zionist state Israel could easily be used to help our own people, maybe starting with New Orleans.
Posted by donnie500 at 08:50 PM
Clutch your gun or crucifix tighter hon. I hear it helps.
_______________
Not only stupid, but highly inaccurate. He was a very good lawyer and president of the Harvard Law Review, and ran a successful campaign for the Senate, professor of law at Harvard and a successful campaign for the Democratic Presidential nomination. And you, what are your achievements? Did you make it to be someone''s secretary yet?
Posted by donnie500 at 08:57 PM : Jul 21, 2008
____________________
You have a lot of class - but it''s all low.
Posted by donnie500 at 08:59 PM : Jul 21, 2008
________________
If it were not for low class you would have no class at all!
Posted by orange129 at 09:10 PM : Jul 21, 2008
________________
Good for you; why don''t you get on that site? Maybe you can get a date.
Change%u2026%u2026 let''s take exhausted troops form Iraq. (Bush''s War)
And move them to Afghanistan, it''s not the same, a liberal''s demanding blood a solider.
What''s the difference, middle oil east is middle oil east.
Obama, is a racist, bigot!
No change!
Obama is a Millionaire...
How much are you worth?
You think, any politician cares about you?
You are that stupid?
When was the last time you declared yourself "Green" and flew you 337 jet around the world?
Democrats = afganistan.
Americans= ZERO
Raise our taxes.....
He''s out for the poor black man!
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