Quote:
Originally Posted by SeattleUte
Is this article supposed to be inconsistent with Packer's? Because it's not. Have the Iraqis said, "Great idea Obama, be totally gone from here in 16 months come what may. Start ratcheting down monthly starting January 09."
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It shows that Obama's plan may be entirely consistent with what the Iraqis believe to be in their best interest as well (which dulls your argument about "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory"). The Prime Minister's statement is a remarkable one, particularly given the timing. He clearly indicates that the time is drawing near when the Iraqi government will no longer want the US to have the presence in Iraq that it currently maintains.
Obama has said (and recently reiterated) that he isn't wed to a 16 month commitment for withdrawal either (which you apparently also missed).
Obama wants us to leave expeditiously and, if possible, within 16 months. Maliki's comments seem to indicate a clear desire for the US to leave promptly as well. At the moment, Obama's statements appear far more compatible than McCain's with Maliki's statements.