The
Washington Post reported, the other day, on a meeting with Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebarim, in which Zebari described a conversation he'd had with Obama.
The foreign minister said "my message" to Mr. Obama "was very clear. . . . Really, we are making progress. I hope any actions you will take will not endanger this progress." He said he was reassured by the candidate's response, which caused him to think that Mr. Obama might not differ all that much from Mr. McCain. Mr. Zebari said that in addition to promising a visit, Mr. Obama said that "if there would be a Democratic administration, it will not take any irresponsible, reckless, sudden decisions or action to endanger your gains, your achievements, your stability or security. Whatever decision he will reach will be made through close consultation with the Iraqi government and U.S. military commanders in the field."
London's Al-Hayat reported the same thing last week (as reported by the
Middle East Media Research Institute):
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said that U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign managers had reassured Baghdad that if Obama is elected he will not dramatically change Washington's policy towards Iraq and will take into account the opinions of the commanders in the field.
Zebari noted that this reassurance is important, in light of the widespread impression that Obama is expected to completely overturn current policy.
So, if when he actually goes through with his flip-flop on this (as these stories signal he's getting ready to do) and decides
NOT to immediately withdraw from Iraq but, instead, leave troops there as they are now to support the Iraqi military's efforts to secure the country, where are all of the 'anti-war' candidates going to go ... ?
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