Iraq troop withdrawal by Christmas!

[Zombie]

key word Iraq....I know that one of my previous commanders is on orders now for Afghanistan come the first of the year...he is playing people like puppets. We have troops in too many locations right now on "deployment" and more oughta be home

 

[SMS]

The initial time table for withdrawal by EOY 2011 was agreed to under the Bush admin. in 2008. The immunity question was not an Obama plan either, it was in the original agreement.

Perhaps...There is discussion that the original agreement didn't include a residual advisory force (or it at least left open the possibility of said force) and that's what we are talking about...but the final decisions were his, and he made the right ones, even when other choices were on the table. I won't attack him for that.

It won't make me vote for him for sure...but I wonder if it will sway others.

 

[Hump66]

4,400 killed and 2,000 wounded? Are these numbers right? Seems to me that there are generally more wounded than KIA.

 

[SMS]

No, that 2,000 figure isn't right...it's in the 10's of thousands.

 

[KOPBET]

...but the final decisions were his, and he made the right ones, even when other choices were on the table. I won't attack him for that.

It won't make me vote for him for sure...but I wonder if it will sway others.

Not suggesting anyone should attack him, just that he hopefully does not spin this as his.

It his his job to make the right decisions, but I think this one was pretty much made years ago. The original agreement was we leave by EOY 2011, and included legal jurisdiction provisions for any remaining troops should Iraq choose to request some remain. Iraq would never agree to that jurisdiction provision, so here we are. Iraq is essentially the one who pulled the plug, not BO.

Time to come home.

 

[HarryBear]

I'll believe it when i see it.

 

[been]

wait....Obama did something?

 

[ripnbst]

I too am in the "believe it when I see it" boat.

 

[Glocktogo]

Well, he actually can take credit for this one. It was a question of negotiating the conditions for retaining some forces in theater and the Iraqis wouldn't concede on immunity so the Pres pulled the plug.

I don't like the guy, but this was the right call.

A huge +1. He's making the best call that could be made under the circumstances.

 

[soonersfan]

The Iraqis' are taking credit for it. They said the troops are coming home because they wouldn't grant immunity. Otherwise they would be staying.