Latest Clarification: Al-Maliki Supports 'US Troop Pullout By 2010'

A day after attempting to walk back previous professions in favor of a timeline for an end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq, the Iraqi government has once again stipulated their preference for such a timeline. According to the Associated Press, this morning, an Iraqi "government spokesman" stated that they are "hopeful that U.S. combat forces could be out of the country by 2010."

This latest announcement comes in the wake of Barack Obama's arrival in Baghdad:

The time frame is similar to Obama's proposal to pull back combat troops within 16 months. The Iraqi government has been trying to clarify its position on a possible troop withdrawal since al-Maliki was quoted in [Der Spiegel] last week saying he supported Obama's timetable.

The AP report concludes with this reference to the Der Spiegel article: "The Iraqi government later said the prime minister's remarks were misinterpreted." This seems to cast doubt unnecessarily, however, as the spokesman who reinforced the Iraqi government's desire for withdrawal is the same person who initially participated in the walk-back, Ali al-Dabbagh. Previously, the New York Times had al-Dabbagh on the record saying, "Unfortunately, Der Spiegel was not accurate. I have the recording of the voice of Mr. Maliki. We even listened to the translation."

The AP doesn't connect the dots, but seeing as this new clarification comes straight from al-Dabbagh, it would seem that the walk-back has been walked back.

Moreover, al-Maliki has, over the past few weeks, actually moved closer to Obama's position on withdrawal, now suggesting that "U.S. combat forces could be out of the country by 2010." Previously, the al-Maliki government had said, "It can be 2011 or 2012...We don't have a specific date in mind, but we need to agree on the principle of setting a deadline." Again, the one constant throughout all of these "clarifications" is the spokesman, al-Dabbagh.

Comments

[SaltySaltillo]

Obama hasn't even won yet, and he has already shifted the frame of reference for Bush and McCain away from "if" and to "when." That is rather amazing in and of itself...

[independent32955]

and yet THEY still call Obama inexperienced and/or lacking sound judgment. Go figure.

[Underthematrix]

I can't wait to see what happens to oil production and oil prices once Obama visits the King of Jordan. Cause you know McCain is now blaming him for US gas prices. McCain stupidly goaded Obama into visiting Iraq and now the Bush administration is talklng about a "time horizon". McCain called Obama an appeaser regarding his willingness to negotiate with our "enemies" and now the Bush adminstration has joined the European- Iranian negotiations. So I figure we can expect oil prices to drop shortly now that McCain - bless his heart has blamed Obama for high gas prices.

[lthuedk 1]

Lets get some journalists with some courage on the ground in Iraq to get us the truth.

[BatedBreath]

That would be 17 months from now. Gee, that's pretty close to 16 months, isn't it?

[Bluejay00234]

LMAO! Boy you people really love to reading those FACTS huh. Good job.

[abouttime]

Apparently the mainstream media is unwilling to allow Bush the censorship for leaving Iraq that it disasterously displayed into its lead-up.
(The Iraqi election will be interesting if Maliki is branded a liar and supporter of Bush/McCain? Al Sadre is in contention for a nationalist and pupular upset.)
The Iraq war is a disaster for Bush neocon artists. They will retire in some obscure country with their blood money intact - IF the next administration and Congress do not pursue and prosecute and push for war crimes against these sick, pathetic war profiteers.
US troops and mercenaries OUT OF IRAQ.
Fund hard-working Americans with peace benifits.

[rasthedestroyer]

What's with the photo. Sen. O. and the flag. where's Al-Maliki. I thought this was a photo-op?? HuffPo whatcha doin???

[BatedBreath]

It's satire, I guess.

[crusty]

More "inartful" statements, eh, Mr. McCain?

[IRepTheKing]

I wish they had a camera on McCain when he heard the news about Iraq wanting a timeline. That would have been priceless.

[mercuryguy]

lol

[Coinyer101]

everyone agrees with obama except mccain and lieberman.how long will republicans allow these two to make a mockery out of the gop?

[Shelly1970]

Believe me, they don't need McCain or Lieberman to make a mockery of themselves. If there's one thing they've been good at over recent years, it's precisely that.

[independent32955]

no in actuality, they NEED Mccain this election.. they need a moderate right winger to lose so they can make a stronger argument to their base in 4 years to have an even MORE right wing nut to run.

[4President]

Um, no. What he is actually saying is that troops will leave when it is safe. Not in 2010, 2011 or 2012, and they surely don't believe we need to set a DEADLINE for troop withdrawal.

Wait a minute?

[InfosolutionWiz]

********************THE -- REAL -- MCCAIN*******************

Lies after Lies and Flip-Flops!!!

CLICK> http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c
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READY TO "MISLEAD" ON DAY ONE¦¦

CLICK> http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=IlX9l1g1ZE0
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BOLD Face LIES ON SOCIAL Security

CLICK> http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgvgBpXPMko
---------------------------------------------------------------------

HERE IS MCCAIN Singing The Same Tune Like His Advisor Phil Gramm:

CLICK> http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=0P6bkbdAkFg
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Why women give McCain a zero!

http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/41461-why-do-women-give-mccain-a-zero
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http://therealmccain.com
--------------------------------

BUSH MCCAIN Iraq Strategy ¦¦ STAY THE COURSE?

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jq0j80UB_c&NR=1
---------------------------------------------------------------------

[harriscrl3]

LOL this is so funny saying 16 months is mispeaking so instead lets say by 2010 which AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 16 months.

Poor Malaki I feel sorry for him I bet the Bush Administration probably threatened him I wouldnt put anything past them such is the nature of FASCISM!!!

Carol

[independent32955]

it might not be 16 months...it could be MORE...so there ;) of course, it could be less too :D

[08POL]

Agreement!

What a suprise JM. Hows that for an understanding of foreign policy ?

[raloree]

Should anyone take the time to read beyond the headline "out in 2010" they will fin in FACT that nothing has changed what so ever. Should you read on you will find that they have tied the suggested pull out date to the level of violence on the ground. This has been the case since day one. It is obvious that many of you are so deeply engaged in kissing BHO's --- feet that you are not interested in the truth. It is also obvious that the main stream reporting has skewed the truth with a false head line for the story.