Biden Leading Iraq Effort In Portfolio Shift

Newsweek:

Vice President Joe Biden's official portfolio is expanding. NEWSWEEK has learned that President Obama has asked Biden to take the lead role on Iraq as the U.S. begins its scheduled drawdown of combat troops, a move that comes as administration officials are expressing concerns about the uptick in violence and political instability in the region.

Biden's role will be something of an unofficial envoy to Iraq, though he won't handle day-to-day dealings with officials on the ground. The goal is to "raise the level" in hopes that Biden's stature encourages Iraqi officials to bridge their political differences, says a senior administration official who didn't want to be named talking about high-level personnel decisions. "He knows the players," White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel tells NEWSWEEK. "He brings a lot of experience and expertise on this issue to the table, and the president trusts him."

Read the whole story: Newsweek

Comments

[SparkyDash]

President Obama is wise adding Iraq to Biden's portfolio. I've been impressed with Obama utilizing Biden's extensive foreign policy background often, and this decision I feel is one of the best, for reasons others have articulated.

Biden has already made numerous successful visits abroad including recently to the Balkans and Lebanon. I see Biden's schedule calls for the vice president to head to Georgia and Ukraine this month (again). To not use the vice president's unique talent in foreign policy/relations would be a detriment. He is brilliant in this area.

Congratulations Joe.

[PrincipiaChamp]

Bringing in the big guns...Joe Biden. Excellent move on President Obama's part, and not a surprise having the VP lead on Iraq. When it comes to foreign policy, I would never hesitate sending in Biden.

[retreadite]

Biden voted against the first Gulf War and in favor of the Iraq war--do we really want him in charge of Iraq?

[ChampLessFuzzy]

Not only do we want Biden as lead in Iraq, he's the one most qualified at several levels. (With all due respect to Ambassador Hill, who has done a good job).

[LizM]

Yes, we most certainly do! You'll just have to trust me on that.

[freshnotbitter]

Oh, noooo, more futile bureaucratic blundering masquerading as progress. Just what we needed. I'll bet all those contractors are clinking champagne glasses with this latest "appointment".

[LizM]

If you only knew a tiny bit of the Vice President's history on this subject - and, I most certainly do not mean most of what you can read in the media and blogosphere - you wouldn't make comments like that. Seriously.

[prosha]

We used to have a Secretary of State and a whole State Department. If they are still around, what do they do since it seems we have Special Envoys and VP's for everything?

[SparkyDash]

Yes, Biden has been directly and successfully involved with significant foreign policy as VP, and this is just the latest...I foresee more. Personally, I'm glad President Obama is utilizing Biden's unique skills; it would be a shame not to, as he not only has the experience, he's an expert with Iraq. I trust him.

[LizM]

You'll be happy to know that Vice President Biden is a longtime fan of the Department of State and of fully funding it so that it can once again play the prominent role that it should in US foreign policy...restore the balance between it and the Department of Defense, in other words.

[Disdain]

“The idea, as in Bosnia,” says Biden , “is to maintain a united Iraq by decentralizing it, giving each ethno-religious group -- Kurd, Sunni Arab and Shiite Arab -- room to run its own affairs, while leaving the central government in charge of common interests. We could drive this in place with irresistible sweeteners for the Sunnis to join in, a plan designed by the military for withdrawing and redeploying American forces, and a regional nonaggression pact.”

[CR46]

Joe Biden did a tremendous job in the Balkens with his 3-state plan!

[hortonhearsdawho]

u made it out, right...

[LizM]

The Balkans are a work in progress, so to speak - but, relatively speaking, you cannot tell us that what was done there is not working. And, besides, Vice President Biden will be the first to tell you that Iraq is not the Balkans but what is happening in Bosnia does have some overarching principles that may be applied in Iraq.

Your reference to a '3-state plan' is troubling in that it implies that you may not be aware of what Vice President Biden has been advocating US policy in Iraq should be.

[laminators]

Biden certainly has his hands full the next few months, especially with upcoming troops withdrawals, etc. http://www.governmentalityblog.com/my_weblog/2009/06/are-the-iraqi-forces-ready.html

[BannedNBoston]

He will talk the reporters ears off.
doesnt he have a withdraawal czar to take away the accountability?

[hortonhearsdawho]

does everyone else on the cellblock have internet...

[rockyb26]

great move. nobody messes with joe.

[AnnfromCA]

*gulp*

[hortonhearsdawho]

ur were great babe...

[MountainPenelope]

Again, President Obama demonstrates his ability to choose experienced and knowledgeable personnel and, further, allows them to do their jobs. This is the mark of an excellent leader.

Biden will do a tremendous job.

[alienufo]

good, he had the most sensible Iraq policy during the campaign.

[GirlOutWest]

He seems perfect for the job. He's respected, intelligent and carries a lot of weight. Best of luck Mr. Vice President.

[hairyhuman]

badum ching!

[PrincipiaChamp]

Obama knows what he's doing...Joe has the best foreign policy heft around. I feel very good about this move!

[hairyhuman]

wow.

[Pigeon2]

Scary

[LizM]

Not at all. Why would you say that?