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Why You Gotta Lie, Tell Me Why

By Spencer Ackerman

Carl Levin on "time horizons":

“President Bush is now apparently willing to accept what he repeatedly has told a majority in both houses of Congress was unacceptable regarding Iraq: a commitment to transition U.S. forces from combat to a limited ‘overwatch’ role, focused on training and counterterrorism operations, and a ‘time horizon’ for completing this transition. Today’s statement contrasts with the administration’s previous absolute rejection of Congressional efforts to adopt even a non-binding goal for transition of most of our troops from Iraq, accompanied by a shift of mission, to the same missions identified by the President today.

“The President’s effort to distinguish between a ‘time horizon’ and a ‘time table’ to accomplish that goal falls flat.”

The Iraqi's are so relieved that bungler is leaving office soon

That is a sentiment the Iraqis and US citizens share.

Iraqi Prime Minister Backs Obama Troop Exit Plan
Reuters | July 19, 2008 09:33 AM

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told a German magazine he supported prospective U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's proposal that U.S. troops should leave Iraq within 16 months.

In an interview with Der Spiegel released on Saturday, Maliki said he wanted U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq as soon as possible.

"U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes."

It is the first time he has backed the withdrawal timetable put forward by Obama.

Dr. Susan Rice, senior national security advisor to the Obama Campaign, issued this statement in response to al-Maliki's declaration of support:

Senator Obama welcomes Prime Minister Maliki's support for a 16 month timeline for the redeployment of U.S combat brigades. This presents an important opportunity to transition to Iraqi responsibility, while restoring our military and increasing our commitment to finish the fight in Afghanistan.

By f u bush2July 19, 2008 - 1:25pm