Obama struggles to thread needle on Iraq
Monday, 7 July 2008
WASHINGTON, Jul 6 (AFP): After months vowing to get US troops home from Iraq, Barack Obama has succumbed to the war's political entanglements, struggling to explain his plan in the light of recent security gains.
More than five years after the US invasion, the Iraq war is now enmeshing not only the Bush administration which started it, but both men fighting to inherit it, Democratic White House hopeful Obama and Republican John McCain.
Obama is torn between a vow to end the war, which underpinned his win over Democratic foe Hillary Clinton and Republican claims his plan invites US humiliation, would delight terrorists and waste gains bought in American blood.
The war remains broadly unpopular, but it has fallen behind the economy as the top campaign issue, following a lull in violence. Last month, more American troops were killed in Afghanistan than Iraq.
Under rising Republican pressure, Obama on Thursday said he may "refine" his policies after meeting US commanders in Iraq on a trip expected this month.
But hours later, he hurriedly called a second press conference to insist he had not made the "flip flop" on Iraq that many observers are expecting, as he retools his message for the political center ground.
"I have seen no information that contradicts the notion that we can bring our troops out safely at a pace of one to two brigades per month," a frustrated Obama said. "My first day in office, I will bring the Joint Chiefs of Staff in, and I will give them a new mission, and that is to end this war.
Obama says he can get most US combat troops home within 16 months, leaving behind a smaller force to fight terrorism and protect the US embassy.
He accused reporters of buying McCain' spin, but the episode exposed him to Republican charges he was inexperienced, indecisive, confused on Iraq and ready to ditch past positions to win.
It also highlighted Iraq's lingering capacity to wreak political chaos, the subtle balancing act Obama must pursue.
More than five years after the US invasion, the Iraq war is now enmeshing not only the Bush administration which started it, but both men fighting to inherit it, Democratic White House hopeful Obama and Republican John McCain.
Obama is torn between a vow to end the war, which underpinned his win over Democratic foe Hillary Clinton and Republican claims his plan invites US humiliation, would delight terrorists and waste gains bought in American blood.
The war remains broadly unpopular, but it has fallen behind the economy as the top campaign issue, following a lull in violence. Last month, more American troops were killed in Afghanistan than Iraq.
Under rising Republican pressure, Obama on Thursday said he may "refine" his policies after meeting US commanders in Iraq on a trip expected this month.
But hours later, he hurriedly called a second press conference to insist he had not made the "flip flop" on Iraq that many observers are expecting, as he retools his message for the political center ground.
"I have seen no information that contradicts the notion that we can bring our troops out safely at a pace of one to two brigades per month," a frustrated Obama said. "My first day in office, I will bring the Joint Chiefs of Staff in, and I will give them a new mission, and that is to end this war.
Obama says he can get most US combat troops home within 16 months, leaving behind a smaller force to fight terrorism and protect the US embassy.
He accused reporters of buying McCain' spin, but the episode exposed him to Republican charges he was inexperienced, indecisive, confused on Iraq and ready to ditch past positions to win.
It also highlighted Iraq's lingering capacity to wreak political chaos, the subtle balancing act Obama must pursue.