Maliki wants us out in 16 months

(crossposted at Ditch Mitch)

Obama's plan for withdrawal has just been endorsed by Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki. Soooo, let's see if Bush/McSame/McConnell keep talking about Iraq's "sovereignty"...

SPIEGEL: Would you hazard a prediction as to when most of the US troops will finally leave Iraq?

Maliki: As soon as possible, as far as we're concerned. US presidential candidate Barack Obama is right when he talks about 16 months. Assuming that positive developments continue, this is about the same time period that corresponds to our wishes.

SPIEGEL: Is this an endorsement for the US presidential election in November? Does Obama, who has no military background, ultimately have a better understanding of Iraq than war hero John McCain?

Maliki: Those who operate on the premise of short time periods in Iraq today are being more realistic. Artificially prolonging the tenure of US troops in Iraq would cause problems. Of course, this is by no means an election endorsement. Who they choose as their president is the Americans' business. But it's the business of Iraqis to say what they want. And that's where the people and the government are in general agreement: The tenure of the coalition troops in Iraq should be limited.

So.... the question is: Will Mitch McConnell stand by this statement that he made in May of 2007?

"I want to assure you, if they vote to ask us to leave, we'll be glad to comply with their request," he said.

Is Mitch a man of his word? Or will he backtrack and continue to go against the will of both the American AND Iraqi people?

(Knowing Mitch, I think we all know the answer to that...)

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