Mar 18 2008
Talk Of Leaving Iraq Is Just That
Just in from the AP.
According to Iraq’s Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari, premature withdrawal from Iraq would be irresponsible.
Zebari said changes could be made but warned that the consequences of a premature withdrawal would be “disastrous.” All the security gains from a U.S. troop buildup “would evaporate,” he said
“We are in an election season and many candidates will say things that appeal to the public, but when the real national interests of the United States, of the nation confront them I think they have to make hard decisions,” Zebari said of the candidates.
“I think now American interests in this part of the world are as important as they were in Germany during the World War so it will not be easy for any administration, Republican or Democrat, just to wash off their hands and walk away,” he said. “There is a certain responsibility, an international and moral responsibility, to help the people of Iraq to reach a stable form of governance.”
He expressed concern about growing weariness by the American public with the war, and promises by rival Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama to begin withdrawing forces quickly if elected.
What the Democratic hopefuls don’t seem to realize is that their campaign rhetoric is heard across the world and does not bode well for them or their future with these foreign leaders.
If I recall correctly, it was just a couple of months ago that the Iraqi President chided Hillary for what she had said about the Iraqis needing to finish setting up their government. He said something about that they were doing fine and that she needs to watch her mouth (my words, not his).