The War Bet Is Placed

Yes, the stage is set. (0.00 / 0)

Obama will definitely use his anti-war 2002 position during the primary battle as much as he can, but in essence, for the general, that's the crux.

I look forward to typing "100 years" over and over and over from now until November.

Wonder if Sununu's fired now.

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by: Dean Barker @ Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 04:48:47 AM CST

point of difference (0.00 / 0)

see this at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22...

Edwards seizes an opening
snip
"I think there are real differences here, and they're not subtle," Edwards said, vowing to "have all combat troops out in the first year that I'm president of the United States."

"I will end combat missions," he said. "And while I'm president, there will be no permanent military bases in Iraq."

 

This is not a novel to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force.

   Dorothy Parker

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by: JonnyBBad @ Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 06:07:30 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Transcript (0.00 / 0)

Link (pdf): http://www.2008electionprocon....

OBAMA: I just want to pick up on what John said, because we've had this discussion before. John, are you saying that you're -- I don't know if I'm using my question here, but...

WILLIAMS: I think you are.

(snip)

OBAMA: Look, I think it's important to understand that either you are willing to say that you may go after terrorist bases inside of Iraq if they should form, in which case there would potentially be a combat aspect to that, obviously, or you're not.

OBAMA: And, you know, if you're not, then that could present some problems in terms of the long-term safety and security of the United States of America. So I just wanted to make sure that we got that clarification.

EDWARDS: Is that a question?

WILLIAMS: Yes, I think we've ruled it a question.

EDWARDS: My answer to that is, as long as you keep combat troops in Iraq, you continue the occupation. If you keep military bases in Iraq, you're continuing the occupation. The occupation must end. As respects Al Qaida, public enemy number one, they're responsible for about 10 percent
of the violence inside Iraq according to the reports. I would keep a quick reaction force in Kuwait in case it became necessary, but that is different, Barack, than keeping troops stationed inside.

OBAMA: John...

EDWARDS: Excuse -- let me finish, please.

OBAMA: I'm sorry.

EDWARDS: That is different than keeping troops stationed inside Iraq, because keeping troops stationed inside Iraq -- combat troops -- and continuing combat missions, whether it's against Al Qaida or anyone else, at least from my perspective, is a continuation of the occupation. And I think a continuation of the occupation continues the problem, not just in reality, but in perception that America's occupying the country.

OBAMA: Let me suggest, I think there's a distinction without a difference here. If it is appropriate for us to keep that strike force outside of Iraq, then that obviously would be preferable.

The point is, at some point you might have that capacity, and that's the -- that's the clarification I want to make sure...

WILLIAMS: Having come close to settling that, we're going to take another one of our breaks.

A quick reaction force in Kuwait -- a really narrow difference. I'm not trying to knock Edwards, just point out how close the positions are.

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by: JimC @ Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 12:10:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

close but no cigar n/t (0.00 / 0)

In this format it was clear that Edwards was not spouting current U.S. policy, nor was he afraid to express that distinction. There is a definite difference and distinction between maintaining bases in Iraq, and not doing so.
Earlier this year, when it seemed likely that diplomacy would not avert Bush and Cheney's desire to take out the Revolutionary Guard positions inside Iran, Kuwait convened a meeting with MP's. We have a had a presence there since driving out Saddam in Desert Storm. Having troops stationed in a 'friendly' nation who had been invaded and freed with U.S. assistance, is not the same as an Occupation Force. Readiness and Occupation, are two different animals in my non-military mind.

http://www.spacewar.com/report...

Kuwait served as the launch-pad for that invasion and remains the main staging point for US-led troops in Iraq. Around 15,000 US troops are stationed at several bases in the emirate.

This is not a novel to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force.

   Dorothy Parker

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by: JonnyBBad @ Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 17:17:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]