BREAKING — President Obama Will Announce Today Complete Drawdown of US Troops in Iraq

[Jack Springer]

I'm glad that the Iraq war is over (not sure exactly when that was.)

Obama did keep a campaign promise to leave Iraq.

However, I am concerned about the future. Iraq is not a very strong country right now. Other countries will try to influence them - including China, Iran, Russia. If you think that we don't have enemies in the world you are dead wrong.

Many at CEP continually get upset with me regarding why I constantly bring up Obama's leadership -- well, this is an example. Obama gets the US out and we no longer have any influence in the country.

Obama was lazy and slow to work out position where the USA would keep troops in Iraq and help them further their experience of democracy. They don't have a strong military and I don't think they even have an air force or much of one.

Since Obama wasn't able to work with the Iraqi's, they told us to get the hell out ... which will satisfy Obama's base but harmful in the long run for the USA.

 

[bike10]

The years of Bush/Cheney and company of lies to American people now come to end. Now the Mission is Accomplished.

 

[Just_Believe18]

I'm glad that the Iraq war is over (not sure exactly when that was.)

Obama did keep a campaign promise to leave Iraq.

However, I am concerned about the future. Iraq is not a very strong country right now. Other countries will try to influence them - including China, Iran, Russia. If you think that we don't have enemies in the world you are dead wrong.

Many at CEP continually get upset with me regarding why I constantly bring up Obama's leadership -- well, this is an example. Obama gets the US out and we no longer have any influence in the country.

Obama was lazy and slow to work out position where the USA would keep troops in Iraq and help them further their experience of democracy. They don't have a strong military and I don't think they even have an air force or much of one.

Since Obama wasn't able to work with the Iraqi's, they told us to get the hell out ... which will satisfy Obama's base but harmful in the long run for the USA.

Hi, Jack. Thank you. This is exactly the kind of serious post I wanted to read from you.

I understand what you mean about Iraq not being a strong country now. However, I've done more research into the situation, and the Iraqi government doesn't want us there anymore. The Obama Administration has been negotiating with them for months, but the Iraqi Parliament refused to give our troops immunity from prosecution. Obama did not want us to keep several thousand troops there and risk having some of them arrested and tried in Iraqi courts. So he made the final decision to just go ahead and pull all troops out. It is now up to Iraq to defend for itself. We offered to continue to help, they refused. I think you would agree with me that protecting our troops is a priority, and if Iraq doesn't want to work with us on that, then that's their problem.

I'm sure other superpowers will try to court Iraq; however, I believe the U.S. already has strong ties and oil contract deals with Iraq's oil supply since the Bush administration. We have plenty of business interests there already. Our influence in Iraq is certainly stronger today than it was under Saddam Hussein.

 

[Apollo]

My unit was the first to pull out under the pullout schedule. The commadant of the marine corps and sargeant major of the marine corps were at the armory at the base to welcome us back.

Which sucked because I just wanted to turn my weapon and optics in and go to my room, but every single one of us had to personally shake both of their hands.

 

[JB3]

Also, saw this on Morning Joe today.

Lindsey Graham opposes infrastructure spending in America but he wants to help the Libyans build up their infrastructure.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/1...cture-spending-but-not-for-america-for-libya/

Considering our bombs and missiles helped destroy it, we're obligated to fix it.

 

[MisterMajestic]

Obama was lazy and slow to work out position where the USA would keep troops in Iraq and help them further their experience of democracy. They don't have a strong military and I don't think they even have an air force or much of one.

Since Obama wasn't able to work with the Iraqi's, they told us to get the hell out ... which will satisfy Obama's base but harmful in the long run for the USA.

I look at it like this...Then Senator Obama said over & over on the Stump that he'd do EVERY thing in his Power as "President" to keep our Country safe...He's lived up to his promise. I feel safer under the Obama Administration than I did under Dubya's...Obama KILLS the Evil guys and he doesnt want them taken alive...Just wipe'em off the face of the earth....


We've spent enough time in Iraq and we'll continue sending aid like we always do...

 

[Kulindahr]

I am still shocked by the News.....This Administration has done sooo many Great things to even TRY to name them all..This is the GREATEST Thanksgiving & Christmas Gift our Country could ask for...Even if President Obama doesnt win a 2nd term his Legacy will be one for the books....

Can you BELIEVE the nerve of House Crier "Boner" lashing out to the presses that President Obama did not brief him?

Boehner, oh Boehner, weren't you there for the reading of the Constitution? There's nothing in there that says the Commander in Chief has to brief the Speaker on matters military.

Not to mention presidential candidate, Mitt Romney:
Mitt Romney calls Obama Iraq withdrawal decision an ‘astonishing failure’

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...shing-failure/2011/10/21/gIQANpjD4L_blog.html

If Obama were carrying Romney's sorry ass out of a burning building, he would accuse Obama of taking work away from a firefighter!

Romney, when did you start believing in a nanny state -- for other nations? Don't you think they deserve a chance to work out how to do things on their own?

And look on the bright side -- if they screw it up, we can always have another invasion!

 

[opinterph]

… I am concerned about the future. Iraq is not a very strong country right now. Other countries will try to influence them … They don't have a strong military and I don't think they even have an air force or much of one.

According to Republican talking points, the US is not strong now either. What is most important at this point in time is the elimination of deficit spending and removal of regulations that stifle competition. Let the markets determine outcomes and stop trying to save the underdogs.

We shouldn't be picking winners or losers in Washington. We should be setting the conditions for economic growth so that the private sector can create jobs. Washington is not good at picking winners and losers, so we shouldn't try. – Paul Ryan [R-Wis]

I searched for data to peg the dollar savings associated with this change and didn’t find any particularly hard facts. Maybe the non-partisan CBO will come up with some reliable numbers. An article published by Time more than a year ago suggests that operations in Iraq during 2011 would result in US expenditures in excess of $4 billion per month. Projecting forward, that equates to a savings of maybe $50 billion (or more) during 2012 alone!

The President’s action to remove troops from Iraq seems consistent with Republican demands to eliminate frivolous expenditures and focus on setting the conditions for economic growth, such as reducing the tax burden on job creators. Face the facts. If Iraq doesn't succeed, it will be a result of their failure to capitalize on capitalism.

 

[hotatlboi]

Considering our bombs and missiles helped destroy it, we're obligated to fix it.

No, we're not.

They asked...no BEGGED us to institute a no fly zone. This wasn't something we did against their wishes.

We did and gave them their freedom.

They are filthy rich in oil. We are broke as hell.

We don't have the money to build up a third nation in that region.

 

[rareboy]

I'm glad that the Iraq war is over (not sure exactly when that was.)

Obama did keep a campaign promise to leave Iraq.

However, I am concerned about the future. Iraq is not a very strong country right now. Other countries will try to influence them - including China, Iran, Russia. If you think that we don't have enemies in the world you are dead wrong.

Many at CEP continually get upset with me regarding why I constantly bring up Obama's leadership -- well, this is an example. Obama gets the US out and we no longer have any influence in the country.

Obama was lazy and slow to work out position where the USA would keep troops in Iraq and help them further their experience of democracy. They don't have a strong military and I don't think they even have an air force or much of one.

Since Obama wasn't able to work with the Iraqi's, they told us to get the hell out ... which will satisfy Obama's base but harmful in the long run for the USA.

No Springer. What concerns me is the hypocrisy of the right. All we've heard for the last three years are the complaints from the Republicans that the President hadn't kept the promise of bringing the troops home from Iraq. Now all we hear are the complaints that the troops are coming home.

And more than that, you, like other right wing talking point poli-ops are actually promoting continued occupation and influence in the affairs of a sovereign state.

In short, Empire. With some idea that the US has to be a permanent fixture in the countries they invaded, destroyed and have re-built with the treasure of the citizens back home in order to enrich the military industrial complex.

This strategy has always been demonstrated to fail.

I think the sadder indictment is that the US doesn't even have the confidence that their forces would not do things that would lead to prosecution by the host country or that they should have immunity from crimes they may commit.

 

[willie metcaffe]

It's time to leave. We cant occupy the place forever. The invasion was dumb to start with. I would be surprised though if Iraq doesnt fracture or become at least three more autonomous regions. And btw Iran is right next door. How could Iran not have influence? Should we have constructed a border fence? In the end, we cant control everything.

As for the Republicans, they make me laugh.

 

[Jack Springer]

How do you explain the reason for our involvement in Libya and Uganda?

According to Republican talking points, the US is not strong now either. What is most important at this point in time is the elimination of deficit spending and removal of regulations that stifle competition. Let the markets determine outcomes and stop trying to save the underdogs.



I searched for data to peg the dollar savings associated with this change and didn’t find any particularly hard facts. Maybe the non-partisan CBO will come up with some reliable numbers. An article published by Time more than a year ago suggests that operations in Iraq during 2011 would result in US expenditures in excess of $4 billion per month. Projecting forward, that equates to a savings of maybe $50 billion (or more) during 2012 alone!

The President’s action to remove troops from Iraq seems consistent with Republican demands to eliminate frivolous expenditures and focus on setting the conditions for economic growth, such as reducing the tax burden on job creators. Face the facts. If Iraq doesn't succeed, it will be a result of their failure to capitalize on capitalism.

 

[Jack Springer]

I'm sorry you think that the USA has desired to create an empire around the world.

The US has promoted democracy and human rights around the world for decades. I'd hate to think where the world would be without the US. I would guess that the USSR would still be around and most countries would be ruled by oppressive dictators.

We've had problems, I admit, by loosing our focus -- both in republican and democratic administrations -- but overall, we have done the right thing.

We have enemies. People that want to destroy us. People that want to take away your right to participate in forums like this.

Probably the best thing that the average American could do to stop dictators and bad people would be to stop buying and using illegal drugs. That money supports killing, oppression, and loss of freedom of people in every country.

In regards to your point about people from the right ragging on the President regarding not bringing the troops home -- I haven't heard that -- most what I read goes the other way.

What will come out is that the Administration didn't do a good job of negotiating with the Iraqis regarding keeping troops in Iraq. The Iraqis just got fed up and told them to "get the hell out."

Iran will move in within the year.

No Springer. What concerns me is the hypocrisy of the right. All we've heard for the last three years are the complaints from the Republicans that the President hadn't kept the promise of bringing the troops home from Iraq. Now all we hear are the complaints that the troops are coming home.

And more than that, you, like other right wing talking point poli-ops are actually promoting continued occupation and influence in the affairs of a sovereign state.

In short, Empire. With some idea that the US has to be a permanent fixture in the countries they invaded, destroyed and have re-built with the treasure of the citizens back home in order to enrich the military industrial complex.

This strategy has always been demonstrated to fail.

I think the sadder indictment is that the US doesn't even have the confidence that their forces would not do things that would lead to prosecution by the host country or that they should have immunity from crimes they may commit.

 

[rareboy]

I'm still not getting your point here, Springer.

So now what Americans are saying is that they need to keep a permanent occupying force in every country they invade? Just because someone else might get there first?

Always remember that one of the main reasons that the Iranians came to hate the US is because it was the US helped to destroy the democratically elected government and helped place the puppet prince, the Shah of Iran on the Peacock throne.

And then supported Saddam Hussein in the war between Iraq and Iran.

It is time to acknowledge 50 years of foreign policy mistakes in the region and to stop fighting the Saudi's wars for them.


And it still comes down to the fundamental question.

Why should Iraq give immunity to military personnel if they break the laws of the nation? It doesn't speak highly of the US to think that this was something they could browbeat Iraq into accepting.

But face it Springer , you and a whole bunch of others are only pissed off because the number of wars is decreasing. You can't stand the idea that you won't be able to scream and yell about Obama's costly wars in 2012.

 

[Jack Springer]

Rareboy, I am not for war. I would be very happy if there were no wars.

A strong military prevents wars. The lack of a military or a weak military opens up the possibility of war.

There may be a small faction in the military that want war -- but do you really think that people want to die and be away from their families that long. They don't.

We need to be an influence. If we don't, others will.

I'm still not getting your point here, Springer.

So now what Americans are saying is that they need to keep a permanent occupying force in every country they invade? Just because someone else might get there first?

Always remember that one of the main reasons that the Iranians came to hate the US is because it was the US helped to destroy the democratically elected government and helped place the puppet prince, the Shah of Iran on the Peacock throne.

And then supported Saddam Hussein in the war between Iraq and Iran.

It is time to acknowledge 50 years of foreign policy mistakes in the region and to stop fighting the Saudi's wars for them.


And it still comes down to the fundamental question.

Why should Iraq give immunity to military personnel if they break the laws of the nation? It doesn't speak highly of the US to think that this was something they could browbeat Iraq into accepting.

But face it Springer , you and a whole bunch of others are only pissed off because the number of wars is decreasing. You can't stand the idea that you won't be able to scream and yell about Obama's costly wars in 2012.

 

[JayHawk]

I am happy for these soldiers and certainly hope it was fully recommended and not a political push to get it done before the election cycle.

These points have been made above so I wont belabor the points BUT when Iraq devolves into chaos because we left way too soon then I would say it becomes Vietnam Number II and a lot of people lost their lives and their vitality for nothing.

It is not a complete drawdown there will be 100 or so troops left in country to support and train security forces. BUT combat troops will be gone. This goes to the same point made in the Uganda thread. We provide support everywhere.

 

[Jack Springer]

I agree, why else would have he done it on a Friday afternoon. I'm surprised it wasn't just a press release.

credit Obama however much you want to, but this withdraw wasn't really his decision... just 2 weeks ago, the administration was talking about leaving thousands of soldiers in Iraq before their immunity demands were rejected.

 

[unclaimedblessing]

The negativism of this long overdue action is so pathetically predictable.

A few weeks ago on Bill Mahers show he opined "If Obama came before Congress and announced that he and his administration discoved a proven cure for cancer, he would still be booed and criticized".

Some of these posts prove that point.

Some of those troops have been deployed 5 to 7 times. They deserve spending holidays with their families for the first time in years, but mostly they deserve being out of harms way.

Over 3000 of our kids killed and many more maimed for life (and we can't begin to count innocent Iraqi civilians) over an ill thought out war with no WMDs discovered and no exit strategy.

Yeah, Obama is a real monster and it's all his fault. Excuse me, I skipped my Kool Aid today.

 

[MoltenRock III]

Many at CEP continually get upset with me regarding why I constantly bring up Obama's leadership -- well, this is an example. Obama gets the US out and we no longer have any influence in the country.

WRONG!

Please cite examples...... waiting..... waiting..... waiting....

 

[CowboyBob]

The negativism of this long overdue action is so pathetically predictable.

A few weeks ago on Bill Mahers show he opined "If Obama came before Congress and announced that he and his administration discoved a proven cure for cancer, he would still be booed and criticized".

Some of these posts prove that point.

Some of those troops have been deployed 5 to 7 times. They deserve spending holidays with their families for the first time in years, but mostly they deserve being out of harms way.

Over 3000 of our kids killed and many more maimed for life (and we can't begin to count innocent Iraqi civilians) over an ill thought out war with no WMDs discovered and no exit strategy.

Yeah, Obama is a real monster and it's all his fault. Excuse me, I skipped my Kool Aid today.

This is it right here. No matter what the President of the United States does, he will be booed. It doesn't matter.

He's does it too fast, he does it too slow. Every single decision he's ever made is wrong. He goes along with the republicans then he's called weak or isn't "leading". He goes against republicans then he's wrong.

It amazes me the pettiness of the republicans. They simply hate him.

"I hope he fails", squirts the drug addict Rush Limbaugh.

"Our goal is to make Obama a one term President", oinks chinless Mitch McConnell.

"He's Kenyan, arab, socialist, communist.....blah, blah...."

These unfortunate Obama haters are the real threat to America. There are the true terrorists.

Can you imagine how much better he would be doing if he didn't have these republican obstructionists nipping at his heels at every step?