
Here's the quote that's sure to make ripples in the American
political pond:
"U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes."
Who said it? Iraq's Prime MInister,
Nuri al-Maliki. What was the context? An interview with Germany's popular magazine
Der Spiegel. This can't be what
John McCain wants to hear, especially with Obama about to arrive in Iraq, and then make his way to Germany. It's just more evidence of how McCain's dare is about to
backfire. More Maliki:
"The Americans have found it difficult to agree on a concrete timetable for the exit because it seems like an admission of defeat to them. But it isn't."
Here's the Obama campaign's response, as delivered by
Susan Rice:
"Senator Obama welcomes Prime Minister Malaki's support of a 16 month timeline for the redeployment of U.S. combat brigades. This represents an important opportunity to transition to Iraq responsibility, while restoring our military and increasing our commitment to finish the fight in Afghanistan."
Get the new
PD toolbar!Follow PoliticsDaily On Facebook and Twitter,
and download the new Politics Daily toolbar!