Maliki's Actual Words

Much has been made as to what, exactly, Nuri Al-Maliki said, or didn't say regarding Barack Obama's plan for a 16-month withdrawal from Iraq. Yes, indeed, this is a story with a few twists and turns. First came the story in Germany's Der Spiegel. Then came a wave of stories about that story. Then came a "clarification" issued by an Iraqi government spokesman. Then came a wave of stories about the clarification. Then came word that the Bush Administration had put pressure on the Maliki government to produce the "clarification." Then came a wave of stories on the pressure applied to get the clarification.

Well, today The New York Times has been provided a copy of the actual interview audio from Der Speigel. Noting that "the interpreter for the interview works for Mr. Maliki's office, not the magazine" (Der Spiegel), The Times included the disputed section in a story today. It reads:

"Obama's remarks that-if he takes office-in 16 months he would withdraw the forces, we think that this period could increase or decrease a little, but that it could be suitable to end the presence of the forces in Iraq."

He continued: "Who wants to exit in a quicker way has a better assessment of the situation in Iraq."

So what's the long and short of all of this? First, Maliki did endorse Obama's withdrawal plan as being the one closest to what he'd like to see implemented. Second, the damage control story put forth by the White House, and the Iraqi government spokesperson-stating that the tape was not translated correctly, and that Maliki's words had been taken out of context-is false. The translator of Maliki's remarks works for Maliki, not Der Spiegel.

Bottom line: Iraq's Prime Minister thinks Obama has a better timetable, and a "better assessment of the situation in Iraq" than does John McCain.

Should foreign governments offer opinions on which candidate they prefer? No. And that's partially why Iraq has tried to dial back the story a bit. But even today, they continue to put out the signal that they want a speedy exit of U.S. troops that is closer to Obama's vision. Given that Maliki has moved in Obama's direction, and that even George W, Bush has now endorsed the "Time Horizon" for withdrawing troops, some wonder if John McCain isn't suddenly the "odd man out."

Maliki and Obama are meeting today in Iraq. I wonder if this matter will happen to come up in conversation.