Washblog

General Paul Eaton video, May 2007If Pres. Bush Won't Listen, Congress Must

U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad repeated U.S. cautions against expectations of a quick pullout of the 132,000-strong American military contingent. But, he added, "strategically, we're going to be moving in the direction of downsizing our forces."

In his first address, al-Maliki told parliament that he would make restoring stability and security the top priority of his new administration. He said he would "work fast" to improve and coordinate Iraqi forces so they can reduce attacks by insurgent groups and militias.

Al-Maliki said he would set "an objective timetable to transfer the full security mission to Iraqi forces, ending the mission of the multinational forces."

It's a constructive sign, but a long way from a conclusion.

Before it started, someone asked Wes Clark how it would end. "At some point Iraq will ask us to leave, and we will leave" (or words to that effect).

Are we there yet? No.

Are we there yet? No.

Are we there yet? No.

. . .

In the interview, he spoke about a top concern for many Iraqis -- the U.S.-led military occupation in the country of 26 million people. Al-Maliki says he believes it won't be long before Iraqi troops begin taking the reins from the U.S.-led coalition.

Asked when the U.S. troops would begin departing the country, al-Maliki said he "heard from the leadership of the multinational forces that they are expecting that to be in 18 months."

"I think that it will be less time than that because I am determined to provide the Iraqi forces with all of their needs."

Al-Maliki said he is optimistic "about preparations in speeding the building of the security forces, not only to take over the security file [but] also to face the security challenges."

He added a much-repeated caveat: "The presence of the multinational forces is connected directly with our security forces' ability to provide security. If we don't have the security and military ability to provide security, the multinational troops will not be able to leave."

There are a couple of minor details here that bear some attention. For starters, I'm not so sure that the Iraqis understand that they are under self-rule at this point. Things might look good from behind the desk inside the Green Zone but to the average Iraqi without electricity, running water, or security to walk to the market for a newspaper, I'm not so sure they feel so independent. For the vast majority of Iraqis who actually went to the polls to vote for their new independent government, the result of that vote meant an end to American occupation. Yet, when they look out their doors they have seen no reduction - never mind elimination - of American forces. Oh sure, it is still early into the process but put yourself in their shoes. Three and one half years of war in your streets, with conditions worse than they were before you were "liberated" and the most recent development in your village is the new KFC that has opened outside of the new ("we will not have") permanent military base.

The new Prime Minister is talking about the departure of coalition forces in the near future and yet, when Tony Blair is standing next to him, Blair says "No timetable." Just yesterday, when Blair and Bush are performing their latest duet, they praise the new Iraqi government but make it clear that they are still in the driver's seat when it comes to the decision of troop withdrawal. From an AP story about yesterday's joint appearance: "Both governments have previously signaled desires to draw down troops in Iraq. At the same time, both governments have made it clear that they envision some troops remaining for years. On Thursday, Bush brushed away questions about reducing troop levels, saying it depends on discussions with the Iraqi government and the judgment of U.S. commanders." The fact that the most important cabinet posts (the ones that would play the largest role in our departure) Defense and Interior, have yet to be filled leave even more doubt in any realistic time frame coming soon.

Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue