Reply #20: Guardian version

[laststeamtrain]

McCain surprised by attacks in Basra


John McCain, on the first day of a tour intended to tout his security credentials, admitted today that he was caught off guard by the recent violence in Iraq.

McCain, who plans to devote the week to showcasing his family's tradition of military service, told reporters in Mississippi that he had not expected the Iraqi leader, Nuri al-Maliki, to launch an offensive against Shia militias in Basra - especially without informing the Americans.

"I just am surprised that he would take it on himself to go down and take charge of a military offensive," he said. "I had not anticipated that he would do that."

It was an unexpected admission for a candidate who has based his campaign around his military credentials. McCain, now the presumptive Republican nominee, was from the start one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the US invasion of Iraq.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/31/johnmccain.uselections2008?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews