Powell and Bremmer and Joint Chiefs rep said we'd leave if the Iraqis want

[sabra]

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/11/powell-and-bremmer-and-joint-chiefs.html

Powell and Bremmer and Joint Chiefs rep said we'd leave if the Iraqis wanted it


Well, now they want it.


Secretary of State Colin Powell emphatically said yesterday that if the incoming Iraqi interim government ordered the departure of foreign troops after June 30, they would pack up without protest, but emphasized he doubted such a request would be made....

His statement, which was echoed by L. Paul Bremer, the U.S. civilian administrator in Iraq, and the foreign ministers of Britain, Italy and Japan, came one day after conflicting testimony by administration officials on the issue.

Testifying before the House International Relations Committee on Thursday, Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman appeared to say the interim government could order the departure of foreign troops, only to be contradicted by Lt. Gen. Walter Sharp, Joint Chief of Staffs director for strategic plans and policy, who asserted that only an elected government could do so. Iraqi elections are scheduled for January....

"If the provisional government asks us to leave, we will leave," Bremer said, referring to an Iraqi administration due to take power June 30. "I don't think that will happen, but obviously we don't stay in countries where we're not welcome."

[Brotherjohn]

1. I was just about to post the same thing. They're ASKING us to leave, Bush.

May 2004:

Bremer: U.S. would leave Iraq if new leadership so requests
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2004-05-14-iraq-withdrawal_x.htm

Powell: US would leave if Iraq requests
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-05/15/content_330992.htm

It's time to put up (a timeline for withdrawal, at least), or SHUT UP!

[sabra]

2. *: "Stop trying to rewrite history, oh wait wrong talking point..."

[elfin]

3. Paranoia here - I wonder if their request to us

was PLANTED by Bushco to give him a "legitimate" out just in time for 2006.

[Brotherjohn]

4. Possible. But just as likely, they're concerned for their OWN skins.

Politically, and perhaps literally, speaking.

If those in charge there now can say "we aksed the U.S. to leave", they make a lot of friends in Iraq, maybe even out of some of the insurgents. They make themselves much less of a target they know they're going to be as soon as the U.S. leaves.

Also, they see the climate in the U.S. now and know that the time might be right for asking.

[Norquist Nemesis]

5. Can't wait for the SOTU.

Bush is going to stand there, claim Mission Accomplished, and "we're bringing our boys home!" Then, "Many have criticized every step of the way. We did the job. We're problems solvers! We got 'er done!"

That's my biggest problem with Bush etal. They viciously attack anyone who is not in line with the talking points of the hour. It all goes to shit because of decisions and policies they implemented. Then, OTHERS pull their ass out of the fire and they step forward to take credit!

It's the stereotypical corporate Dog and Pony Show with these assholes. The only difference being that their shareholders are Republican supporters and their consumers are the American people. It's not like we can boycott the company! :banghead: