Baker panel deeply divided over several critical issues, notably over calls for a phased withdrawal

[bigtree]

Now It’s Iraq for Mr. Fix-It of the G.O.P.

On Monday, the 10 members of the Iraq Study Group — five Republicans and five Democrats — will convene in Washington for two days of deliberations, to try to produce a report by mid-December. The panel, formed at the urging of a bipartisan group in Congress, has a broad mandate to conduct a forward-looking analysis of the entire situation in Iraq, including military, economic and political issues.

The group has conducted hundreds of interviews, but some question whether even the most thorough report can have any effect on the ground in Iraq, where sectarian violence is escalating.

The panel remains deeply divided over several critical issues, most notably whether to accede to calls by Democrats for a phased withdrawal of troops. Mr. Baker, who would not be interviewed for this article, has said he wants bipartisan consensus, but the panel’s Democratic co-chairman, Lee H. Hamilton, acknowledges it will be difficult.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/26/washington/26baker.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print



http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bigtree

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. Has anyone ever known Baker to compromise? On anything?

Anyone?

[papau]

2. Never - and Lee always caves so as to be seen as a "centerist" Dem - this group

will accomplish nothing.

[bigtree]

4. maybe it will cement the administration's approach as DOA

and elevate our Democratic majority's efforts to steer Bush in a "new direction" in Iraq; out of there and back home.

[xchrom]

3. these folk are a universe away from the reality that is iraq.

it's the exact same problem plaguing bush.

it will be ashes in their mouths -- if they can tell the difference.

[bridgit]

5. whether iraq succeeds, or travels to the 12th level of hell, Baker still...

charges by the billable hour, shipping containers full of triple split stock options & the leveraged buyout...it's a win-win for James A. Baker III, always has been

[flordehinojos]

6. IRAN STUDY GROUP?! Poppy's set-up to blame the democrats for his son's poop on the universe.

[mike_c]

7. typical waste of time and effort-- not to mention oxygen-- trying to...

...generate political cover for the pigs holding the Iraq war bag.

[peacetalksforall]

8. Maybe we will do whatever Saudi Arabia tells Cheney we can do.

And will that be OK with Israel? Our other master partner. We are now a debtor nation. What can we afford, not afford, and be given?