Hedging on Iraq

Will we ever get of Iraq? The answer seems to be "No" as bad news continues to arrive. Today General Ray Odierno talks to the news media. Under the Obama plan combat troops are to be withdrawn from all Iraq cities by the end of June, 2009. Odierno says that may not happen.

The two areas I am concerned with are Mosul and then Baqubah and [other] parts of Diyala province. We will conduct assessments and provide our assessments when the time is right.

In the usual interpretations that means we will not withdraw unless the political winds in our country turn to a new direction.

The voters expressed strong support for Obama and his "end the war" policies. Now we hear disappointing news about a different course. This must not be allowed to stand. Tell the President. Tell your Congress critters. Our voices must be heard. The time for full withdrawal is far behind in our history. We as a nation cannot afford on many levels a continued occupation of Iraq.

Peace.

Update, April 10:

The U.S. military says five American soldiers were among seven people killed in a suicide truck bombing in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.