In Iraq, Mixed Feelings About Obama and His Troop Proposal

[groovedaddy]

BAGHDAD — A tough Iraqi general, a former special operations officer with a baritone voice and a barrel chest, melted into smiles when asked about Senator Barack Obama.

“Everyone in Iraq likes him,” said the general, Nassir al-Hiti. “I like him. He’s young. Very active. We would be very happy if he was elected president.”

But mention Mr. Obama’s plan for withdrawing American soldiers, and the general stiffens.

“Very difficult,” he said, shaking his head. “Any army would love to work without any help, but let me be honest: for now, we don’t have that ability.”

Thus in a few brisk sentences, the general summed up the conflicting emotions about Mr. Obama in Iraq, the place outside America with perhaps the most riding on its relationship with him.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/world/middleeast/17voices.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

[damntexdem]

1. Well, general, the election is months off, the inauguration even further.

Shouldn't you get busy?