We have heard a certain disdain on this board for doing things due to political purposes. John McCain noted that the Iraqui PM may be flip flopping, and on NPR this morning, McCain suggested that the Iraqi PM was calling for the withdrawal due to Iraqi politics. So, perhaps a withdrawal is not a really good idea, since the Iraqi PM is acting like a typical politician?
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/07/08/politics/fromtheroad/entry4243139.shtmlThe U.S. will withdraw its troops from Iraq “with honor, not according to a set timetable,” John McCain said today, in response to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki issuing a statement that said the two countries should “put a timetable on their withdrawal."
“We will be able to withdraw with honor, and I am sure that it will be dictated by the situation on the ground,” McCain said. “I’m confident that is what Prime Minister Maliki is talking about, since he has told me that for the many meetings we have had."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0709edit1jul09,0,2546683.storyAl-Maliki's talk of a timetable for U.S. withdrawal is, in part, for domestic political consumption—Iraq is expected to hold provincial elections before the end of the year. But he is neither foolish nor reckless. His remarks reveal a sense of confidence that Iraq will, before too long, stand on its own. It's a confidence this nation can share.