What part of no don't you understand??

[bigtree]

from the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/09/world/middleeast/09military.html?ref=world&pagewanted=print


General Sees a Longer Stay in Iraq Cities for U.S. Troops

May 8, 2009

WASHINGTON — The top American general in Iraq said Friday that one-fifth of American combat troops would stay behind in Iraqi cities even after the June 30 deadline that the United States and Iraq had set for the departure.

The estimate by Gen. Ray Odierno, at a Pentagon briefing, was the most specific yet for the extension of American combat operations in Baghdad and Mosul. American combat troops have largely moved out of most other urban areas in Iraq, General Odierno said.

The general declined several times to put an actual number on the combat troops who would remain in Baghdad and Mosul after June 30 because, he said, he did not know the precise number of troops there now. The 134,000 American troops in Iraq include 14 combat brigades. Those brigades number about 50,000 to 70,000 troops.

“I mean, I could give you a number today,” General Odierno said. “It will be different tomorrow, it will be different the next day. O.K.?”

(not O.K.)


Iraq rules out extension of US withdrawal dates
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L323425.htm

Maliki in interview: Iraq committed to U.S. pullout deadline
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=193745

[LakeSamish706]

1. So, the question that follows is..... Is the Commander in chief in agreement....

with this? If he is, he then is not keeping his Election promises as I see it!

[Fumesucker]

5. If he isn't then Odierno should be canned in 3 .. 2. 1

But I'm not holding my breath...

[pleah]

2. And, the war machine rolls on and on and on......

[babylonsister]

3. Odierno, again? Ugh. nt

[Psychic Consortium]

4. Obama is up against out of control financial and military institutions.

But Obama will win the fight.
Anyone who takes him on is very foolish.

[HamdenRice]

6. Agree. This is something many people don't understand

Just because he's president doesn't mean he can snap his fingers and make the military industrial complex obey.

They are pushing back on everything -- and pushing back hard.

The presidency is a resource in the struggle. It's not absolute power.

[Psychic Consortium]

8. You are 100% correct.

Most people do not understand how bad things are behind the scenes and what Obama is up against in terms of the economy and the corrupt political, government and financial institutions. He has a great deal of work to do.

His power is great but hampered. And there are factions that are fighting him tooth and nail.

However he will accomplish his goals. Much is done behind the scenes and step by step.

[Bandit]

7. I did not realize the America people chose this General for their President..

Obama needs to step in here and say if this man is speaking for the Administration or is out on his own..It is very poor policy to say publicly that you intend to breach a written promise/obligation with another country. If I was Obama I would fire his ass on the spot. That IMO is even worse than flying a huge jet over New York city to take pictures. It will do nothing but incite the Iraqi people even more than they already are if that is possible and show the world our word is truly completely meaningless.