Latest Obama stance on war?

[143tbone]

Help me out here gang. I'm getting conflicting messages about where he stands on the war--as far as when he says he will pull out and to what extent.

[sandnsea]

1. Obama Proposal on Troop Withdrawal

http://www.barackobama.com/2007/09/12/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_23.php

“The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq’s leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops. Not in six months or one year _ now,” the Illinois senator says.

The only troops to remain in Iraq would be those to strike al Qaeda targets, and those to protect our forces as they leave, and U.S. diplomats and facilities. Mr. Obama further states “If - but only if - Iraq makes political progress and their security forces are not sectarian, we should continue to train and equip those forces."

[beachmom]

2. Also, I want to add that this has been his position since he launched

this plan in December 2006 or early January 2007. He locked in with this position, and he will not be changing it.

[Dr Ron]

3. Actually he may--which is the right stand

In one recent interview Obama was asked if he could change his plan based upon unexpected conditions in Iraq. Naturally he said that he would change his plan if conditions required it. Of course this is the only rational answer. While he has been consistent in what he has proposed, it is impossible to say that it will not become necessary to make changes based upon conditions at the time.

Personally I'm not terribly interested in the details of a candidate's plans to get out as long as they realize the need to get out. Once they start negotiating with the parties involved I can see anyone's plan changing. What is most important is to have realized from the start that going into Iraq was a mistake.

[beachmom]

4. Oh, of course, I agree that he will and should be flexible if president.

However, I think he will stick with the basics of his January 2007 Iraq plan throughout the campaign -- it is a timetable for withdrawal, but of course allows for extenuating circumstances. Still, I think he will definitely be talking to the Iraqis about setting a date fairly soon after becoming president, since it is the only way to get them moving politically. That principle is a guiding one for him.