The Presidential Visit To Iraq
By Pejman Yousefzadeh Posted in War — Comments (2) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
An exceedingly good idea and one that will help the Bush Administration push for a consensus that the reconstruction project in Iraq ought to be seen through. Meanwhile, I recommend to you Ed Morrissey's excellent analysis of the value of the visit. Key passage:
How will this affect the debate on Iraq here in the US? It will show that more of Iraq has been secured in a rather dramatic fashion. A year ago, a presidential visit to Anbar would have been a ludicrous suggestion. His meetings with tribal leaders may have been even more ludicrous regardless of whether they occurred in Anbar or Baghdad. It cuts through the filters of conventional wisdom and media narratives to make a rather bold point about the progress since the start of the surge.
More importantly, how does this affect politics inside Iraq? By meeting with Maliki, Bush can assuage some hurt feelings over calls for Maliki's ouster by Hillary Clinton and Carl Levin. However, his meetings with tribal leaders will demonstrate that the US will be willing to work with a broad range of political leadership, a move that should send a message to Maliki. It will be a recognition of tribal leaders who have chosen political engagement rather than terrorist support, which will strengthen the momentum towards political reform.
It's a smart move in all directions. Bush has once again shown the relevance and the power of the presidency, and he chose the best possible time for this demonstration.
Quite so. Dare I hope that a heretofore inept White House communications operation has finally gotten its act together?
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The Presidential Visit To Iraq 2 Comments (0 topical, 2 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Aren't these the same tribal leaders who were killing our soldiers in Anbar Province a year ago?
Maliki: Thank you for coming Mr. President
Bush: Thank you Prime Minister, great to see you again
Maliki: Great to see you too. But Mr. President I must tell you something
Bush: What is that?
Maliki: Those Congressional leaders of yours… they have no understanding of things. We are an old people, with a long and complex history. Part of that history is not democracy nor is it talking to others to settle differences. This is all new to us. But, Mr. President we are making progress! You must see that! But these Congressional leaders think that every problem in the world is settled it 22 minutes! With a laugh track! They watch too much TV, they are crazy, Mr. President!
Bush: Prime Minister… you have no idea.