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Iraq Backs Barack, Despite Pullout Fears

Many alarmed by Obama's troop withdrawal timetable

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 17, 2008 3:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama is widely popular in Iraq, despite deep concerns about his plans to withdraw American troops, reports the New York Times. Iraqis around the country expressed admiration for Obama and believe he would be a major improvement over President Bush—but also worry that his proposed 16-month withdrawal timetable could reverse hard-fought security gains.

"We would be very happy if he was elected president," said one Iraqi general, despite his reservations. “Any army would love to work without any help, but let me be honest: we don’t have that ability.”

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., delivers his policy speech on Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, in Clinton, Iowa.
Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., delivers his policy speech on Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, in Clinton, Iowa.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
A vendor sells fans at the Shorja market in Baghdad,  Monday, July 7, 2008. Violence in Iraq has fallen to its lowest level in four years,. Shoppers have returned to the capital's outdoor markets.
A vendor sells fans at the Shorja market in Baghdad, Monday, July 7, 2008. Violence in Iraq has fallen to its lowest level in four years,. Shoppers have returned to the capital's outdoor markets.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Iraqis shop at a market in central Baghdad, Thursday, May 22, 2008.  Baghdad has enjoyed a sense of relative security recently, but many fear it could be short-lived.
Iraqis shop at a market in central Baghdad, Thursday, May 22, 2008. Baghdad has enjoyed a sense of relative security recently, but many fear it could be short-lived.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
A vendor sells fans at the Shorja market in Baghdad,  Monday, July 7, 2008. Violence in Iraq has fallen to its lowest level in four years, and shoppers have returned to the capital's outdoor markets.
A vendor sells fans at the Shorja market in Baghdad, Monday, July 7, 2008. Violence in Iraq has fallen to its lowest level in four years, and shoppers have returned to the capital's outdoor markets.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Barack Obama is very popular in Iraq as a person, but many have expressed concerns over the possible implications of his plans for an American withdrawal.
Barack Obama is very popular in Iraq as a person, but many have expressed concerns over the possible implications of his plans for an American withdrawal.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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