Best Iraq Policy Would Mix Mac, Obama Plans

Friedman: Timetable is a political must, but with a little wiggle room

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 23, 2008 10:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain was right about the surge, so it’s natural he’s eager to talk about it. But thanks to that very success, Barack Obama finds himself, by luck or cunning, positioned perfectly, Thomas Friedman writes in the New York Times. As security improves, Iraqis want Americans to leave. If they don’t, Iraq will coalesce into a unified nation—unified against the US.

“More and more mainstream Iraqi politicians believe they are able to run their own affairs, and fewer and fewer mainstream Americans believe we are able to devote another presidency to Iraq,” Friedman continues. “All of which suggests that the right position on Iraq today is probably ‘McBama’—stick to a clear withdrawal timetable because post-surge Iraqi and American politics will tolerate nothing else—but leave yourself some wiggle room if things keep getting better, but not exactly on schedule.”

John McCain visits the popular Shorja market in central Baghdad, Iraq, in this April 1, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Sgt. Matthew Roe, US Army, File)

Barack Obama, left, meets with US Army personnel based at the Contingency Operating Base (COB), in Basra Iraq during a short visit to the base on Monday July 21, 2008. (AP Photo/ Jannine B Hartmann, MOD.)

Barack Obama bids farewell to British army Major General Barney White Spunner before his departure at Basra International Airport on Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama talks with top U.S. military commander in Iraq, David Petraeus, on Monday in Baghdad. (AP Photo)

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Best Iraq Policy Would Mix Mac, Obama Plans

Friedman: Timetable is a political must, but with a little wiggle room

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Maliki Pegs Obama as the Most Pliant: Krauthammer

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Move by Bush, Maliki toward timetable is 'devastating blow'

Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

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Poll score: Obama 50%, McCain 49%

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Best Iraq Policy Would Mix Mac, Obama Plans

Friedman: Timetable is a political must, but with a little wiggle room

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Barack Obama • John McCain • Nouri al-Maliki • Election 2008 • Iraq exit strategy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Maliki Pegs Obama as the Most Pliant: Krauthammer

Iraq PM thinks Dem can be manipulated, writes Krauthammer

Iraq Sands Shifting Under McCain Position

Move by Bush, Maliki toward timetable is 'devastating blow'

Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

Voters Split on Candidates' Iraq Stances: Poll

Poll score: Obama 50%, McCain 49%

Obama: Swift End to Iraq War Will Strengthen Security

Candidate makes position crystal clear

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Newser By Users

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