Here's Your Hat, What's Your Hurry?

Despite the attempts by neocon supporters of the Bushit Assministration to keep changing the terminology, the Iraqi government clearly means a date-certain for U.S. troop withdrawal by the end of 2011, not a "aspirational" goal or whatever the latest weasel wording the Bushies use. For Prime Minister Maliki, "out" means "out."

Now watch for the phrase "conditions on the ground" to be the new mantra that is repeated endlessly by McSame and the neocon world to try to fudge the pull out terms. They've had the rug pulled out from under them, after suggesting that people supporting a timetable for withdrawal were "appeasers," and now they're tap dancing to avoid looking like morons.

Too late.

"We're F*cked"

In a revealing comment on Prime Minister Maliki's statement endorsing Sen. Obama's withdrawal timeframe, a McSame advisor said the voters "don't care about Iraqi leaders," only what the military says. Unfortunately for McSame, who wants permanent U.S. bases there, the Iraqi leaders were elected by the Iraqi people. It wasn't long ago that McSame was stating that we should leave Iraq if asked by their democratically-elected government. It's clear that the vast majority of Iraqis don't want permanent U.S. military bases on Iraqi soil, and it will be an issue in their upcoming parliamentary elections.

Even more revealing was the comment by a frequent McSame foreign policy advisor, reacting to the Iraqi leader's desire for a withdrawal timetable: "We're f*cked."
Indeed.

Bushies Pull A Homer

The Bushie press office accidentally sent out an e-mail to its entire address list with an article attached: "Iraqi PM backs Obama troop exit plan." Prime Minister Maliki was reported by Reuters to endorse Sen. Obama's goal of 16 months for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, saying "that, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes."

Nothing like drawing attention to the inanity of Dumbya's "we'll stay as long as we want" strategery, supported by St. John McSame, but which seems to have been rejected by the Iraqis. Hee hee.

Here's Your Hat, What's Your Hurry?

The Iraqi government is suggesting a short term pact with the U.S. that would call for troop reductions, a clear departure from the Bushit Assministration's desire for a long-term military presence in Iraq. The idea was brought up by Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki in a security meeting with Arab ambassadors. Establishing a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal is widely popular among the Shiite majority, not to mention the U.S. public. It is essentially the "as they stand up, we'll stand down" mantra that the Assministration peddled years ago, before abandoning it in favor of a "long-term" presence in the oil-rich country.

Better Hide Dead-Eye's Guns

Or don't show this story to "Dead Eye" Dick Cheney. The Washington Post reports that Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki has said that Iranian involvement in the insurgency in Iraq "has ceased" and that relations with Iran and Syria have improved. This flies in the face of the Assministration's frequent claims that Iran is providing major arms and logistical support to the Shiite insurgents, and therefore must be met with force. Dead Eye's office is the main proponent for war with Iran, and has an active neocon media cheering section (Wee Willie Kristol's Weekly Standard, the National Review, Faux News, etc.) promoting the "Iran is involved" story line.

How long before Maliki gets a call from Dead Eye's office, telling him to revise his comments? Or maybe they'll have Blackwater Security deliver the message for them.

More Progress, cont'd.

The latest declassified version of the National Intelligence Report was issued today, and has dim hopes for the Maliki government ever leading a unified Iraq. Sectarian violence continues, al Qaeda is still launching high-profile attacks, regional governors have been assassinated, and necessary reforms have yet to be accomplished. The report says sectarian violence is expected to remain high, and that "Tet offensive" -like attacks are likely to occur in September - - when Petrae, uh we mean, the White House reports on the surge's inevitable progress. Which, of course, we're making. Despite a worsening political situation. Despite intense sectarian violence. Progress. Of course.

UPDATE: Prime Minister Maliki scolded his American critics for suggesting that he should step aside. On a trip to Syria, Maliki said that he could "find friends elsewhere" if he was abandoned by the U.S.

Translation: "Eat this, bitchez!"

The Purple Finger Eaters

And speaking of "Mission Accomplished," we're seeing reports today that the Maliki government has set up a shadowy "Office of the Commander in Chief" that is overriding decisions being made elsewhere in the Iraqi government, and that is pushing the Shiite sectarian agenda to the detriment of the Sunni and Kurd minorities. This is what the Iraqi people voted for? Don't think so.

The actions of this Office are seen as undermining U.S. policies in Iraq. It's beginning to resemble the Bushie/Rethug political apparatus here in undermining the Constitution.