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President Obama Calls W, Maliki to Tell Them About Iraq Withdrawal Plan

February 27, 2009 12:27 PM

President Obama made two phone calls this morning on his way to the speech, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said this afternoon.

Having previously tried and failed to connect with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki to tell him about his decision, the president phoned Mr. Maliki from Air Force One on the way down to North Carolina this morning “and briefed the prime minister on the plan he would announce. He also “sought and received” from the prime minister an agreement to receive Christopher Hill as the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq.

Then, in the hold at Camp Lejeune, before the speech, President Obama called former President George W. Bush to brief him about his troop withdrawal plan.

He made the call “as a courtesy,” Gibbs said.

The language in President Obama's speech is sober. No "Mission Accomplished" in this speech.

"Let there be no doubt: Iraq is not yet secure, and there will be difficult days ahead. Violence will continue to be a part of life in Iraq. Too many fundamental political questions about Iraq’s future remain unresolved. Too many Iraqis are still displaced or destitute. Declining oil revenues will put an added strain on a government that has had difficulty delivering basic services. Not all of Iraq’s neighbors are contributing to its security. Some are working at times to undermine it. And even as Iraq’s government is on a surer footing, it is not yet a full partner –- politically and economically –- in the region, or with the international community. In short, today there is a renewed cause for hope in Iraq, but that hope rests upon an emerging foundation."

The president said: "Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end."

This was followed by an unsure smattering of applause from the Marine audience, building into something a bit more enthusiastic.

A more assertive clapping followed this presidential declaration: "Through this period of transition, we will carry out further redeployments. And under the Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government, I intend to remove all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011."

-- jpt

February 27, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (55)

User Comments

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If Obama says that the combat is over, then for Democrats it's over. Democrats are especially stupid. They believe anything this tool has to say.

Those 50K soldiers will be there to play softball.

Posted by: drjohn | Mar 1, 2009 7:47:14 PM

The language in President Obama's speech is sober. No "Mission Accomplished" in this speech.

- I beg to differ to Messiah Obama, Mission was Accomplished, thats a slap in the face to every military personel and person who laid thier lives down for freedom.

"Let there be no doubt: Iraq is not yet secure, and there will be difficult days ahead. Violence will continue to be a part of life in Iraq. Too many fundamental political questions about Iraq’s future remain unresolved.

-I am tired of his Dismal, negative response to everything he says. Can it hurt to be Optimistic or Hopeful. I am not fan of President Clinton, but heed his tips... Give us HOPE.. not depressing excuses, Barrack Obama have the balls to step up give the REAL facts on our accomplishments in IRAQ.

because there are MANY, which he has failed to mention.

Posted by: thoraxx | Mar 1, 2009 4:09:17 PM

Think of this - What if the COLB vs. Vault Birth Certificate is the scam! What if it does not matter if he was born in Hawaii or HELL! You see his Father was not an American Citizen. He was a Kenyan! As a Kenyan he came under the British Crown, a CITIZEN of England. Now, are you, are anybody, saying that just because Barack Hussein Obama Sr. was a BLACK man in 1961 he did not have the right to transfer his citizenship to his new born son? But his WHITE wife did have the right to transfer her citizenship to her son? You see if baby Barack had dual citizenships at birth HE IS NOT A NATURAL BORN AMERICAN! His father was a KENYAN, how could baby Obama NOT BE A KENYAN ALSO? If tomorrow the Obots come out with a brand new Vault Birth Certificate from Hawaii with all the proper info, Baby Obama was still born a Brit. Is not Natural Born, and can not be POTUS. They hide the truth in plain sight, right under our noses. If anyone can tell me how he did not pick up his Father's nationality at birth, please post it!

Posted by: old1 | Feb 28, 2009 8:42:41 PM

ROFL!!

Well, I did suggest that you try again another time, but I was hoping for a better effort than the previous one...

Posted by: MaineSkeptic | Feb 28, 2009 4:30:58 PM

BO said he was born in Hawaii and we should believe him. He is a man of high integrity. We, BO supporters should ask BO to disclose the original verifiable vault-certificate (not the COLB), showing the place of birth and the hospital. It will cost him $12, and the GOP will shot up.

It is hard to argue against his political enemies who claim he and our party spent nearly $1,000,000 to keep it secret. Even if the actual amount is less, there are now about 40 lawsuits and it is doubtful that all lawyers hired to keep the vault-BC secret, work on pro-bono basis.

We can not hope that these fringes of right-wingers are going to quit. In fact the pressure is getting stronger, with some lawmakers and military men joining as plaintiffs.

Our political opponents claim rightfully, that McCain immediately produced all his verifiable birth papers when he was questioned. They say what’s the big deal? In some states you must produce a birth certificate for getting a fishing license and social security. Hard to argue against such facts.

Please Barack pay the $12 and make them shot up. We are supporting you and we don’t need distractions in these hard economic times. We all, his supporters, should write to the President asking him to help us with this problem.

Posted by: Obama Supporter | Feb 28, 2009 4:26:09 PM

LOL, "BO-Supporter," nice try!

You pretend to be an Obama supporter, but you spout all the nonsensical misinformation typical of the "fringes of right-wingers."

The COLB *does* show the place of birth (Honolulu), and is more than adequate to obtain a fishing license, a passport, and anything else for which proof of citizenship is required.

You got caught. Maybe you can try again some other time.

Posted by: MaineSkeptic | Feb 28, 2009 10:42:25 AM

BO-Supporter
2/27/2009

BO said he was born in Hawaii and we should believe him. He is a man of high integrity. We, BO supporters should ask BO to disclose the original verifiable vault-certificate (not the COLB), showing the place of birth and the hospital. It will cost him $12, and the GOP will shot up.

It is hard to argue against his political enemies who claim he and our party spent nearly $1,000,000 to keep it secret. Even if the actual amount is less, there are now about 40 lawsuits and it is doubtful that all lawyers hired to keep the vault-BC secret, work on pro-bono basis.

We can not hope that these fringes of right-wingers are going to quit. In fact the pressure is getting stronger, with some lawmakers and military men joining as plaintiffs.

Our political opponents claim rightfully, that McCain immediately produced all his verifiable birth papers when he was questioned. They say what’s the big deal? In some states you must produce a birth certificate for getting a fishing license and social security. Hard to argue against such facts.

Please Barack pay the $12 and make them shot up. We are supporting you and we don’t need distractions in these hard economic times. We all, his supporters, should write to the President asking him to help us with this problem.

Posted by: BO-Supporter | Feb 28, 2009 3:50:44 AM

the call to Bush was more of a "thank you Bush for making this withdrawal easy for me" afterall, it was Bush who laid the ground work for Obama's withdrawal plans. we all knew that when Iraq was able to function on it;s own (as evidenced by the recent election) Iraq voted to keep US presences for at least 2 years. Obama is just following the agreement. so the actual credit lies with Bush, this was his war, he started it and stayed with it it thru thick and thin and made an withdrawal agreement.
we should thank Obama for Honoring this agreement and staying with it, so i give Obama some credit for this too.

Posted by: jaj | Feb 27, 2009 10:18:41 PM

The information on the Certification of Live Birth is gathered from the original birth certificate. They ONLY give out that short-form and it costs 10$. There is no longer form he can get for 10$. How do you keep overlooking that simple fact? The state of Hawaii does NOT issue for any cost a copy of the longer form. He isn't hiding anything. He doesn't need to prove he was born on American soil to sooth YOUR obsession. The state department has his birth certificate, he has a passport(that is the only way you travel overseas and return). There is no evidence he was born elsewhere and if you think the 'evidence' presented in various conspiracy websites, then you no doubt believe in bigfoot, UFOs, and don't believe we landed on the moon. The answer to this stuff is with you, not Obama. You need to read and scrutinize your own assumptions and misunderstandings. His story is no secret, he didn't hide having an African father(it doesn't matter if your father was foreigner, it doesn't matter Obama was given citizenship elsewhere by ANOTHER country's laws). There is a reason the RNC, the former president and most of the world is not concerned about this and calls it a 'conspiracy theory'. I suggest you do your best to find out why.

Posted by: devin | Feb 27, 2009 9:50:58 PM

"This is pretty important, don't you think? He wasn't elected dog catcher, after all. He is the leader of the free world."

So what is your contention Rose?

What information is contained on his birth certificate that is not on his COLB?

Posted by: Ryan C | Feb 27, 2009 5:36:56 PM

"But his "proof" is utterly useless."

Why is it useless?

You just said you accepted it as valid.

"Look, I'm not getting into the myriad of questions surrounding this issue, because some of what I've read is downright crazy."

All of it is downright crazy.

"For me, it's simple: produce the document so that this will go away."

He produced his COLB and the issue is still here.

Why is that?

Posted by: Ryan C | Feb 27, 2009 5:31:56 PM

"I am not disputing the information on the COLB."

So what are you arguing about?

"I believe that because this is an issue, and in the name of the transparency he promised us, his birth certificate should be released."

What information does that contain that needs to be released?

Posted by: Ryan C | Feb 27, 2009 5:30:26 PM

"The State Dept. accepts it as proof of identity along with how many other forms of I.D., Ryan?"

It is considered primary proof of citizenship.

With that, you must also show a photo ID.

The you pay a fee, give them two passport pics and then they send you your passport.

Posted by: Ryan C | Feb 27, 2009 5:28:30 PM

But, Rose, you said that you are "not disputing the information on the COLB," which says that he was born in Honolulu.

If you were telling the truth, how can you say that it's useless? It proves he was born on American soil, which is just what he needs to prove.

Posted by: MaineSkeptic | Feb 27, 2009 5:23:20 PM

But his "proof" is utterly useless. Look, I'm not getting into the myriad of questions surrounding this issue, because some of what I've read is downright crazy. For me, it's simple: produce the document so that this will go away. And don't insult my intelligence in the process by claiming that a COLB is a birth certificate. It's not. This is pretty important, don't you think? He wasn't elected dog catcher, after all. He is the leader of the free world.

Posted by: Rose | Feb 27, 2009 5:21:14 PM

"why does it have to go through the courts?"

Because you're asking him to prove something that he's already proved. It only makes sense to demand more information if he failed to offer valid proof first time around.

Posted by: MaineSkeptic | Feb 27, 2009 5:08:02 PM

Aray, why does it have to go through the courts? Why can't he just come out and do the honorable thing and release it, like I thought that he would do? Why hide behind Judge's robes?

Posted by: Rose | Feb 27, 2009 5:03:28 PM

But, Rose, if you "not disputing the information on the COLB," then what is there to get to the bottom of?

Remember, it's not just you asking for the "vault copy" of the BC. Others are demanding long lists of documents that also have no relevance to the question of where he was born.

Posted by: MaineSkeptic | Feb 27, 2009 5:02:01 PM

The State Dept. accepts it as proof of identity along with how many other forms of I.D., Ryan?

I am not disputing the information on the COLB. I believe that because this is an issue, and in the name of the transparency he promised us, his birth certificate should be released. Why can't he do that one simple thing? I certainly don't mind being made a fool of if I'm questioning something for no reason. I'd rather get to the bottom of it, and I can't because he won't do what he promised to do! I don't like being lied to, and I'm sure that I'm not alone.

Posted by: Rose | Feb 27, 2009 4:58:09 PM

aray said:

'Well, if our President can't even produce a document to ease the mind of "internet nutjobs" like myself, then why should I believe anything he has to say?'
__

But there's the problem. He's already produced a document that proves he was born in Hawaii. Does he have to keep showing more until every last individual is satisfied? Where does it end?

There's a simple solution: Make your case and convince a judge that the evidence he has shown is not sufficient. But if every judge who looks at it feels there's no case, then it's time to show your respect for our legal system.

Posted by: MaineSkeptic | Feb 27, 2009 4:57:29 PM

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