Iraqi politicians prefer 2010

Much was made of this fact a few weeks ago, that the Iraqi leadership wants the US out of Iraq, and wants us out in 2010. It was big news, because that timeline is pretty much what Obama has been proposing for months. It seemed to really undercut Bush/McCain on the issue, and for some reason, it has dropped out of the national news.

Now we have this story, which is that in recent negotiations, the Bush team requested a 2015 withdrawal date, while the Iraqis said, nope, we want you out by 2010. They compromised and came up with 2011.

Think about this for a second. A democratically elected government in Iraq is asking us to leave, and we say, no, let's stay longer. In fact, let's stay 5 years longer than you want. The Bushies obviously have some leverage (i.e. the Iraqis still need us) so they were able to get it pushed out to 2011. But we are basically an occupying force, and the Iraqis want us out, and we are saying, nah, we like it here, we might even build some summer cottages and stay awhile.

Does the average American get this? That we are basically paying billions of dollars a month and risking peoples lives to stay in a country that wants us out ASAP and we keep begging to stay longer?!?!

I need a drink.