Mitt Romney calls Obama Iraq withdrawal decision an ‘astonishing failure’

Obama is pulling his October surprise (my words) a year early, they will be home for Christmas and Mitt Romney doesn't like it at all. He'll have to spend a year trying to convince the public we need to send more troops. Good luck with that Mitt.

Mitt Romney calls Obama Iraq withdrawal decision an 'astonishing failure' - Election 2012 - The Washington Post

Republicans have suddenly found themselves running against a president who has notched clear foreign policy victories over the last year, among them the May killing of Osama bin Laden and Anwar al-Awlaki last month. But the narrative among Republicans is of a president who’s an apologist for American foreign policy, of a commander-in-chief who is weak and ineffectual.
On Friday, shortly after Obama announced that by the end of the year, tens of thousands of U.S. troops “will pack up their gear and board convoys for the journey home,” leading Obama rival Mitt Romney released this statement:

“President Obama’s astonishing failure to secure an orderly transition in Iraq has unnecessarily put at risk the victories that were won through the blood and sacrifice of thousands of American men and women,” Romney wrote. “The unavoidable question is whether this decision is the result of a naked political calculation or simply sheer ineptitude in negotiations with the Iraqi government. The American people deserve to hear the recommendations that were made by our military commanders in Iraq.”

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Since when were we targeting Anwar Al-Waki in the same context as Osama Bin Laden?

Yet another reason why Romeny shouldnt get the nomination for the GOP. He is a mere politician. Instead of stating the facts...Bush brokered the withdrawal of all US troops by the end of 2012 with Iraq and Obama should get credit for following through with the Bush plan, he simply feels he MUST take a position counter to anything Obama says or does. He has no principles.

VanceMack said:

Yet another reason why Romeny shouldnt get the nomination for the GOP. He is a mere politician. Instead of stating the facts...Bush brokered the withdrawal of all US troops by the end of 2012 with Iraq and Obama should get credit for following through with the Bush plan, he simply feels he MUST take a position counter to anything Obama says or does. He has no principles.

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Romney is an opportunist.

People see through that.

I'm all for the complete withdrawal from Iraq. The sooner the better.

I'm skeptical about two things, though... 1) Can we actually pull out everybody within just over two months? Logistically, I mean. And 2) Will we really bring everybody out, or will some simply be reclassified on paper and left in place?

Damned if you do damned if you don't.

pbrauer said:

Obama is pulling his October surprise (my words) a year early, they will be home for Christmas and Mitt Romney doesn't like it at all. He'll have to spend a year trying to convince the public we need to send more troops. Good luck with that Mitt.

Mitt Romney calls Obama Iraq withdrawal decision an 'astonishing failure' - Election 2012 - The Washington Post

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Knowing Romney it would not surprise me if he flip flopped on Iraq.

Is the Mitt Romney who was against the 2nd amendment before he was for the 2nd amendment? Was, was it before he was before the Iraq war before he against the Iraq war from the standpoint he was for going to Iraq before he was for invading Iraq?

I don't know, but I bet Rick Perry knows.

jamesrage said:

Knowing Romney it would not surprise me if he flip flopped on Iraq.

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Beat me to the punch there James

I really wouldn't worry about this, it's Mitt Romney of course.

This position will only last about 12 minutes. Maybe 12 and a half if he's feeling really brave.

He's been consistent (heads explodes) with the ill-inform parties on going to Iraq.

Here is him in 2007 I believe with everyone else....well:

jasonxe said:

He's been consistent (heads explodes) with the ill-inform parties on going to Iraq.

Here is him in 2007 I believe with everyone else....well:

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What did he say before he was even considering trying to run for president? Anything from around the start of the Iraq war?

I can do a youtube search but wiki shows

"Romney supported the invasion of Iraq[155] and the "troop surge". He however has criticized mismanagement of Iraq post invasion. He has stated that both diplomatic and military efforts should be used to achieve success in the region.[18][156] Upon hearing the testimony of David Petraeus, Romney reemphasized his agreement with current policy in Iraq and has called for a "Surge of Support" for the military. Romney has expressed support for an eventual reduction in military presence in Iraq but has strongly opposed a timetable for withdrawal."

Political positions of Mitt Romney - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

winston53660 said:

Damned if you do damned if you don't.

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Sorry pal but my ex-wife said that about cheating on me and I say you're only Damned if you do.

Obama should have demanded that our troops be exempt from Iraqi prosecution and

be held to account in our military courts.

Pulling out is a major mistake and shows Obama's lack of knowledge in Foreign Policy and his Ignorance of the situation facing Iraq if we pull out completely. This is basic stuff and Obama has become the appeaser in Chief around the world and his weaknesses have make us look foolish around the world for having such and idiot in charge.

The only hope Iraq will have is if Israel hits Iran hard and fast devastating their military in such a way that it becomes useless once and for all.

My fear is that we get drawn into such a war, or that it spreads into other Countries in the region, or Russia or China joins in.

If that happens were are looking at a true Armageddon not one by some nut who claimed Yesterday was the day of the Rapture.

jasonxe said:

I can do a youtube search but wiki shows

"Romney supported the invasion of Iraq[155] and the "troop surge". He however has criticized mismanagement of Iraq post invasion. He has stated that both diplomatic and military efforts should be used to achieve success in the region.[18][156] Upon hearing the testimony of David Petraeus, Romney reemphasized his agreement with current policy in Iraq and has called for a "Surge of Support" for the military. Romney has expressed support for an eventual reduction in military presence in Iraq but has strongly opposed a timetable for withdrawal."

Political positions of Mitt Romney - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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A lot of his statements about the Iraq war were made practically within a year to a few months of him formally announcing he would run for president.

The day he formally announced he was running for president.Now this does not take into account that he could have been considering this for over a year or longer.
Romney formally announces run for president - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
February 13, 07 09:45 AM
Mitt Romney was joined on stage by his family after announcing today he was running for president.


As far as we know these are his earliest statements regarding the war in Iraq.
Mitt Romney on War & Peace
Withdrawal from Iraq would be a mistake
In Iowa on Wednesday, Romney reiterated his support for President Bush and said a withdrawal from Iraq “would be a mistake.”
Source: CNN.com, “Inside Politics” , Dec 22, 2006

Bush gave inadequate rationale for Iraq war
The Massachusetts governor pledged support for the US-led invasion in 2003 but later criticized Bush for not doing an “adequate job” outlining the rationale for the war.
Source: People’s Daily (China), “Contenders views on the war” , Nov 23, 2006

You attack US and we respond; but use nonmilitary too
Q: Do you agree with the Bush doctrine, or would you change it?

A: The president is not arrogant. The president is not subject to a bunker mentality. The president has acted out of his desire to keep America safe. And we owe him a debt of gratitude for keeping this country safe over the last six years. He did the right thing in responding and reacting to the fact that we got attacked. And people now recognize: You attack America and there is a response. But we’re going to have to move our strategy from simply being a response to military threat with military action, to an effort that says we’re going to use our military and nonmilitary resources, combined with other nations who are our friends, to help move the world of Islam toward modernity and moderation. The new mission for NATO is to help provide the rule of law, education that’s not through madrassas, so the Muslims are able to reject the extreme and the terrorists.
Source: 2008 Facebook/WMUR-NH Republican primary debate , Jan 5, 2006

Supported the surge; never supported a timed withdrawal
ROMNEY: [to Huckabee]: I disagree with the governor writing in Foreign Affairs magazine that the president’s administration suffers from an arrogant bunker mentality.

HUCKABEE: Did you read the article before you commented on it?

ROMNEY: I did read the article, the whole article. I did support the surge. But, look, Governor, don’t try and characterize my position.

HUCKABEE: Which one? (LAUGHTER)

ROMNEY: You know, we’re wise to talk about policies and not to make personal attacks.

HUCKABEE: Well, it’s not a personal attack, Mitt, because you also supported a timed withdrawal.

ROMNEY: I do not support and have never supported a timed withdrawal, so that’s wrong. My policy is, I’ve never talked about a timed withdrawal with a date certain for us to leave. That’s not the case. Simply wrong. I’ve also supported the troop surge, and I supported it on the same day the president brought it forward.
Source: 2008 Facebook/WMUR-NH Republican primary debate , Jan 5, 2006

I've been searching google news timeline before the iraq war started and he was supportive of it. I couldn't find a definite "We got to" or "We can't go to" iraq but his actions show support with the party & Bush at the time.

This doesn't surprise me since you had to be a wise man with balls of steel to not go in.

Councilman said:

Sorry pal but my ex-wife said that about cheating on me and I say you're only Damned if you do.

Obama should have demanded that our troops be exempt from Iraqi prosecution and

be held to account in our military courts.

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Considering that was never going to happen, you are demanding Obama keep troops in a country that doesn't want us there. Councilman, you are demanding Obama actually setup an Occupation.

Do you ever bother to think through your arguments before you post them?

Pulling out is a major mistake and shows Obama's lack of knowledge in Foreign Policy and his Ignorance of the situation facing Iraq if we pull out completely. This is basic stuff and Obama has become the appeaser in Chief around the world and his weaknesses have make us look foolish around the world for having such and idiot in charge.

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So it's better to just occupy Iraq then?

Please think before posting.

Dear Mitt Romney,

First, get your facts straight. After that, you can feel free to distort them as you please.

Thank you,

DanaRhea

Romney is acting like a complete fool. The Iraqi's have demanded that we leave. Unless we want to destroy the government we created, there isn't any other choice. Its disgusting how war has become little more than platform to criticize political opponents. We don't have honest disagreement over what war policy is best for the nation's involved. Its simply an excuse for politicians to accuse each other of being warmongers or soft.

Councilman said:

Sorry pal but my ex-wife said that about cheating on me and I say you're only Damned if you do.

Obama should have demanded that our troops be exempt from Iraqi prosecution and

be held to account in our military courts.

Pulling out is a major mistake and shows Obama's lack of knowledge in Foreign Policy and his Ignorance of the situation facing Iraq if we pull out completely. This is basic stuff and Obama has become the appeaser in Chief around the world and his weaknesses have make us look foolish around the world for having such and idiot in charge.

The only hope Iraq will have is if Israel hits Iran hard and fast devastating their military in such a way that it becomes useless once and for all.

My fear is that we get drawn into such a war, or that it spreads into other Countries in the region, or Russia or China joins in.

If that happens were are looking at a true Armageddon not one by some nut who claimed Yesterday was the day of the Rapture.

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I will ignore the American arrogance side of this ("Obama should have demanded"...when 82% of Iraqis want us gone) to focus on the cost of our continued involvement in Iraq. I guess I will find no posts of yours complaining about the US overspending or suggesting our national debt is a crisis. After all, you think it is a good use of US taxpayer dollars to continue an occupation of Iraq at the cost of over $2.6B per month for rather nebulous reasons (you really didn't offer an real reason of substance). I guess you are all for rampant government spending.

Iraq War Facts, Statistics at September 30, 2011 - Iraq War Casualties, Spending

Councilman said:

Pulling out is a major mistake and shows Obama's lack of knowledge in Foreign Policy and his Ignorance of the situation facing Iraq if we pull out completely.

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Are you suggesting we dishonor our agreement with Iraq and continue to occupy their country against their will???

Catawba said:

Are you suggesting we dishonor our agreement with Iraq and continue to occupy their country against their will???

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Wouldn't be the first time....

AdamT said:

Wouldn't be the first time....

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To which Councilman would blow his top at Obama for not sticking to our agreements.

There's really no way Obama can win with these people. It doesn't matter what he does. He's going to get criticized for anything he does.

If Mitt Romney wants to see an astonishing failure, just look in the mirror. He would be nothing without his millionaire daddy.

I'm tired of these sons of millionaires and their skewed sense of entitlement. We're seeing a lot of them lately.

Republicans Want to Re-Invade Iraq!

"That’s the logical conclusion to be drawn from Mitt Romney and Lindsey Graham as reported on Fox News Sunday. Mr. Romney issued a statement saying the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by the end of the year ‘threatens’ all the ‘gains’ the US has made in Iraq. He invoked the thousands of American soldiers killed or injured as if to say it would all be for naught because Iraq can’t stand on its own."

"So, what’s the reality?

1. The troops are being brought home under the Bush-negotiated Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed with the Maliki government several years ago. SOFA stipulated the conditions under which US troops operated and how long they stay. Part of the SOFA agreement is that all US troops leave Iraq by December 31, 2011.

2. PM Maliki’s government and the Obama Administration have been in talks about amending SOFA to keep some American troops in Iraq longer, primarily for training and advising the Iraqi military. However, the Iraqis refused to extend immunity to any American soldiers who stayed behind. That was a deal-breaker from the beginning.

3. Romney and Graham may have forgotten that Iraq is once again an independent, sovereign nation. Maliki is representing the majority of Iraqis who want all foreign troops out of their country. Both countries have left open the possibility of American military trainers coming back at a later date. In the meantime, the US Embassy will employ contractors to train Iraqis.

4. Romney and Graham’s concern about leaving troops in Iraq to counter the influence of Iran, especially in the southern region is laughable. So far, since the invasion, the US military has been spectacularly unsuccessful in countering Iranian influence in Iraq militarily or diplomatically. In the not-to-distant-past, in fact, the US aligned itself with Saddam Hussein as a bulwark against Iran rising as a dominant power in the area. Americans taking out Iran’s nemesis, Hussein, was the best thing that could happen for Iran.

5. The hawkish Republican stance to keep US troops in Iraq could only be fulfilled if the US overrides the SOFA by force by staging an open US-supported coup against the Maliki government and/or re-invading the country.

See how that goes over in 2012."

Republicans Want to Re-Invade Iraq! | Read Between the Lines

I'm more concern about them invading Iran and possibly pakistan. Also national id card which they seem eager about in 2008.