Obama on Iraq

Early on, Rush Limbaugh shooed away any worry on US policy in Iraq, saying that all the candidates were proud Americans and would not repeat the mistakes of the seventies, in abandoning the country in which our military was engaged, and smearing the reputation of our military.
Since Rush almost never talks about Iraq, I suspect his personal view is more in tune with Pat Buchanan's than mine.

Nonetheless the talking points on Iraq remain, mired in the mistakes of bunkering in the Green Zone and the Command Bases. Not recognizing the amazing effect that getting out in the neighborhoods have produced.

Here is a somewhat dated Obama flyer from last year. In it there is both positive and negative data. What the result would be, based on current info, from his actual victory remains murky.

1. Pull out front line combat troops by end 2009.
- Petraeus' plan and the success of the surge has already made that do-able, if done responsibly. Already the Marines are disengaged and regular and reserve army troops are handling things.

2. Call for a new Constitution, under mandated supervision of the UN
- WTF is THAT!!! The Iraqi people already voted on a Constitution. It's not just like ours but they approved it. That the Sunni's didnt participate is their problem but the current Iraqi administration has taken them into account and from all reports, the constitution as written will suffice for inclusion of all factions.
- And wouldnt that be the SAME UN who administered Oil for Food allowing Saddam to build his palaces and various Europeans to get rich? And the same who cut and run at the first sign of danger? You are going to foist THAT UN on the Iraqi people? For what.. has the money run out on the crooks?

3. Regional Security Pact
- Oh, gimme a break! Note the silence from the Arab League, on Iraq. The Arab Nations are scared shitless of Iran and what they might do when they get nukes. That INCLUDES Syria, btw. Note that Iraq is also silent on Turkey pursuing PKK terrorists into Kurdistan. THAT is a working pact and doesnt need a bunch of wonks sitting around a table.

The Arab League, including Saudi Arabia now knows they have nothing to fear from Iraq, and that Iraq's Army will do their part to help contain problems in the region.. better than any of them could. Yes.. militarily Iraq will be the keystone in that regional pact.

4. Take immediate steps to confront the humanitarian crisis of the displaced; and prosecute War Criminals.

- How about just applying the necessary security measures with our and Iraqi troops to allow more oil to flow. Iraq is rich enough to shoulder that burden without funding from either Europe or the US. And they have already started on it. Including local councils to settle property disputes among those who left homes and those who squatted there. All very civilized, and under control of local sheiks. Why screw that up?
It would help if the OPEC nations in the area kicked in a little, financially.

- What War Criminals? Isnt that Iraq's job? Why would we meddle in their business.. isnt non-meddling the meme of the left?
- Or maybe he means the Bush Administration. Dont hold your breath, lefties. Any hearings will produce some uncomfortable truths, speeches and videotapes.

No... Rush was right, whatever his take on Iraq intervention in the first place, by the time Obama gets into the Oval office, all he'll have to do is stand back. Unless he WANTS to screw things up.

Which, if I were a lefty, and wanted a bitter aftertaste lingering from Iraq, I'd do by getting the UN heavily involved.

hat tip, GatewayPundit
who is far less charitable to Barry than I am.