Iraq

In Obama’s view, the lower levels of violence in Iraq are not enough – there must be “real political accommodation.”  A “responsible pace of redeployment” of U.S. troops will encourage this to happen.  Most U.S. troops would be withdrawn within 16 months under Obama’s plan.  He also believes that with the withdrawal of most U.S. troops, money allocated to the war effort can be redirected to domestic U.S. needs.

John McCain says that the United States must succeed in defeating Al Qaeda in Iraq and ensure political stability in the country before planning a withdrawal of U.S. troops.  He attributes lower levels of violence in recent months to the “surge” of 30,000 added U.S. troops late last year, and attacks Barack Obama for not having supported it.  Originally offering a sharp difference between the two candidates, the proposed withdrawal timetable has become more of a debate over nuance, as the Bush Administration has spoken of “a general time horizon” for withdrawal and Iraqi Prime Minister al Maliki has endorsed Obama’s timeline.

“A phased withdrawal will encourage Iraqis to take the lead in securing their own country and making political compromises”

“I believe a reckless and premature withdrawal would be a terrible defeat for our security interests and our values.”