">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Obama pushes Iraq for political progress
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Obama pushes Iraq for political progress
Reuters - Wednesday, April 8
By Matt Spetalnick
ADVERTISEMENT
BAGHDAD - U.S. President Barack Obama pushed Iraq's feuding factions to compromise on Tuesday, sounding a note of impatience as he said Iraqis should take responsibility for their country so U.S. troops could leave.
Obama flew to Baghdad to meet U.S. military commanders and Iraqi leaders and assess security there first-hand after announcing a strategy to wind down the unpopular six-year war by withdrawing all U.S. combat troops by the end of August 2010 and the rest of U.S. troops by the end of 2011.
"It is time for us to transition to the Iraqis. They need to take responsibility for their country ... in order to do that they need to make political accommodations," Obama told some 1,500 troops at a base outside Baghdad.
His visit to Baghdad was shrouded in the security-conscious secrecy that marked similar trips by his predecessor George W. Bush, whose foreign policy legacy was defined by the unpopular war that he launched in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein.
In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Obama acknowledged there had been political reforms but said more work was needed. Obama said after his talks with Maliki that there had been enormous progress on security and he was sticking with his plan to withdraw all U.S. troops by 2011.
He told reporters it was "absolutely critical for all Iraqis to be adequately integrated into the government and security forces, adding he wanted to work with Maliki in a "spirit of partnership."
Obama was also due to talk to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani before flying home to Washington.
Iraq experts fear that if steps are not taken to resolve disputes between Sunni and Shi'ite Arab and Kurdish political blocs, recent security gains, partly won by a U.S. troop build-up in the last two years, could unravel, plunging Iraq back into violence.
Obama's visit was not publicized beforehand and was made known only after Air Force One, flying from Istanbul at the end of Obama's first major international tour, had touched down at Baghdad International Airport.
His arrival came a day after a string of seemingly coordinated bombings across the Iraqi capital killed 37 people. On Tuesday, a car bomb killed nine people and wounded 20 in the Shi'ite Kadhimiya district of northwest Baghdad, police said.
Under Obama's new Iraq war strategy, announced in February, the roughly 140,000 U.S. troops now in Iraq will be drawn down to between 35,000 and 50,000 -- a number that anti-war critics consider too high -- by the end of August 2010. The mission of those left will be redefined mostly to help train Iraqi forces. But they too must leave by the end of 2011.
"This is going to be a critical period, these next 18 months," Obama said. "You will be critical in terms of us being able to make sure Iraq is stable, that it is not a safe haven for terrorists, and we can start bringing our folks home," he told U.S. troops at Camp Victory, a major base near the airport.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the top U.S. commander in Iraq, General Ray Odierno, had told Obama that even with the recent spike in bombings, violence was at its lowest level since 2003.
But, underscoring the fragile security, U.S. officials
ruled out any idea of Obama travelling by motorcade into Baghdad after bad weather forced the cancellation of a planned helicopter trip into the city to meet Iraqi leaders. Instead, Maliki went to Camp Victory for talks with Obama.
The sectarian warfare and insurgency unleashed by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion have receded sharply over the past year, but Iraqi security forces still face huge challenges as they take on policing and military operations from the United States.
NATIONAL ELECTION
Urging Iraq's political leaders to reach "equitable, fair" solutions, Obama said: "They're going to have to decide that they want to resolve their differences through constitutional means and legal means."
Iraq held its most peaceful elections since the invasion when a provincial ballot in January passed without a single major militant attack. But U.S. and Iraqi officials say tensions between rival factions are likely to rise as Iraq approaches a national election later in the year.
The unresolved fate of the city of Kirkuk, which sits on rich oil reserves and is claimed by minority Kurds as their ancestral capital, and growing tensions between Kurds in their semi-autonomous region in the north and Arabs in Baghdad could ignite Iraq's next big ethno-sectarian conflict even as bloodshed between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims begins to recede.
Maliki on Tuesday urged foreign firms to return and invest in Iraq, saying the country was now more stable.
"Iraq now is based on increased security, for peace and stability, and looks forward to international companies .... participating and investing in the country," he said through a translator after his talks with Obama.
MORE WELCOME THAN BUSH
Unlike Bush, a Republican blamed by many Iraqis for the tens of thousands who died after the invasion even as some acknowledge their gratitude for the fall of Saddam, Obama would be welcomed by Iraqis, analysts said.
Obama, a Democratic U.S. senator before he became president, opposed the war from its start.
"No flying shoes this time for sure," said political analyst Hazem al-Nuaimi, referring to an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at Bush, forcing him to duck, during the then-U.S. leader's final visit to Iraq in December.
On the streets of Baghdad, many Iraqis asked about the visit insisted Obama back his words with action.
"I hope he'll withdraw the U.S. troops ... We need action. If he speaks, he must act. If it's just talk, he can stay away," said Qableh Mahmoud, a Baghdad housewife.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
0 users recommend
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: World
Aftershocks rattle Italy quake zone, toll hits 235AFP - 1 hour 14 minutes ago
AP NewsAlertAP - 1 hour 39 minutes ago
Gold, silver sinks off Argentina _ or does it?AP - 1 hour 45 minutes ago
Fujimori gets 25 years for human rights crimesAFP - 1 hour 45 minutes ago
Daughter hopes Fujimori verdict boosts candidacyAP - 1 hour 47 minutes ago
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Journalists get shock with 'sexy' White House call
World's first hands, face transplant
Explosives chemical found in US baby formula
Gloom grips markets braced for US earnings season
Ailing lender RBS to cut up to 9,000 jobs
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 8 April 2009 Israel sees dead end, Obama calls for peace
| International
|
Red Cross says doctors helped CIA torture
| International
|
India urges rich not to use green protectionism
| International
|
Food crisis not over, U.S. aid is key: WFP official
| International
|
Libya's Gaddafi says fears Obama assassination
| International
|
Yahoo's plan: create community from isolated sites
| Technology
|
Sienna Miller excited, scared over Broadway debut
| Entertainment
|
Bollywood calls 'cut' on multiplexes
| Entertainment
|
Italy seeks survivors, prepares to bury quake dead
| International
|
Violence threatens aid in remote Afghan mountains
Peru's Fujimori gets 25 years prison for massacres
| International
|
Major powers look at new ways to coax Iran
Settlers rampage through West Bank village: residents
| International
|
DA: Chinese man plotted to help Iran with nukes
Obama in Baghdad, tells troops Iraq must take over
North Korea making progress in rocket technology: Japan
| International
|
US earnings season kicks off with gloomy outlook
U.S. hints deadline could slip on Russia arms deal
| International
|
Israel tests system to shoot down Iranian missiles
Gloom grips markets braced for US earnings season
Major powers look at new ways to coax Iran
| International
|
Iraqi salesman saves baby after bomb kills mother
Spain's finance minister exits in reshuffle
Myanmar bus accident kills 20 pilgrims
| International
|
Israeli police kill Palestinian at demolition site
Protesters gather in Bangkok for Asian summit
| International
|
Pay should be linked to company value: Goldman CEO
Obama departs Iraq, headed for Washington
UN sounds warning after Antarctica ice shelf rips
Moldovan riot police take control of president's office
| International
|
Obama pushes Iraq for political progress
Baby survives Baghdad bombing
UN sounds warning after Antarctica ice shelf rips
Fear of viruses could be causing PC attacks: report
| Technology
|
Intel unsure when stimulus will lift chip demand
| Technology
|
Taiwan's Elan sues Apple over touchscreen patents
Media resumes photos of Iraq, Afghanistan war dead
Fox columnist axed after reviewing pirated flick
Fidel Castro asks US lawmakers how to improve ties
US newspaper owners are "mad as hell"
Jailed US reporter's dad to stay in Iran
Taiwan's Elan sues Apple over touchscreen patents
| Technology
|
Growing threat from cyber attacks: US general
Six powers to discuss Iran nuclear program
Madoff's Mets baseball tickets may soon go on eBay
Madoff's Mets baseball tickets may soon go on eBay
| Technology
|
Aftershocks rattle Italy quake zone, toll hits 235
US lawmakers wrap up observer mission to Haiti
Google is good for newspapers: executive
French legionnaire in Chad kills four
Obama says Iraq faces 'critical' 18 months
Yahoo's plan: create community from isolated sites
Govt. approves plan for new spy satellites
Gunman kills one, then self at German court
Sony PS3 tops Nintendo Wii in Japan in March: survey
Fidel Castro "energetic" in meeting with U.S. lawmaker
Intel handed $643 mln Danish tax bill: report
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 602
GM and Segway plan electric two-wheeler
Sony PS3 tops Nintendo Wii in Japan in March: survey
US envoy in India for regional security talks
US Senator McCain returns to wartime Vietnam jail
Malaysia's Anwar says voters rejected new PM
Thai PM Abhisit rejects calls for resignation
Penn resurfaces in White House after suicide
| Entertainment
|
Jackman condemns Wolverine leak
| Entertainment
|
Protesters gather in Bangkok
Jay Leno brings comic relief to battered Motown
| Entertainment
|
Asian summit to go ahead despite Thai protests
Eminem spoofs celebs, Palin in new song
| Entertainment
|
Malaysia's new PM still finalising cabinet
Warner Bros. warns Bollywood: Don't touch Button
| Entertainment
|
Ex-POW McCain visits 'Hanoi Hilton' Vietnam prison
Poehler and company craft winning workplace sitcom
| Entertainment
|
Cera film Paper Heart set for summer release
| Entertainment
|
Chavez in China to strengthen ties built on oil
Thai leader calls for calm ahead of mass protest
Young Star Trek crew boldly walks red carpet
| Entertainment
|
Sharp forecasts bigger loss amid global slowdown
Jackman condemns "Wolverine" leak
Japan's Sharp sees deeper net loss
Wolverine 'heartbroken' over stolen film
Seoul shares extend losses, down 3 pct
Penn resurfaces in White House after "suicide"
Toyota banks on tiny, green but pricier iQ model
Cera film "Paper Heart" set for summer release
S.Korea banks keep lending as credit fears ease
S.Korea bond orders at $6 bln but pricing unexceptional
Korea Hot Stocks
England's Morris dancers fight back
Report: Japan mulls 'cash for clunkers' stimulus
Reports: China auto sales surpass US for 3rd month
Villazon cancels remaining Met performances
Philippines removed from OECD tax blacklist
Cera film "Paper Heart" set for summer release
Indonesian villagers ask when will democracy pay
Warner Bros. warns Bollywood: Don't touch "Button"
Poehler and company craft winning workplace sitcom
Another celebrity eliminated from ABC's `Dancing'
Eminem spoofs celebs, Palin in new song
Fox columnist axed after reviewing pirated flick
Coldplay files response to copyright case
'Rock of Ages' tours the music of the '80s
Bomb near Baghdad Shiite shrine kills 7
Bomb kills 7 near Baghdad Shi'ite shrine: police
| International
|
Twelve hurt in WBank settlers' rampage
Two-time space tourist returns to Earth
Savvy young heirs give Mexico drug cartels new face
| International
|
Iraq city placed in lockdown as police hunt bombers
Iran to say mastering final stage of nuclear cycle
| International
|
Japan eyes huge stimulus as trade collapses
Bomb kills 7 near Baghdad Shi'ite shrine
Pakistani Taliban move into new area; drone kills 3
| International
|
Aftershocks slow Italy rescue efforts, toll at 250
Safety team warns of 'catastrophic' wiring in Iraq
Israeli Jews hold rare prayer to bless the sun
Pakistan arrests 5 militants planning attacks
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
US electricity grid hit by cyber attacks: report
Bogus security software growing threat: Microsoft
Fear of viruses could be causing PC attacks: report
Cyberspies penetrate electrical grid: report
| Technology
|
Oman Web trial raises censorship concerns
| Technology
|
Somali pirates hijack carrier with 20 US crew
One dead as shooter hits California retreat
Lawmakers meet Castros, urge end to embargo
Sony nabs international rights to Obama documentary
Iranian president welcomes 'honest' talks with US
Obama back in Washington after international swing
Castro brothers meet US lawmakers seeking talks
China sentences 2 to death for fires in Tibet riot
Philippine police find chopper wreckage, 3 bodies
Thai police says 100,000 join anti-gov't protest
NKorea rally to mark 'historic' rocket launch
Pakistan: 5 dead as Taliban move beyond stronghold
North Korea holds massive pro-rocket rally
China orders new probe into state TV building fire
Police: Thai anti-gov't protest swells to 100,000
NATO soldier killed in southern Afghanistan
New film reflects indie woes
| Entertainment
|
Songwriter retires as head of music rights group
| Entertainment
|
HK's Citic Pacific chairman steps down amid probes
Sony nabs international rights to Obama documentary
| Entertainment
|
Price guidance given on S.Korea bond sale-sources
HK's Citic Pacific chairman steps down amid probe
New Zealand house prices fall further in March
Dollar drops back below 100 yen
China: NKorea should not be focus of Asian summit
China shares fall on worries about economy
Thai central bank cuts interest rate to 5-year low
Taiwan dollar logs steepest fall in almost 2 months
Asia Crude-Taiwan CPC buys May Malampaya condensate
Indonesia gets ready for parliamentary elections
Leno gives free show for unemployed in Michigan
Sony nabs international rights to Obama documentary
Last Aztec emperor in spotlight at British Museum
Testimony ends in Castroneves tax trial in Miami
Blair urges Catholic Church homosexuality rethink
Drama `Southland' puts L.A. police in spotlight
Songwriter retires as head of music rights group
Soyuz capsule back on Earth with space tourist
Jackman 'heartbroken' over leaked superhero film
Hugh Jackman heartbroken over 'Wolverine' leak
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights