This story headline says:
Iraqi Factions Seek Timetable for U.S. Pullout
But the article says something significantly different and provides some needed context:
The announcement, made at the conclusion of a reconciliation conference here backed by the Arab League, was a public reaching out by Shiites, who now dominate Iraq's government, to Sunni Arabs on the eve of parliamentary elections that have been put on shaky ground by weeks of sectarian violence.
About 100 Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish leaders, many of whom will run in the election on Dec. 15, signed a closing memorandum on Monday that "demands a withdrawal of foreign troops on a specified timetable, dependent on an immediate national program for rebuilding the security forces," the statement said.
"The Iraqi people are looking forward to the day when foreign forces will leave Iraq, when its armed and security forces will be rebuilt and when they can enjoy peace and stability and an end to terrorism," it continued.
So let's look at some important facts, shall we?
One, this was a reconciliation meeting. The Shias were reaching out to Sunnis to give them something to call a victory since the Sunnis are the ones who want us out. We ended their gravy train built on the mass graves of Shias and Kurds, so it is natural the Sunnis are eager for us to leave.
Second, the concession was in name only since the call for a timetable is dependent on Iraqi security forces being ready. So there is not a timetable really, but a conditions-based call for withdrawal more in line with the President's strategy.
The last paragraph summarizes the wish for peace and the defeat of terrorism based on Iraqi capabilities that allow Ameircan troops to leave.
Funny how this is described so incorrectly so soon after Rep. Murtha calls for us to immediately withdraw and finish the pull-out within six months. The impression left with readers is that the Iraqi people agree with Murtha when they, in fact, do not. Funny also how the headlines never favor the war effort.
Our press: Stupid or willfully partisan? You make the call.
