Senator Warner: "We Have a Problem, and We Better Solve it" (What a genius)

Today on MTP (Meet The Press),one of Tim Russert's guests was Senator John Warner (R-VA). Warner who recently calledfor a limited troop withdrawal from Iraq,   "I say to thepresident respectfully, 'Pick whatever number you wish.' . . . Say, 5,000 couldbegin to redeploy and be home to their families and loved ones no later thanChristmas of this year. That's the first step."

To me, that sounds like a political move...5000 out of 160,000 which are deployedin Iraq.

He has recommended Bush announce the beginning of a U.S. withdrawal inmid-September, after a report is released from the top U.S. officials in Iraq,and that those troops should be back in the United States by Christmas.

"In my humble judgment, that would get everyone's attention -- theattention that is not being paid at this time," Warner said.

He added: "I really, firmly believe the Iraqi government, under theleadership of Prime Minister [Nuri] al-Maliki, let our troops down."

Maybe it's me, but when I watched Warner's interview this morning, it soundedlike he was agreeing with everyone's point of view, opinion and plan, and notplaying hardball (like a kid in a candy store that wants to have one of each)

What put the icing on the cake for me, making it sound like a political movewas when Russert questioned Warner on what the answer was:

Russert: "What's the answer"

Warner: "The answer is clear, we have a problem and we need to solveit"

After almost 10 minutes of complimenting everyone on the job/s they aredoing, he comes up with "we have a problem"? I think it's time for himto move to Florida.

I could be missing the boat here, but watch and weigh in with your opinion.

 

Senator Warner (R-VA) on MTP

Comments

[Jon]

Warner is still talking as if Americans will have a long term influence in the conflict. I don't buy into the idea that removing troops will pressure Iraqi leaders into reconciling. There was a power vacuum opened when the US toppled Saddam. The US has artificially filled this vacuum with firepower and highly trained professional soldiers. Even though the US military is formidable they do not have the support or respect they need from the population in order to secure Iraq. They are waiting for the day that The US will leave so the real fillin for the vacuum will be apparent. In the eyes of many Iraqis the chance to grab the brass ring is wide open.

There will be a minority of Iraqis who will take up arms in order to claim power, most will huddle into sectarian enclaves and wait until a new order is established. It will likely be bloody even if there isn't a multi sided fight. One side could come through main population centers and slaughter thousands just to show they mean business. There is nothing the US can do to stop that from happening. If there isn't a bloodbath it will be because Iraqis with weapons will show restraint in their grab for power. The bush admin and their followers don't care about this, they just want to use this scenario to attack the left in the event of a pullout. This should be a lesson to any future American administration that starting wars isn't something to be done under false pretenses, and on the cheap. As for Warner's "We have a problem and we better fix it" moment, ya you're right Mr. Warner but a tiny withdrawal isn't whats needed. We need to withdraw and let the chips fall where they may. Its not fair to the Iraqi people but neither is keeping foreign troops in their country and dragging out the inevitable. They had an order before the US went in and screwed it up. It wasn't perfect but due to the fact that the population allowed Saddam to remain in power it was one they chose to live with. The next order in Iraqi will also be made by Iraqis but it may have a more religious bent.

[kenoshaMarge]

Warner the Waffler. I used to think this old phony was an honorable man. Not so much these days. He chose time and time again to give his loyalty to his party instead of his country. He's not going to do anything of substance.

[granny]

Warner: One of the Republicans Barack Obama will seek for advice and consent if he is elected