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Iraq | |||
Kerry: Iraq Visit Helped Focus His Views | |||
2006-12-17 | |||
Sen. John Kerry said meeting with American and British troops in Iraq on Saturday helped clear his thoughts about what needs to be done to stabilize the country and he looked forward to hearing ideas from Iraqis. Kerry, the Democratic nominee for president in 2004 and possibly a future contender, conferred Saturday with U.S. and British officers in the southern city of Basra and with American troops in Diyala province during a nine-day Middle East tour. 'Today was very informative and very helpful in crystallizing some of my thoughts insofar as what we can negotiate ... and what needs to be accomplished,' Kerry told The Associated Press by telephone. 'I certainly learned more about what the troops can or can't achieve,' he said.
Kerry declined to elaborate on how the visit affected his views on Iraq because his meetings continue Sunday. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a firsthand assessment on 'what's possible in the political dynamics.'
He arrived in Iraq after visits to Egypt and Jordan. He also plans to visit Syria for talks with President Bashar Assad and travel to Lebanon, Israel and the West Bank. Syria has influence with Iraqi Sunnis, and some leaders of the Sunni-led insurgency are believed to be living there. Kerry has criticized the Bush administration for refusing to engage with Syria and Iran, as was recommended by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. Kerry acknowledged that Syria's influence with Sunni insurgents is limited 'but it can create mischief as it has been.' He said discussions with Syria were important because of Damascus' involvement in a range of regional issues, including Lebanon and the Palestinian areas.
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Posted by:.com |
#7 Jawn Carry, the George McGovern of the Iraq war. Why can't someone run this guy down with a loaded semi? |
Posted by: Old Patriot 2006-12-17 22:56 |
#6 So did Kerry pull his head out of his ass ? I think not. |
Posted by: wxjames 2006-12-17 20:43 |
#5 Who's paying for this trip? He's really making our country look bad. We need to have one voice, not have several idiots taking it on themselves. This Senator doesn't represent me. How dare he do this. It's one thing for free speech, but how is this perceived in other countries, they must think we're crazy as hell. I need a break, I'm going to a cookie bake party. |
Posted by: Jan 2006-12-17 12:28 |
#4 'I certainly learned more about what the troops can or can't achieve,' he said. Fuc*king wanker, loser, shi*bird! The "troops can achieve" whatever the bloody fu*k you permit them to acheive "Senator!" You wouldn't make a good pustule on a 19 year old ranker's bum, you phony banana nose moron! Patoooeh! |
Posted by: Besoeker 2006-12-17 10:11 |
#3 #2: "Soldier, you can have latrine duty or meet with Senator Kerry" He's not going to use the Latrine, Is he? Good, then I'll take the Latrine, it's the smaller shitpile Sir. |
Posted by: Redneck Jim 2006-12-17 09:56 |
#2 "Soldier, you can have latrine duty or meet with Senator Kerry" "How long is the latrine duty, sir?" |
Posted by: Frank G 2006-12-17 09:42 |
#1 He arrived in Iraq after visits to Egypt and Jordan. He also plans to visit Syria for talks with President Bashar Assad and travel to Lebanon, Israel and the West Bank. Oh joy. Oh rapture. |
Posted by: gromgoru 2006-12-17 09:37 |