Alleged - "Combat" Troop - withdrawal would have happened regardless!

I try to keep my posts about the Changeling to a minimum, since I REALLY dislike him - and respect him even less.  But given his little speech yesterday, the field Negro in me kept screaming, "Man!  That mofo is a real piece of work ain't he?!  He'll co-opt any-damned-body or any-damned-thing to make himself look good - even Shrub!  And what?  You ain't sayin' shit for posterity's record??!!

I always listen to the "field" in me, so - here I go, briefly.

After spending the entire time since his inauguration - blaming Shrub et. al - for any and everything he had no clue how to handle - NOW, mum's the word?  Well, he couldn't resist one last jab on this war - piling it on and then, making it look like HE righted the ship!:

"From this desk, seven and a half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested."...

..."So tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.  This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq's Security Forces and support its government and people. That is what we have done." (emphasis mine) 

Makes his, "He-r-re, I come to save the day!" sound almost plausible - unti-l-l-l you realize he said, "A" plan, not "my" plan - without ever saying "whose" plan (too funny!) 

Anyway, right-leaning or not, this CNSNews.com piece has a big, damned point for that simple yet oft-avoided concept - truth.  Obama, in Announcing End of Combat in Iraq, Does Not Credit the Timetable Put in Place by the Bush Administration.  Of course, Kool-Aid drinkers far and wide, in an effort to continue padding this empty suit's "List of Achievements," are now crowing about how, "He did what he said he would do!" 

Please.  Don't they get that "Reading Is Fundamental?!"

In case they might, here is the entire, Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq On the Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq and the Organization of Their Activities during Their Temporary Presence in Iraq.

Maybe they'll recognize that the Changeling is only doing what he's always done - follow his handler's orders.

But, if that pesky thing is just too long, or involved, for some of "ye, of short attention spans" - maybe this Cliff's Notes version will be easier - July 13, 2009, Council on Foreigh Relations report, prepared for members and committees of Congress after the first, "combat forces" withdrawal deadline of June 30, 2009.  Here are a few important points:

The withdrawal agreement signed on November 17, 2008, is included by reference as part of the larger strategic agreement and although it is titled differently, it is commonly referred to as the SOFA. As indicated above, there are no formal requirements as to the content, detail or length of a SOFA, but many agreements share the same basic framework, and this one is no different. Rules and procedures related to such issues as carrying weapons, the wearing of uniforms, entry and exit into Iraq, taxes, customs, and claims, among other operational concerns, are addressed in the agreement. While there are many similarities between this and other SOFAs concluded by the United States, most do not have an expiration date, but this agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2011.

Withdrawal Timeline

SOFAs have been drafted in the past for specific exercises and/or events, but including a date for the withdrawal of all forces from a foreign territory appears unique to this agreement. The withdrawal is a two-phase process. The first requires the withdrawal of all U.S. combat forces from Iraqi cities, villages, and localities no later than June 30, 2009; the second requires the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraqi territory no later than December 31, 2011. The JMOCC, created to coordinate military operations, will establish the areas and facilities where U.S. forces will be stationed between June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2011.  Additionally, the agreement recognizes the sovereign right of Iraq to request the departure of U.S. forces at any time and also the right of the United States to withdraw its forces at any time.  In an April, 2009, interview, General Odierno, Commanding General of Multi-National Force Iraq, stated that U.S. forces may not meet the June 30, 2009, deadline to withdraw from Iraqi cities.  However, on June 30, 2009, General Odierno announced that U.S. combat forces had completed the withdrawal from Iraqi cities in accordance with the agreement. Even though the term of the agreement is three years, and either party may cancel the agreement with one-year notice, both countries retain the right to remove U.S. forces independent of the agreement. However, because the agreement requires the removal of all U.S. forces no later than December 31, 2011, if any U.S. forces were to remain in Iraq in support of security training, or other programs, the withdrawal agreement will need to be extended or replaced with a peacetime SOFA. (emphasis mine)

Don't get it twisted - I have even less respect for Shrub (crook and liar that he is).  But, after the Changeling's evoking of his name so often since his selection in order to cover his ass, I just thought it appropriate to put the credit where it belonged and let Obama & Co. get their own shit to crow about.