Ben Johnson,Floyd Reports
Much of the commentary about Barack Obama’s speech marking the end of combat operations in Iraq last night has focused on its flat tone and disjointed content. But it seems it has ignored the most dangerous lie he told last night,one that undermines our relationship with Iraq and weakens America’s standing in the world.
Obama tried to reassure the Iraqis that the United States would stand as their steadfast ally,trying to project toughness that despite his weak antiwar image,he would never cut-and-run:
[T]here should be no doubt:The Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is ending,but our commitment to Iraq’s future is not.
But the president doth protest too much. Just two years ago,he promised nothing would keep him from abandoning Iraq. The Associated Press reported in July 2008,“Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday…that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq isn’t a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there.”If he would not spare the Iraqis genocide,they might be forgiven for questioning whether he is really a “strong partner.”
So would any other national leader in the world. Wise presidents might even seek alliances with other,hostile nations. Luckily for Obama,his pledge has fallen through the memory hole.