Obama vs. The Military (Part 2): The Battle for Iraq Continues

The US military, having fought Barack Obama since Day 2 of his Administration over withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq within 16 months, have now tipped their hand. They are seeking a 23-month limit on withdrawal, although there is a compromise proposal of 19 months also in play.



Genius/General David Petraeus, the head of US Central Command, and General Raymond Odierno, the commander of US forces in Iraq, who both have been supporting and/or leading the opposition to Obama, are in favour of the longer timeframe. One of their leakers confirmed, "Odierno and Petraeus have said that we really need 23 months to do this without jeopardizing the security gains that we've secured."

How far are the military opponents of Obama pushing this? In their version of events, the President hasn't seen the alternative proposals, which means the media are being informed before the White House.

Obama's staff are holding the line that all the proposals have been tabled --- with the President getting an assessment from the military of the risks of each ---  but nothing has been decided: "There's been a very good back and forth in a very logical process that has allowed the president to hear from commanders and forces at all levels. Fact is that they are coming to a meeting of the minds on troops and on the need for a diplomatic and political strategy to end the war in Iraq and ease the strain on the troops and their families."