Before laying out his administration's plans for the U.S. military in Iraq Friday, the President called former President George W. Bush. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/File)
(CNN) – President Barack Obama called former President Bush on this morning to tell him about his plan to withdraw troops from Iraq, the White House said Friday.
Obama called the former president “as a courtesy” right before his speech at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, according to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
Obama also called Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki from Air Force One to brief him on his plan to withdraw most troops from that country by the end of August 2010. The preident also “sought and received” an agreement from the prime minister that he would receive Christopher Hill as the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
On Friday, Obama released his plan to end combat operation in Iraq by August 31, 2010.
From CNN Politics
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Well ... on the basis that he is leaving 30,000 – 50,000 troups in Iraq afer 2010 I think he was probably calling to say ... "you were right" .
I love how Obama just told the world when we will pull out... should have been kept on the downlow.
Why does he owe Bush a courtesy? It's Obama's war now, Bush left it to him in pretty good shape. If things go bad, it's Obama, not Bush, who will be judged.
As for most troops, anyone who thinks leaving 30 or 50 thousand troops in Iraq means we have pullled out most troops is a tool. Most troops would mean that at most we have a few thousand troops left.
Good thing Obama wasn't in charge two years ago, we would have snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory.
Oops, I filed the comment above under the wrong story. It should go with: "World's Best Salesman of Socialism."
That is great to let everyone in the loop to know what is going on. This is a positive way of thinking and the American People agreed with you all the way. Continue the good work President Obama. You are the Man.
I mean, the comment below.
LOL... he called Bush as a courtesy??
Sounds like Obama is operating above his pay-grade and needs a little help with the big decisions.
I don't believe bush deserves any courtesies. The long distance call was a waste of tax-payer money. Obama should not be talking to bush in case he has to testify at bush's war crimes trial.
The games they play! Seems politicians aren't happy if they don't have a war going on! Is it a Macho thing? Little boys playing "bang-bang?"
Time's up NOW. Pick up your toys and go home. This is Grandma speaking.... Even another 16 months is too long.
LOOK where it got us! In the end, after all the blood is spilt, countries are in ruin, the maimed and dead get piled up and tallied up - they shake hands at the table, sign a paper and go home. End of game.
Til next time, that is. Never mind the trillions spent on clean-up.
When will they learn? I thought Obama was above this stuff. Guess not.
"Hail to the Chief! God bless "THAT ONE" and our Brave Soldiers!
Sounds like he called W to get advice.
I think I figured out why he called Bush. He wanted some advice on fear mongoring. He wanted to get Bush's input on how Obama was pushing fear about the economy. Bush told him to keep up the good work, that every time Obama opens his mouth he sends the stock market down another couple percent.
Change? Change your diapers, something smells foul.
OUT,,,,,,,,,,OF,,,,,,,,,,IRAQ,,,,,,,,,,,AND,,,,,,,,,,,AFGHANISTAN,,,,,,,,,,,,,NOW
A promise made...
...A promise kept...
...Great men keep their word...
...whenever possible...
So terrorists will know to ramp back up right around the beginning of September, 2011. How appropriate.
"As a courtesy".....can't imagine bush ever making such a gesture....in fact, bush's moves were all clandestine, so no one knew before or after!!
It's hard to imagine W doing that for anyone - except maybe his daddy. Seriously, though... I just love my new president! Smart, thoughtful, able to pronounce nuclear, great family values, considerate, trustworthy...
180* from the past 8 years, hallelujah!
To CNN writers:
This is just a message informing you that you have in error in your spelling. The article on "Obama Calls Bush" which was posted on February 27, 2009 at 12:49 pm est. The word "president" has been spelled incorectly. It is right after the third sentence in this article.
Would someone explain to me why Hannity, Glenn Beck and others are so convinced Obama is Satan Incarnate when he has shown nothing but common sense, responsibility, respect, caring, intelligence–is that it? They can't believe a man with morals can govern this country? Are they so afraid that a Democrat will make good they have to trash his every word and deed? Bush earned his trashings...he lied, cheated, lied some more, smirked, and spent our money on an idiotic war to benefit Blackwater and Halliburton and the oil companies...all of which are doing quite well on our dime.
Obama appears to have an interest in every American, every single one of us. Why is that something to be demonized? Frankly, we could use a little more caring and sharing in this country. Greed has gotten us nowhere fast.
It is my belief that it was prudent of Senator McCain to bring this issue to the attention of the President.
Much has changed in the last six months and what seemed prudent before, may no longer be now.
I feel that the President should hold the maufacturers to the original price agreed upon (not 11 Billion) or threaten cancellation with a dispose and destruct order. If this is accepted, then the US. should take delivery over a period that is in order with the presidents security requirements. The terms of payment should then be spread over 10 years with 0-2% non compounded interest.
Man-up and make the decision and then go with it. You didn't call Bush before you submitted the (laugh) budget...
What moron wrote this article, can they read and spell?
Huckabee is a good, decent, smart human being who would make an amazing and respected leader.
I hope he asked for advice, but I don't think he did or he wouldn't have practially told our terrorist enemies the exact day they could "move in" over there. Geez, doesn't Obama have ANY common sense about military matters?
There is a typo in the sentence that begins with "The preident also". It should say "The president also".