Obama notes 'transition' in U.S.-Iraqi bilateral ties
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/10/20/art.obamairaq.gi.jpg caption="President Barack Obama said U.S.-Iraqi ties are entering a new period."]
WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Barack Obama said U.S.-Iraqi ties are entering a new period, a change marked by a decreased emphasis on security and an increased focus on the economy.
Appearing before reporters Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki - in Washington to attend the two-day Iraq Investment and Business Conference and meet with American officials - Obama said the men discussed a wide-range of issues and didn't fixate on security or the military.
"What is wonderful about this trip is that it represents a transition in our bilateral relationship, so that we are moving now to issues beyond security and we are beginning to talk about economy, trade, commerce," the president said.
Obama cited Iraq's "continuing progress," strides on investment and "a commitment to democratic politics." He also cited the election legislation delayed in Iraq's parliament because of disagreement on several issues. The scheduled January 16 parliamentary elections might not be held if legislation isn't passed soon.
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What ever happened to all the oil they were going to produce and pay us back with?
Yeah Nuri, let's broker some oil dealsince we're rebuilding your country.
Wow!
I guess GWB was right.
Wonder how the dimocrats will spin this as a obummer win.
I guess the bad things are Bush's fault and the good things belong to obummer.
Typical. if the republicans are the Party of No,
I guess it's fact that the dimocrats are the Blame Party. It's everyone else's fault, unless of course, you like the outcome.
Another big victory for the Bush administration !
"decreased emphasis on security" – I don't think the folks planting the road bombs got that memo.
Any word on the 1000's of troops the US is leaving there at Obama's request?
Wow what a concept.....Trade and commerce.
Much different from Bush's ...lets go in there and kill em'.
U.S.-Iraqi bilateral ties -------- ??
Yes ------- We need Iraq Oil. That is why Bush Attacked Iraq.
No Oil, No Bilateral Ties.
We are Greedy for Oil --------- Oil, Oil and only Oil.
What about Universal Health Care in Iraq? Since we have such influence around the world, maybe its time we use Iraq as our experiment into Public Option Health Care.
Prediction:
It will revert right back into a Civil war backed by Iranian infiltrators supporting the Shiite militias.
Wish:
We could have a do over vote from 2008!
No poll, taken, I still vote for Obama!!
telling us that there is progress with out anything to show us that there is progress is not progress, it is hot air
Iraq is well on its way to becoming a stable, free, and peaceful ally in the Middle East and 10 years from now we'll be remembering Bush's decison to remove Sadaam Hussein as a great decision.
The Liar in Chief"s administration is circling the drain.
When will CNN's ties with Lou Dobbs enter a new phase – as in over?
Obama is like that statue of "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil".
In geo-politics, it's called weakness.