Partis Veritas

On April 21, 2003, the United States and its allies established the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) which served as a transitional government after the ousting of former dictator Saddam Hussein. This all-encompassing authority lasted until June 28, 2004. Its many defining points included the privatizing of Iraq's government, which was a monumental change from its previous form as a centrally-planned economy. The CPA was quickly followed by the Iraqi Interim Government which acted as a caretaker of Iraq between June 28, 2004 and May 3, 2005. Even as this unfolded, the US held much de facto power in the decision making for the country as Lyad Allawi was chosen to be the interim prime minister of Iraq during the handover. There were many who disagreed with the decision as they viewed him as a brute as well as "Washington's puppet". Allawi even went as far as closing down the al-Jazeera TV station because he did not agree with their record of bias and one-sided views. From May 3^rd, 2005 to May 20^th, 2006 the Iraqi transitional government was created to draft a permanent Constitution. Once complete, we reach the government of now. Simply called the current government of Iraq, it includes four major political groups and is a functioning government striving for independence.

Since 2003 we have heard about and dealt with the extreme affects from the War in Iraq. Although in all wars there is the factor of censorship, which may prevent America from seeing the complete extent of it, there is still the feeling of awareness to the casualties our country is facing. Of course with all wars there is the risk of losing lives, and often people take the "all is fair in love and war" mentality in order to avoid the truth. However, the truth is America has been subjected to 4,122 US soldier deaths and 30,182 US soldiers wounded. As of May 2007, 6,000 troops have been trained and are able to function independently of US forces (per NBC's "Meet the Press" on May 20, 2007). 146,000 American troops are currently fighting in the war, out of a total the 152,850. Sadly enough, the numbers are exponentially for those who have been affected by the war. These deaths change the lives of family members, friends and others, ultimately affecting millions. Not only have lives been changed, but the economy has too. The cost of the war and nation building is around 600 billion dollars and still rising. Without a doubt, the election is promising a change in this matter. The direction it will go balances on the President that will be elected and their policies. The War against Iraq is an extreme controversial matter with several emotions behind it, causing the 2008 election to have an even greater effect.

The Presidential candidates think similarly in some cases when regarding what to do with the troops in Iraq, and obviously, due to being in opposing political parties, have many differing points of view. The thoughts on pulling out quickly versus staying and having a more gradual pull out are defined by which party the candidate belongs to.

McCain has very strong ties to the US Military; he is a POW and has legitimately more experience within that arena, which he uses to appeal to his constituents over Obama's zero amount of experience. Yet Obama appeals to our country suppressed by a $10 billion a year war with a fresh outlook, boasting on his ability to create a much needed change within the political system. Obama focuses most of his campaigning on the negative aspects of the war such as casualties, cost, an ineffective Iraqi Government, and the debt that it has caused.

Obama's plan (from http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/): A Responsible, Phased Withdrawal

Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe we must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in. Immediately upon taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending the war. The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government. Military experts believe we can safely redeploy combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades a month that would remove them in 16 months. That would be the summer of 2010 – more than 7 years after the war began.

Under the Obama-Biden plan, a residual force will remain in Iraq and in the region to conduct targeted counter-terrorism missions against al Qaeda in Iraq and to protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel. They will not build permanent bases in Iraq, but will continue efforts to train and support the Iraqi security forces as long as Iraqi leaders move toward political reconciliation and away from sectarianism.

McCain's Plan (from http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/FDEB03A7-30B0-4ECE-8E34-4C7EA83F11D8.htm ): John McCain on the Road Ahead

"I do not want to keep our troops in Iraq a minute longer than necessary to secure our interests there. Our goal is an Iraq that can stand on its own as a democratic ally and a responsible force for peace in its neighborhood. Our goal is an Iraq that no longer needs American troops. And I believe we can achieve that goal, perhaps sooner than many imagine. But I do not believe that anyone should make promises as a candidate for President that they cannot keep if elected. To promise a withdrawal of our forces from Iraq, regardless of the calamitous consequences to the Iraqi people, our most vital interests, and the future of the Middle East, is the height of irresponsibility. It is a failure of leadership. "

"I know the pain war causes. I understand the frustration caused by our mistakes in this war. And I regret sincerely the additional sacrifices imposed on the brave Americans who defend us. But I also know the toll a lost war takes on an army and on our country's security. By giving General Petraeus and the men and women he has the honor to command the time and support necessary to succeed in Iraq we have before us a hard road. But it is the right road. It is necessary and just. Those who disregard the unmistakable progress we have made in the last year and the terrible consequences that would ensue were we to abandon our responsibilities in Iraq have chosen another road. It may appear to be the easier course of action, but it is a much more reckless one, and it does them no credit even if it gives them an advantage in the next election." –John McCain