Obama's speech on Iraq

Those of you who are regular readers of this blog know that I am not a fan of Barack Obama. Despite that, I have to say that parts of his speech this evening were truly outstanding. In particular, it was wonderful to hear the president's moving tribute to those who serve in the armed forces of this country. His appreciation of the dangers that these men and women have faced unflinchingly and cognizant of the great danger before them was quite apparent. It was particularly satisfying to hear such words come from a president who has rarely uttered them in the past.

On the other hand, I found it troubling to hear Obama tell us that withdrawal from Afghanistan would be dictated by events on the ground there and then in the next sentence reaffirm the date for withdrawal from that country. It was as if he could not make up his mind on that issue. What if events on the ground dictate the need to stay on the date set for withdrawal? Obama told us none of what could change that date. I also thought his hat tip to fromer president George Bush seemed very much the left handed compliment. Obama said in essence that no one can question Bush's patriotism or his love of country. But Obama said nothing about Bush's steadfast support for the troops and their mission including the surge that enabled the US forces to leave now in victory (or at least not in defeat). It would have been extremely presidential for Obama to show magnanimity now towards his predecessor.

Then there were the parts of the speech that were at best strange and at worst appalling. An incongruous section in which he discussed the US economy seemed to have been stuck on after the main text of the speech had been written. It was like a bowl of mush that was spilled on a problem. Many words were spoken, but no ideas were expressed other than we need to make the economy better. Nearly two years into his presidency, if Obama wants to discuss the economy with the American people, they deserve more than the hollow platitudes that he voiced this evening. Similarly, Obama's discussion of veterans' benefits seemed oddly out of place. Much of that section dealt with Obama listing various budget increases for veterans' programs that had been previously pushed through Congress. I felt like saying "so?" to the president at that point.

What was really missing, in my opinion, was an overall outlook for where we go both in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oh sure, there were discussions of tactics and strategies, but the goal was never stated. What is the goal in Afghanistan? Is it the destruction of Al Qaeda? Is it the destruction of the Taliban? Is it the establishment of a functioning Afghan army? Is it...well you get the picture. And what will we be doing now iin Iraq? Would we send forces back if conditions deteriorate? this is an important question but Obama was silent on it.

Overall, the speech was better than I expected. Nevertheless, it left much to be desired.