In twist, GOP Likes Obama’s Iraq Plan, Democrats Don’t

By Mark Johnson, Ryan Beckwith and Steven Thomma | McClatchy Newspapers

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — President Barack Obama announced here Friday that he’ll withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010, but his plans to leave as many as 50,000 U.S. troops there through 2011 made many Democrats in Congress angry, while Republicans cheered.

It was an ironic reception for a new commander-in-chief whose presidential campaign was built initially on his early opposition to the Iraq war and his promise to end it if elected.

“I am deeply troubled by the suggestion that a force of 50,000 troops could remain in Iraq,” said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif. “This is unacceptable.”

“I question whether such a large force is needed to combat any al Qaida affiliates in Iraq or whether it will contribute to stability in the region,” said Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis.

“You cannot leave combat troops in a foreign country to conduct combat operations and call it the end of the war. You can’t be in and out at the same time,” said Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio. “We must bring a conclusion to this sorry chapter in American history.”

The Republican Obama defeated in November for the presidency, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, lauded the plan …

Continue Reading