Posted on 07/22/2009 5:14:04 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki hailed the seeds of a growing cooperation between their nations, pledging that out of the fires of war would come a new friendship.
But they warned the path ahead could yet prove tough, with many obstacles to overcome and sectarian violence still threatening Iraq's stability.
"Both of us agree that the bonds forged between Americans and Iraqis in war can pave the way for progress that can be forged in peace," Obama pledged after White House talks with Maliki.
"America stands ready to help the Iraqi government build their capacity to provide basic services and to promote the rule of law."
It was their first White House meeting since Obama was elected in January, although the two men met in Baghdad in April.
It was also their first talks since US troops withdrew from Iraqi cities at the end of June, a milestone in Iraq's rehabilitation after the 2003 US-led invasion.
"Prime Minister Maliki and I are both deeply humbled by the sacrifices that have been made by Iraqis and Americans to create this opportunity," Obama said.
Violence had dropped markedly throughout the country in recent months, but attacks increased in the run-up to the US military pullback, with 437 Iraqis killed in June -- the highest death toll in 11 months.
Maliki, who on Thursday will visit the Arlington military cemetery to pay tribute to fallen US soldiers, said their talks "reflected the deep conviction on the part of both sides to establish a strategic friendship."
They had discussed ways "to activate the strategic relationship and the economic front, culture front, educational front, commercial front and in every possible area where the United States can play a role in supporting the Iraqi government," he added.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
(Consulting crystal 8 ball) Oh, mighty crystal 8 ball, will this new relationship with Iraq last?
8-ball - “You’re not too bright, are you?”
(Shaking ball violently and grinning at audience) That’s funny, O mighty crystal 8 ball, but has Iraq finally conquered its enemies to emerge as a strong, free nation?
8-ball - “Ask me again, when you have a clue!!”
YOU MISERABLE PIECE OF . . . . heh-heh. The mighty 8-ball is toying with us. O 8-ball, what will happen to Iraq when our troops pull out in 2011?
8-ball - “A blind man could answer that; it’s happening now. Al-Qaeda will resume control of the country and make things worse than they were before. Thank you for playing.”
“I really think the Iraq war has been won.”
Think zer0 will remind us he inherited THIS from Bush? Likely not.
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