[nathanbedford]

I agree that this could be game breaking but let's make sure of what we have.

First, is this an opinion piece or is this a news piece? On its face and seems to be an opinion piece yet I could not find reference to a news source for the complaints against Obama's conduct. Did I miss something?

Second, do we have anything more than he said,he said? In other words the author, Amir Tahiri, purports to quote the Iraqi foreign minister-a reputable enough source in itself-but where did he get the quote? Is it quoted elsewhere in other publications? Were there transcripts of any of these discussions? Have any other Iraqi officials corroborated the allegations?

The posters on this thread are absolutely right, the matter must be brought to a boil to determine what Obama says, will he denying it outright? Does he intend to explain it away? But we will get no traction unless he must comment somehow.

[9YearLurker]

Tahiri is good, but you’re right, if this gets attention Obama will engage in some sort of denial, and we don’t know how good a position we’re in. I.e., would Iraq’s foreign minister stick to his claim? Is there anyone else to back it up?

But it’s got to get coverage in order to force Obama to respond at all. As long as the source sticks to his guns, Obama would be in trouble anyway, as he doesn’t want to be caught in this sort of international bicker.

[Enchante]

I certainly agree it needs to be nailed down. My impression is that the author, Amir Taheri (who is well respected, though maybe not by liberals), conducted his own interview with the FM (Taheri says "in an interview" and does not refer to anyone else conducting the interview, so that should normally imply that Taheri conducted the interview himself).

But you are right, it could all degenerate into "he said, he said" if it is not nailed down more firmly. The Obama campaign must be pressed hard immediately to confirm or deny the report.... if they try to deny that Obama said anything like this at all, then a lot will depend upon whether the FM is ready to confirm or not, who else might have been present, etc. Hope that Taheri has his ducks well lined up already, and that the Iraqis are willing to stand by their account.

[chessplayer]

“First, is this an opinion piece or is this a news piece?”

Thats what I`ve been wondering, too. It`s not in the news or opinion sections. It`s in the columnist section. If this is supposed to be a straight news story, should`nt it be in the news section?

[Petronski]

The Post considers it an opinion piece. It is posted under “Columnists,” a subhead (in their system) of “OPINION.”

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Once again, Obama/MSM is painted into a corner on this story by the Gibson fiasco interrogation of Sarah Palin.
They ( Obama/MSM ) will deny deny deny this story... and say " Amir Tahiri is not credible " ...... therefore ? ohhh really Obama ? MSM ? why don't we ask you about the interview with Sarah Palin last week.

[mware]

nathan, this is the second thread covering this story.The other thread is in tomorrows Washington Times.