by Christi Parsons
Now that he has completed his high-profile trip to Europe and Middle East, Democrat Barack Obama has this to report: his views on foreign policy haven't changed as a result of it.
For weeks leading up to the trip, Republican John McCain had pointed out repeatedly that Obama had not been to Iraq and Afghanistan before he laid out his ideas for U.S. policy in the region.
When Obama spoke with FOX News in an interview to air today, he reportedly said that the trip only reinforced his beliefs, for instance about troop withdrawal from Iraq.
"There was a lot of confirmation of my strategies -- that we need to get more troops into Afghanistan, and that the Iraqis are willing to take more responsibility ... that Iran is a grave threat," Obama told Bill Hemmer of FOX News in a conversation in London.
But in his round of interviews on the way back to the states, Obama left the idea with other journalists that something, if not the trip, is spurring evolution in his views.
Asked by Newsweek's Richard Wolffe if he now has a clearer idea of how big a force is necessary to leave behind after withdrawal, Obama said that would depend on what was going on on the ground.
"I do think that's entirely conditions-based,'' Obama replied. "It's hard to anticipate where we may be six months from now, or a year from now, or a year and a half from now.''
On balance, Obama is still saying essentially the same thing. But watch the proceeds of other on-the-way-back interviews for signs of nuanced change.
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Comments
Yes, My Excellent Adventure confirmed the things I always knew... such as Agfghanians speak Arabic while Iraqawegians speak Iraqian... the French love me... the Germans know how to throw a rally...
But I learned a few things too. Like, I look really cool in a chopper with helmet and sunglasses. And this Obama sin Laden guy is still running around somewhere.
Now, it's on to the White House! And God bless these Untied States. All 59 of them!
Posted by: Barry | July 27, 2008 9:25 AM
Regarding Obama's Berlin speech:
"I think I preferred it the first time I heard it, when it was sung by all those celebrities and rock stars back in the mid-80s.
Oh, wait, that was "We Are The World."
UPDATE: Pop quiz, hot shot. Pick out the "We Are The World" lyrics vs. Obama speech lines.
A: "We can't go on pretending day by day that someone, somewhere will soon make a change."
B: "This is the moment we must help answer the call."
C: "But if you just believe there's no way we can fall."
D. "The world will watch and remember what we do."
E. "Let us realize that a change can only come when we stand together as one."
F. "We cannot afford to be divided."
G. "These now are the walls we must tear down."
H. "This is the moment when we must come together."
I. "They'll know that someone cares, and their lives will be stronger and free."
We Are the World: A, C, E, I.
Obama's Speech: B, D, F, G, H."
from NRO.
Posted by: Bruce | July 27, 2008 11:19 AM
And then, of course, the fact remains that Obama's much vaunted "withdrawal" involves trooops staying in Iraq -- lots and lots of troops. Condition-based troops. Let's ask him how many, shall we?
Posted by: Beth | July 27, 2008 9:37 PM
I see him with his surge with Afghanistan (no time lines), I see him talking of war with Pakistan, I see him talking about something brewing with Iran, and he's going to leave soldiers in Iraq indefinately hmmmm. Yep ha!
Posted by: Teresa | July 27, 2008 9:51 PM