The Hokey-Pokey Negotiations In Iraq

Obama claims fulfillment of a campaign promise by bringing almost all US troops home from Iraq.  Some parts of the Administration (starting with Defense) have been trying hard to avoid this outcome, but, per Josh Rogin of Foreign Policy:

"From the beginning, the talks unfolded in a way where they largely driven by domestic political concerns, both in Washington and Baghdad. Both sides let politics drive the process, rather than security concerns," said Sulivan [Marisa Cochrane Sullivan, managing director at the Institute for the Study of War].

I bet that, both sides having made whatever their point was, we will be sending troops back to Iraq next winter.  I do love this Administration optimism:

Deputy National Security Advisors Denis McDonough and Tony Blinken said in a White House briefing that this was always the plan.

"What we were looking for was an Iraq that was secure, stable, and self reliant, and that's what we got here, so there's no question that was a success," said McDonough, who traveled to Iraq last week.

It's a success!  All credit to Biden and Obama, natch.  Clearly this is one of the "great achievements of this Administration".

 

Comments

[Jane]

Hey - first twice in one day. I guess that says all you need to know about my social life.

[Threadkiller]

You put your armed drones in
You pull your armed troops out
You put your armed drones in
And blow them all about.

[Threadkiller]

I was busy composing Jane.

[Jane]

C'est la vie!

[Threadkiller]

:-)

[Jane]

Apparently it's just us TK. Everyone else is engaged in a food fight, and you know I would never ever do that.

[MarkO]

I think I've seen both of you start one from time to time. Not that there's anything wrong with it.

[Sue]

Jane and TK sittin' in a tree...

[Threadkiller]

I could have had the top spot. As MarkO may have assumed, I am a method writer.

I had to put on a pair of roller skates before I could type about the Hokey-Pokey.

[Gmax]

Food fight? Did you just say food fight?

Or as Bill Bennett says quite often " The Irish guy walking down the street and comes upon a tussle. Excuse me he says, is this a private brawl or can anyone get in?"

[Jane]

The more the merrier!

Sue, I'm rooting for your Rangers. I promise not to watch because I am the absolute kiss of death. But keep me posted.

[Sue]

I'll try to keep my posts to a minimum, but if the bats get going, my posts might also.

[Boatbuilder]

"I bet that...we will be sending troops back to Iraq next winter."

I agree TM. Let's hope that it is by invitation rather than the forced hand of a desperate president.

[JM Hanes]

Ordinarily I wouldn't be tuning in with no Red Sox in sight, but I'm rootin' for Sue, so the tube is on and there's popcorn in the microwave. I thought the National Anthem was AOK tonight.

[Sue]

JMH,

I thought Ronnie Dunn did a great job.

[henry]

Sue, did you put your pins in the correct pitcher?

[narciso]

Since he was so fulsome in his praise of the handling of the Arab Spring, why not double down:

http://lynch.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/10/21/the_right_move_on_iraq

[caro]

Jane, now is a good time to quote the sign over your kitchen door.

[Sue]

I never said I was any good at being Mama Odie.

[Ignatz]

--Sue, did you put your pins in the correct pitcher?--

Took me awhile to remember the voodoo references.
At first I was like, bowling? Beer?

[Danube of Thought]

By "next winter," do you mean the one that begins December 22, 2011 or one year after that?

[Jane]

What if the hokey pokey is really what it is all about?

[(Another) Barbara]

I was busy composing Jane.

So you're the one who composed Jane, TK. Good job. Congratulations!

[centralcal]

Oh, dang it, here you all are. I just wasted my ecstatic jubilation on the wrong thread. (: I think Caro might be dropping in next week and I am well - so excited!

[Jane]

LOL

[Janet]

You put your armed drones in
You pull your armed troops out
You put your armed drones in
And blow them all about.

Hahaha..Wonderful, TK!! Did ya see my Cowboy poetry poem on the "In Which I Tackle..." thread?

I am a cowboy poet,
Ridin' a bench in Zuccotti Park.
My six gun is a drumstick,
That I'm pounding for the cause.
The howlin' coyotes are singin',
"We are the 99"
A restless herd of morons,
Being led from the behind.

Started with inappropriate limericks...now poems...who knows what's next.

[Janet]

Been cleaning out old papers & ran across this article from Thomas Sowell - Self-indulgence from Jan. 2005.

a bit about protests - "This may be some people's idea of a healthy democracy but it is more of a sign of a spreading sickness in a society too wimpish to insist that law and order matter and too mushy-minded to see that self-indulgence at other people's expense is not idealism.

If we were a little more clear-headed, these organized disruptions could be a valuable lesson in what the political left really believes in and what kind of world they would create if they ever get the kind of power they are seeking."

[(Another) Barbara]

OT (if there is a T): Jane/Caro, are you going on next month's NR cruise? I can't, but I'm hoping you are so we'll get to hear the news that's fit to print (excluding your antics with Mark Steyn, natch). Sounds like a good line up, but I wish they'd pick Hawaii for a change, instead of the Caribbean.

[Clarice]

Didja see the OWS protestors --or a t least a couple hundred of them ---are camped out on the lawn of GE's CEO Immeldt.

[henry]

Wow Clarice! I hadn't seen that.

[Janet]

I think Caro might be dropping in next week and I am well - so excited!

Ya'll will have such a great time...have you met before?

[caro]

Agree, AB. I have never been to Hawaii.

And yes, we will be meeting up with the aformentioned Mr. Steyn. Wish you could make it.

[caro]

Janet, we have not met but will know each other by our matching shirts.

[henry]

Now 5-0 Cards! (icepack ready in case Mama Odie gives me a hot seat).

[narciso]

Well now we're cooking with gas, finally, and with the score from the 'Natural' to boot.

[Sue]

You were saying?

[narciso]

As you say, Sue 'grin'.

[Clarice]

YOU GUYS ARE GOING? AND STEYN WILL BE THERE AGAIN? Pardon me while I go jump off a bridge or something.

[Sue]

Oh yeah. I was angry at Ian and Napoli and the umpire. I'm just angry at the umpire now.

[henry]

I'm not surprised, he's had a rocky season. We'll see if the bullpen holds up. : (

[henry]

The umpire blew that call, but it seems to have woken the Rangers bats as a result.

[Jane]

Yes Clarice, and when Jack (Fowler - aka publisher of NR) and I were emailing last week he asked me who I would like to dine with. Steyn was first on my list followed by Rob Long and John Bolton.

Tee Hee

[caro]

Clarice,you can still sign up at nrcruise.com I think.

[Jane]

Of course, as I am sure you know, we are all old friends by now. Just ask Caro.

[narciso]

Aw, have a heart, Jane,

[(Another) Barbara]

Agree, AB. I have never been to Hawaii.

Once you see Hawaii, Caro, you will snort contemptuously whenever the Caribbean is mentioned. Of course I'd like you to visit me anytime, but please also tell Mr. Fowler you're ready to sign on for a NR Hawaii cruise. He told me they've discussed it, but are afraid there'd be too few takers. I think he's wrong.

You and C-cal are going to have a riotous girl-gang time together. Call us if you need bail.

[Jane]

I don't even look at what the ports are in the Caribbean AB, that is clearly not what I go on these trips for. Not as true in the European ones but definitely true in the Caribbean ones.

I think they will have to wait for an improvement in the economy before they go to Hawaii. Given business I should not have signed up for this one, and the number going is less than 500. The one we all went on last year had close to 1000 guests.

[jean]

SUE Love the Cards but it made me sad to see W and Nolan Ryan so unhappy.Not sad enough to want the Rangers to win

[Jane]

So what is the score?

[jean]

Jane I think NRO has too many cruises.Same places with the same panels.In an off year it just isn't very interesting.

[narciso]

8-6. Cardinals.

[henry]

Pujols rocked one there!

[Sue]

11-6. Cardinals.

[Sue]

Our pitching has sucked and on top of that, are defense is sucky.

[jean]

Now I feel badly for Laura and Nolan Ryans' wife.Husband get so grumpy when their team isn't doing well

[henry]

I feel badly for the pitchers' wives. It's been sucky all around.

[(Another) Barbara]

Jane I think NRO has too many cruises.Same places with the same panels.In an off year it just isn't very interesting.

Excuse me for butting in, Jean, but I think you're exactly right. The oldtimers I know who aren't going this November have told me they are weary of the same destinations and too many repeats of panelists. The destination part is difficult cause it has to be somewhere that's doable in a week, but I don't know why they don't branch out as to the panels. When I was in NYC a couple of weeks ago I went to a Republican thingy where Pat Caddell, Rand Paul and the head of the Ayn Rand foundation (whatever it's called) spoke. They were all engaging and any one of them could bring some new blood to NR sailings. Especially Pat Caddell.

[jean]

Barbara you said it so much better than me .Thanks. My faith in NRO has been really shaken when the fellow at the sports blog thought the Rangers catcher was a bigger asset to their team than Malina.If NRO let that be printed who knows what other crazy ideas they have

[henry]

Pujols is definitely awake now! 14-6!

[daddy]

Well I don't know if Pujols is a Natural Born Citizen or not but I bet he could get elected President in St Louis.

[Sue]

I am going to slink away. I really, really didn't expec this. And I can't figure out why they keep pitching to him. Congrats henry. We'll get you tomorrow night!

[jean]

A friend of ours knows Pujols very well and says Albert is the real deal.A really good man.I'm glad because if he turns out like McGuire my husband would slit his wrist.

[henry]

Thanks Sue, I expect a lot of runs from both teams tomorrow as well.

Jean, I hope Pujols is the real deal as well. I've had it with juicers!

[MayBee]

SPARTANS!!!!!!

[Porchlight]

If NRO let that be printed who knows what other crazy ideas they have

Yeah, like Romney for President! ;)

[Porchlight]

Cheer up Sue, I have a good feeling about this Series.

[jean]

Henry I do tease my husband that Puljols is really 57.

[jean]

Pujols not Poljols unless he gets another L at 57

[Danube of Thought]

I have been maintaining for the past couple of years that Pujols is (a) the best hitter since Ted Williams, and (b) the best right-handed hitter in the history of baseball.

If anyone doubts either proposition, use Google and check out his stats against anybody you would like to suggest. Rogers Hornsby? Check it out.

And I think we can all agree that he strikes the ball with a certain authority.

[henry]

So if I figure out how to hit a curveball in the next couple years I can still make the bigs? Cool!

[Jane]

Gee guys, you are depressing me. I too would love to see Pat Cadell, so now I'm bummed out. But I bet I still hsve fun.

[Captain Hate]

Cheer up Sue, I have a good feeling about this Series.

Sue is being punished for badmouthing Cliff Lee. Maybe it she makes amends things will work out fine....

[jean]

Jane I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you.We got the info and thought we would wait for another cruise.I'm sure you will have great time.Dinner with Mark will be so fun

[Clarice]

She's being punished for dabbling in voodoo if you ask me.

[jean]

Henry only if you are 6'2" and 200lbs

[henry]

Heh, not even in cowboy boots Jean.

[Porchlight]

I would totally go on the NRO cruise if I could. If it was a repeat for me, I could see where the sameish lineup wouldn't be as compelling, but for a first timer, it might be easier to meet and get to know folks on a smaller-than-usual off-year cruise.

[Turn, turn, turn.]

Mama Cardinal
Fluttered long in the mirror.
Fallen oak leaf.
==========

[Mark Folkestad]

Porchlight is dead on. It would be all new for me too. I've exchanged e-mail with some of the "regulars", but I'd love to meet them in person.

[MayBee]

SPARTANSSSSSSSS

[henry]

Pujols again!

[daddy]

Sue,

Better get a new Voodoo Doll.

[Ignatz]

Not watching the game just seeing the score here.
Are they playing baseball or football?

[Danube of Thought]

Still waiting for nominations for better right-handed hitter than Pujols...

[Pofarmer]

Ya'll in Texas need a bigger stadium.

[daddy]

Hee hee hee Pofarmer:)

[Danube of Thought]

The one Pujols hit to the wall in right in Game 2 in St. Louis would have been long gone in Texas.

[Clarice]

Niters.

[Ignatz]

--Still waiting for nominations for better right-handed hitter than Pujols...--

Mark McGwire. Taught Albert everything he knows. [ducks]

[jean]

Ignatz I sure hope not

[Danube of Thought]

Let's face it: any day on which SC defeats The Hated Ones on the gridiron is a successful day. Especially as a 9-point underdog. Even more especially when it is done in South Bend, with Touchdown Jesus looking down in great dismay.

Fight on!

[Ken Boyer?]

OK, DoT, digging out my James.
==============

[jimmyk]

Still waiting for nominations for better right-handed hitter than Pujols...

I think there's a case for Hornsby--factoring in that he played the early part of his career in the dead ball era.

[matt]

just got back from seeing Don Rickles, bless his heart. The old guy is still pretty funny, and his stories are priceless. Still waiting on Newhart to tour.

Interesting for Karzai, that crazy bastard, to say if we throw down with Pakistan, he's on their side. Especially since it's his people getting killed by the Tollybons and Haqqanis and even the Pakistani Army.

Time for some shock and awe as far as I'm concerned. Time to throw the true fear of Allah and Uncle Sam into them and then pull out and leave them to dangle in the wind.

[Sara (Pal2Pal)]

DOT: Son advises me to say: DiMaggio, Mike Schmidt (my alltime fav ballplayer), Johnny Bench, Dave Winfield, and even though a switch hitter, Pete Rose. And he thinks Pujols could be in the top five, but not the best, and that he will be in the HofF.

[Sara (Pal2Pal)]

Son says he forgot about Frank Robinson who, he says, trumps all of them.

He cracked me up. He says, "Mom remember back in 1986 when we were sitting on the front porch with that Al guy in Pittsburgh?" I had to speed search thru the memory bank, but figured out that "that Al guy" was actually a relative who was a contemporary with my Dad and a huge Pirate fan. Apparently he told my son that Rogers Hornsby was the best 3rd baseman to ever play the game or ever would play the game. So, for what it is worth, someone back in '86, old enough to go way back in baseball, was picking Hornsby.

[Hard to put down Bill.]

Hank Greenberg or Jimmie Foxx.
================

[Ricky Henderson isn't on first anymore.]

I dunno who's on third but horns be blowing on second.
================

[daddy]

Remember that Escopeta Jack Up Oil Rig that got delayed in Canada on its transit from the Gulf to Alaska because Napolitano and the Fed's played games with its initial Jones Act Waiver?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has levied a $15 million fine against Escopeta Oil Co. for violating the federal Jones Act by transporting the Spartan 151 jack-up rig from Texas using a foreign-flagged vessel.

"The $15 million fine is equivalent to the value of the Spartan 151, a determination that was made by Customs" (which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security).

"Danny Davis, president of Escopeta when the jack-up left Freeport on March 18, told Petroleum News"...that within two weeks of denying Escopeta a Jones Act waiver, the Obama administration issued 46 waivers to foreign companies.

Escopeta is a Houston based Oil and Gas Company.

From the comments:

"...the Obama administration granted 46 waivers to the Jones act - all to foreign companies - within two weeks of denying Escopeta's request. That means 46 foreign companies were allowed to haul goods and products from one American port to another, denying that work to American-flagged vessels and costing American jobs. At the same time, not allowing Escopeta to compete at the same level in the shipping market as those other 46 foreign firms drives up Escopeta's cost of moving the rig, and thus of drilling for gas in the Cook Inlet."

Helping cripple American Business, one Industry at a time.

[Jane]

The guy just hates us Daddy. We may as well face it.

Re: NR cruise. It never gets old to get Mark Steyn or many others take on what is going on today. And I love a lot of the regulars. So I'm not all that bummed out.