Christina

President Obama's Speech on
Iraq policy

Obama addresses Marines at Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina in February 2009.

Our Position in Iraq:
- situation has improved overall
- Al Qaeda has been dealt "a serious blow"
- Iraq's Security Force has improved
- January's provincial elections had strong participation


The Future of Iraq:
- long-term solutions in Iraq must be political, not military
(soft power vs hard power)
- Iraq can not remain America's sole priority in the region,
Iraq must attempt to become an autonomous power


Obama's Tripartite Strategy Concerning Iraq:
1. Disengagement of US combat troops by 2011
(16 month timeline)
while still aiding the Iraqis in other ways
(collaborating with the UN to support election efforts,
helping improve local governments, serving as
mediator, humanitarian issues).

2. Strengthening a sovereign Iraqi government

3. "Comprehensive American engagement across
the region"
- diplomatic talks with Iran and Syria
-refocusing military efforts on Pakistan and Afghanistan
- dealing with Iran's nuclear program
- mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

4. Also:
- Veterans issues: establishment of medical facilities
across the country, increasing military pay,
providing child-care, counseling, and other services,
establishment of a G.I. Bill again