Discussions About Talking

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon opened the “International Compact with Iraq,” at Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt today remarking that the presence of all the participants is a “clear sign” of their commitment in assisting the people and government in Iraq “when they need our support.”

This meeting has been a year in the making with the participation of the Compact Preparatory Group (oops), the World Bank, the U.N. and of course the government of Iraq. “The Compact represents a road map for the next five years aimed at helping Iraq to achieve its long-term goals of economic prosperity, political stability and lasting security. Much work will be needed to keep Iraq on track, but I am confident that the people and Government are up to the challenge.”

The Secretary General is confident, however some U.S. lawmakers are not so. The Iraq parliament plans a recess this summer, beginning in July and lasting up to two months. This has our politicians united on “at least one topic.”

Senator John Warner, said with regard to the Iraqi vacation:

"An action of that consequence would send a very bad signal to the world that they don't have the resolve that matches the resolve of the brave troops that are fighting in the battle today."

And Senator Bill Nelson added:

"I certainly hope they're not going to take any sort of recess when the question is whether they're going to make any progress."

It is agreed that this would be a move that would be looked upon as deleterious to the situation in Iraq; but would it really “send a very bad signal to the world,” as Senator Warner stated? One has to wonder since according to Democrats their own intransigence on the War Funding Bill and their claims of defeat do not resonate anywhere according to them. Hmmm

Oddly, in a CNN moment of equivalence, the news source noted that:

“Congress leaves for four weeks each August and takes a week off, sometimes more, around prominent holidays. Lawmakers frequently adjourn for the August recess without reaching agreements on important legislation.”

CNN though did not mention the recent two week break that further stalled follow on discussion of the Iraq war funding bill, when it was expected it would be vetoed by the president. Of additional discussion to take place now that the bill has actually been vetoed, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said there have been:

‘"discussions about talking"’

So, regardless of whether lawmakers take a lot of time off or not is not that appropriate to the concern over Iraq’s parliament taking a break when one considers that U.S. lawmakers do not really do anything whether on vacation or not.

Interestingly, when the UN Secretary General effused about the Iraq Compact, the reality of Iraqi security played a large role.

“Iraq faces immense challenges. We cannot leave Iraq on its own to cope with them. It is essential that we do our utmost to help the Iraqi people build a secure, peaceful, unified, federal and democratic nation, founded on the principles of freedom and equality.”

So, just at a time when the US’ input on the security front in Iraq could be a make or break issue, Democrats in our government are looking to “redeploy” our forces. I wonder how this plays to the success of the “International Compact with Iraq?” Hunhh…

But then perhaps in the end none of it matters as the two day talks in Egypt have thus far only revealed ‘"the deep fissures in the Middle East and the widening differences these countries have on Iraq"’

On a high note(?):

“Arab governments have welcomed the Sharm el Sheikh conference as an opportunity to have their voices heard on the Iraq crisis. But apart from forgiving some loans dating from Saddam Hussein's rule, they have been reluctant to take further steps, such as giving strong political backing to al-Maliki's government, using their influence with Iraqi Sunni leaders to halt the insurgency and, in the case of Syria, to stem the flow of insurgents from Syria into Iraq.”

Tough going all around I guess with everyone wanting a little something in the bargain, like the lack of a Syrian hindrance on insurgents use of that country as a logistical base unless the U.S. eases up on various demands of Syria. Or Iran hoping to gain a little ease up on the “sanctions” regime in its efforts at developing “peaceful” nukes if it assists positively in the Iraq situation. My guess is the Democrats chief aim of getting Iraq up to the plate to do it’s share by our leaving will actually pull all these disparate entities in the region to step up too; not like say Syria and Iran mind you.

Perhaps if the Bush Administration and Republican minority cede power to the Democrats they will agree to a cease fire on their desire to limit the effectiveness of our military in its role as security in Iraq that allows for more of this silly diplomacy that seems to go no where. Power seems to be their most cherished commodity and the guide on of every word, action or inaction on their part; they just might go for it.

Or, we could just leave and let those in the Middle East that really have a stake in the outcome of the battle in Iraq. It’s not like it would come back to haunt us, would it?

I’m thinking it’s time to look into ‘"discussions about talking."’

DeMediacratic Nation Blogrolls

Please give this Post/Blog a Vote -