Obama About to Rile the Anti-War Left?

By Chase

Eons ago in political time, Barack Obama made the decision to position himself as the left-most candidate in the Democratic field on the issue of the war in Iraq. He was repeatedly unequivocal in his criticism of the war. Indeed, he often brags about an early speech he made, often claiming that he was the only candidate who was “against this war from the start.”

Additionally, In November 2006 — before he declared as a candidate — he professed to have plans for a timetable for withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

Obama won the hearts of the MoveOn.org crowd, particularly in light of Hillary Clinton’s vote in favor of the war.

But for Obama, there may be a course-change looming regarding the war. And the left, no doubt, would be shocked that their savior would betray them on the issue most dear to them.

The Washington Post editorial page notes today that Obama had a conversation earlier this week with Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s Foreign Minister. Zebari says he told Obama how disatrous a withdrawal would be:

In a meeting with Post editors and reporters Tuesday, [Zebari] said that after all the pain and sacrifices of the past five years, “we are just turning the corner in Iraq.” A precipitous withdrawal, he said, “would create a huge vacuum and undo all the gains and achievements. And the others” — enemies of the United States — “would celebrate.”

The Post further reports that Zebari gave Obama some advice to follow, should be become President of the United States.

Mr. Zebari said he told Mr. Obama that “Iraq is not an island.” In other words, an American withdrawal that destabilized the country would also roil the region around it and embolden U.S. adversaries such as al-Qaeda and Iran. “We have a deadly enemy,” Mr. Zebari said. “When he sees that you commit yourself to a certain timetable, he will use this to increase pressure and attacks, to make it look as though he is forcing you out. We have many actors who would love to take advantage of that opportunity.”

But, shockingly, the Iraqi Foreign Minister was pleased with Obama’s answer.

He said he was reassured by the candidate’s response, which caused him to think that Mr. Obama might not differ all that much from Mr. McCain. Mr. Zebari said that in addition to promising a visit, Mr. Obama said that “if there would be a Democratic administration, it will not take any irresponsible, reckless, sudden decisions or action to endanger your gains, your achievements, your stability or security. Whatever decision he will reach will be made through close consultation with the Iraqi government and U.S. military commanders in the field.”

The Post, it seems, likes that reversal on Obama’s part and offers some advice of its own.

Mr. Obama ought to listen carefully to what they are saying.

If, after a promised visit to Iraq and conversations with people who actually know what’s going on over there, Obama reverses himself (as I believe he actually should), it will represent a stunning backflip on the very issue that has enraged and energized the left’s activists for years. And, as a remarkable Daily Double, it will also reveal that the position that Obama has consistently and proudly held has been as naive and misinformed as many of us has believed from the beginning.

And just as Obama promises to listen to the experts on the war (for once), you can place a sure bet that the folks at MoveOn.org and their followers will be listening to their favored candidate.