Tensions Build Between U.S., Iraqi Leaders

Staff / Truthdig Aug 22, 2007 The Iraqi prime minster is now under attack from leading U.S. politicians. Even President Bush is distancing himself. As Nouri al-Maliki turns to find "friends elsewhere" -- in Syria, which he is visiting, and in Iran, with which he has close ties -- will he come to be viewed as yet another monster we created? Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Let’s Grow Up, Progressives!

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig May 25, 2007 The veteran political observer argues that the Democrats' retreat on the war spending bill is but a temporary setback in a much longer struggle they are sure to win, if only opponents of the war are patient, determined and ready for the next fight. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

The Fightin’ Dems

Mr. Fish / Truthdig May 25, 2007 Dig deeper

Democrats Cave on Timetable

Staff / Truthdig May 23, 2007 The Democratic leadership in Congress is close to a deal with the White House to provide funding for the war without a timetable for withdrawal The legislation will include benchmarks for US aid, close to $8 billion in domestic spending and a minimum-wage increase, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has indicated that she cannot bring herself to vote for a bill that doesn't set a withdrawal date for U troops. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Iraq Prepares for U.S. Withdrawal

Staff / Truthdig May 22, 2007 Iraqi Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi revealed Monday that his government is planning for a rapid pullout of American forces: "The army plans on the basis of a worst-case scenario so as not to allow any security vacuum There are meetings with political leaders on how we can deal with a sudden pullout". Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Republicans Give Bush a Timetable

Staff / Truthdig May 10, 2007 A delegation of 11 moderate House Republicans visited the White House on Tuesday to warn the president that he risks losing more support from his party if conditions in Iraq do not improve by fall. The lawmakers lamented dwindling support for the war among their constituencies during the meeting, which was described as "no-holds-barred." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Is Gates on a Different Page?

Staff / Truthdig May 7, 2007 While the Bush administration has repeatedly referred to the Democrats' timetable for withdrawal from Iraq as a recipe for failure, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has praised the measure. He's also urged an assessment of the troop escalation by this summer -- sooner than supporters of the "surge" would like -- and indicated support for a withdrawal as outlined by the Iraq Study Group, which he was once a part of. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Bush and Democrats to Hold Wheel-Spinning Session

Staff / Truthdig May 2, 2007 President Bush is set to meet with members of Congress on Wednesday to try to work out a compromise on the Iraq spending bill. It's not clear what they could possibly agree on, since Bush has said he won't sign any legislation that calls for a withdrawal, and the essentially nonbinding timetable in the last measure was basically the least the Democrats could do to signal their opposition to the war. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Democrats’ ‘Sellout’ on Bush’s Mercenaries

Jeremy Scahill / Truthdig May 1, 2007 The author of "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army" argues that the Democrats' withdrawal plan -- even if it ever gets past a veto -- isn't anything to write home about. Dig deeper ( 13 Min. Read )

Unreasonable Expectations

Mike Luckovich / Truthdig Apr 29, 2007 Dig deeper

When All Else Fails, Blame the Democrats

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Apr 27, 2007 President Bush and Vice President Cheney cannot make the case that their Iraq policies have succeeded, so they are doing one thing they do very well: taking a serious argument over the future of American foreign policy and turning it into a petty partisan squabble. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

House Sets Withdrawal Date

Staff / Truthdig Apr 26, 2007 The House has voted 218 to 208 to approve a withdrawal timetable for Iraq, with a pullout set to begin by Oct. 1. The Senate is expected to pass its version of the bill Thursday, sending the measure to President Bush for his inevitable veto. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )