The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Obama & Iraq war

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Thursday, Nov 13, 2008
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Obama & Iraq war

The editorial “Obama and the Iraq war” (Nov. 12) has rightly cautioned that Barack Obama should not backtrack on his promise of withdrawing the U.S. forces from Iraq within 16 months of his assuming office. Otherwise, it would prove politically costly and morally indefensible. As the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he would certainly be in a position to impose his will on his military commanders. Another cause for concern is Mr. Obama’s choice of Rahm Emanuel as his Chief of Staff. The Nation, a prominent U.S. weekly, described Mr. Emanuel as “a strong Israel partisan” (Nov. 6, 2008). Even Sonal Shah, his adviser, has been linked to Hindutva outfits. Mr. Obama must reconsider these choices if he wants to bring about the change he promised.

A. Faizur Rahman,

Chennai

* * *

Mr. Obama should move to withdraw the American troops from Iraq as soon as possible after he assumes office. Otherwise his anti-war image, by projecting which he won the election, will be dented. The troops have overstayed in Iraq. And there is no end to terrorism in sight. The sooner the U.S. troops leave Iraq, the better.

B.H. Shanmukhappa,

Davanagere

* * *

Election promises no doubt need to be fulfilled. But the President-elect should not impose his decision on the military commanders, who know the ground reality better.

Chandu Burri,

Pune

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