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Obama: Shift troops from Iraq to fight al-Qaida
By Mike Glover
Associated Press
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OELWEIN, Iowa -- The U.S. should shift troops from Iraq to pursue al-Qaida along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Saturday.

He said President Bush's war-fighting policies have left the United States at greater risk from terrorists. The first-term Illinois senator said decisions by the Republican president had allowed Osama bin Laden and his deputies to elude capture.

"We cannot win a war against the terrorists if we're on the wrong battlefield," Obama said. "America must urgently begin deploying from Iraq and take the fight more effectively to the enemy's home by destroying al-Qaida's leadership along the Afghan-Pakistan border, eliminating their command and control networks and disrupting their funding."

Obama spoke during his 15th trip to Iowa, where precinct caucuses set for January begin the presidential nominating process. He opened his day with a rally on the shores of a lake in Oelwein before his later stops.

The senator focused on the threat of terrorism just days after a new U.S. intelligence assessment warned that al-Qaida has succeeded in rebuilding its strength.

"What I would say is that as a consequence of bad decisions we are more at risk and less safe than we should have been at this point, given all the resources we have spent and the U.S. lives that have been lost," Obama said.

Obama contended the Bush administration erred by choosing to fight in Iraq rather than concentrating on Afghanistan, where he said al-Qaida has rebuilt itself.

"They have entirely regrouped along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border," Obama said. "The threat of terrorism has actually increased and we've seen a massive spike in terrorist activity, in part because we did not finish the job in Afghanistan and were distracted by a war of choice in Iraq."

Obama stuck with the issue of terrorism during a later stop in Manchester, where about 300 people packed into a school gymnasium, even with a popular county fair just across the street.

"When I am president of the United States I will make this pledge: Nobody will work harder to go after those terrorists who will do the American people harm," Obama said. "But that requires a commander in chief who understands our troops need to be on the right battlefield, not the wrong battlefield."

Ahead on the schedule was an appearance with Democratic rivals Joe Biden and John Edwards at a workshop in Peosta.

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Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, greets supports as he arrives at a house party in Las Vegas, Friday, July 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Reader comments on this story - 51 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Yes wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:55 AM:

" the report stated that A Q has reconstituted itself and was as strong as it used to be. It also stated that the main concentration was in Iraq. So the BHO strategy is to remove forces fom where the enemy is and pursue the enemy where it used to be. "

to: Mrs. wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:22 AM:

" I don't care what religion Clinton is, Obama is, or Bush is. I care that we should have a competent president. "

to: Garand wrote on Jul 27, 2007 9:17 AM:

" Where ae these battles you speak of? We are riding around in Humvees hoping to avoid land mines, at the tune of 12 billion per month. "

Obama Supporter wrote on Jul 17, 2007 3:36 PM:

" Barack Obama has been against the War in Iraq since before it even started which gives him some credibility in my book. He also understands that GWB has done nothing to strengthen security at home (see 9/11 Commission reports as well as CNN or any major news station) and understands that the threat against America and the world for that matter is Al Qaeda. Therefore as they are a threat against the whole world he understands we need to fight them where they are with bi-partisan help. Obama for America '08!!!!! "

Don't be ignorant wrote on Jul 17, 2007 3:30 PM:

" Just to clear up some incredible ignorance being displayed by some of our friends on this board. Barack Obama is not Muslim (not that it would matter if he was) and never has been. His father (who he met one time for a brief period) is African and was born a Muslim and was later an atheist in his adult life. His mother was a white woman who considered herself a Christian but was not practicing. Barack grew up in Hawaii with little religious background with his mother and white grandparents and for a brief period lived in India with his mother's second husband. Barack has also attended a Christian Church on the South Side of Chicago since he was fresh out of Columbia and was working as a community organizer helping with the economically deprived in Chicago; long before his political days. Please, please, please don't spread your ignorance. Become informed, then make an intelligent arguement. "

Disabled vet/ Obama supporter wrote on Jul 16, 2007 11:15 AM:

" I love this man! Take troops from the war that is en-raging the world and making more terrorists,, and send them to where there are already terrorists!! Makes perfect sense!!! I've been to Iraq, in 2003 and 2006. Things have only worsened, period... There are more terrorists being bread because of this quagmire. I am not anti-war but I have opposed the Iraq war from the beginning. Letes fight the real war. OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT, OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!!! "

to: Mrs. wrote on Jul 15, 2007 9:11 PM:

" But, but,but Clinton is one of " those " Christians not a " born aginner " who is the most devine of the faith. g.w. speaks with God nightly so that is why millions of fools have followed him over the cliff ! "

RP wrote on Jul 15, 2007 3:53 PM:

" RON PAUL RevolUTION 2008 "

Vote Ron Paul in '08 wrote on Jul 15, 2007 3:31 PM:

" Dr. Ron Paul is the only candidate who wants to help the working class and is not going to make corporate backed policies. A vote for Obama, Edwards, or Clinton is the same as a vote for Romney, McCain, or Guilliani. I plead with you, my fellow country men, stop with this downward spiral that this nation has been in for over fifty years. Vote for America and vote for Dr. Paul. Thank you. "

To: Cynic wrote on Jul 15, 2007 2:28 PM:

" So if the Gov of Pakistan said no we can not send troops in you would anyway? "

garand wrote on Jul 15, 2007 1:42 PM:

" The real answer is use of superior and overwhelming force against the enemy on all fronts. This of course would result in massive carnage and devastation. I am ok with that because I understand that is what it takes. The ACLU and like-minded leftists won't allow it so we will end up with living in this country mirroring life in Beirut, Gaza, etc. Shifting the troops and playing at war will like we have been will solve nothing so Obama offers a continuation of the same. When I hear a candidate promise unleashing the dogs of war my vote is sealed. "

George wrote on Jul 15, 2007 1:25 PM:

" I can not believe it! He wants to leave one war and get into another? "

Obambi wrote on Jul 15, 2007 12:09 PM:

" I'm sorry but I live in Illinois and I have seen the do nothing attitude for the people of Illinois that Obambi displays everyday. Obambi already believes he is a target and requested a huge security team for his protection and someone who is scared can not make reasonable judgments with out fear being involved in the decisions. Obambi has done what for this state in the last 8 years of his service? I can tell you what he has done welfare spending up 20X, Unequal protection laws passed, Illinois crime rate has doubled, Taxes have raised 5X. Obambi represents Illinois on a federal level and he is just as much responsible for what is happening here in our state now as Blago is. He is unqualified for the job and does not have the support from the world to lead this nation down a different path. Obambi is a scared coward and if elected I see an other G.W.B. dictator in action....... "

MRS. wrote on Jul 15, 2007 12:06 PM:

" To but but but: Clinton claims to be a Christian also. Now what? "

To I wish wrote on Jul 15, 2007 11:51 AM:

" You wrote:someone would explain how Iraq has made more terrorists and made the terrorists worse. Our policies in Iraq Has Embolden then Terrorists and is encouraging the violence that terrorists display, it also gives a reason for them to hate us more. Do you not see the Iraqi children dieing from our bombs exploding? That my Friend is a reason to strengthen their cause. Saddam ruled with an Iron fist now the USA is trying to do the same thing, but without the support to the Iraqi people, that is how we have strengthened the terrorist activities through out that region. "

Remember wrote on Jul 15, 2007 10:20 AM:

" Remember that Obama was raised as a radical Muslim, and that we are at war with Muslim extremists. Don't be fooled by his words, and beware the trojan horse. "

to: I wish wrote on Jul 15, 2007 10:11 AM:

" I wish you would turn off Hannity and Rush and just LISTEN to what the Intelligence officials have been reporting over the last few months. Al-Qaida has reconstituted itself and is stronger than ever. W's venture into Iraq has inflamed the Middle East and more people than ever before are willing to blow themselves in order to expel the occuppier. As far as keeping track of Obama's statements. You and your ilk should have been keeping abreast of what W, et.al have uttered over the last 5 years. Now that would be revealing but first you MUST mute Rush ! "

Illinois wants him campaigning wrote on Jul 15, 2007 9:36 AM:

" To Question: We want Osama Hussein distracted. This way less damage will be done in Illinois. This guy has basically been campaigning since he was elected. I cannot believe he's now suggested war against al Quaida. He was trained in radical Isalam. Is he really suggested we take the fight to his brothers and sisters of Allah. We all getting to realize he became a United Church of Christ member before he got into politics, hmmm. Don't be fooled. His pastor has repeatedly spewed hate and racism on tv talk shows. Look beyond the sheep clothes. I don't care if he talks good and looks good. So will the anti-christ. "

all of these posts wrote on Jul 15, 2007 9:32 AM:

" and there are maybe 2 Obama fans? Wow. What an overwhelming win in this poll! I think he's way too new, and completely talking out of his 'you know what'. From "we need to bring the troops home" to "we need to send them somewhere else". Is he really on to something, or is he just trying to 'catch' the latest trend and go with it to attract his fellow liberal friends and some innocent unknowing first-time voter who may vote for him? "

to Duh wrote on Jul 15, 2007 9:08 AM:

" A vote for Fred Thompson is a vote for more of the same. "

The Happy Cync wrote on Jul 15, 2007 9:02 AM:

" To To: Cynic. Yes. I would send troops into Pakistan. Not to topple the government, per se, but to root out the Al-Qaida leadership. Would it lead to a lot of America casualties? Maybe, but such sacrifices towards the greater good would be justified. Would Musharaff have a problem with it? Maybe, but this guy needs to decide who he wants to butt heads with least, us or the Al-Qaida sympathizers in his own country. I know many forum readers may be shocked to read this from me because of my vocal opposition to the Iraq war, but I'm not anti-war, I'm anti-ineffective-war-that-creates-more-problems-than-it-solves. That's easy enough to understand, eh? "

Obama wrote on Jul 15, 2007 8:40 AM:

" Obama supports, question to you.. What has this guy done to get your vote? I said done, not what he says he will do. He is in office in Illinois, but that last year or more he has been paradeing around the country not doing the job he is paid to do. People complain about Blaggo (and I am one of those people that complain too) not doing his job and wasting money, but Obama is no better. If he was white, would he be so popular? Oh, and isnt he white and asain more than he is african america? "

Obama wrote on Jul 15, 2007 8:12 AM:

" I said a year ago that Obama wouldn't make a good candadite. He has no experience whatsover. He ran for Senetor pretty much unopposed, so a lot of the things that usally come out in a campaign didn't. He has done NOTHING as a senator. He can raise all the money he wants. He still can't win. He'd do better if he kept his mouth shut though. The more he talks the more his golden boy image gets tarnished. "

But but but wrote on Jul 15, 2007 7:14 AM:

" g.w.'s not Clinton and he's a Christian ! "

I wish wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:28 AM:

" someone would explain how Iraq has made more terrorists and made the terrorists worse. Let's see before they wanted (and tried several times) to kill us. They did it by bombings, suicide attacks, beheadings etc. Have you seen an escalation or deescalation of this? I think since we have eliminated many of them including many master minds that we have made the world a better place. And some want us to let up on the terrorist and let them regroup. That sounds intelligent. I wish we could get people to check our reality and think for themselves. Not listen to things politicians like Obama want us to at least until they are elected. In fact we need to write down what he says and then check in 6 months or a year and see if his tune has changed. It will. Because there is no there there and the world keeps changing. When he mentions change please don't listen. We have heard "change" before. We need to know what that "change" really is. "

hmmh wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:22 AM:

" If you think George was a joke, get prepared for Obama. Let's see. We will incite the religious right, demand rights for blacks, and go after AlQueda. And just where will that be? I think we need to ask him for specifics. Because when we send more troops to Afghanistan people will say ,"Well, that is what we are doing now. What is different?" And of course the answer will be nothing. We are doing what we can already. Plus fighting stupid factions in our own country that are anti-Bush and anti-trying to get rid of terrorists. "

He sounds informed wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:18 AM:

" Where or where does he think we have been? He is laughable at best. He thinks we have no troops between the Afghanistan or Pakistan border. What has he been paying attention to the last several years? I think I could give a more credible explanation than his. To Gorden. Who do you think is fighting Israel? The boogey man? Some people just make me want to laugh. Except this is serious business. They want to attack us here. Not the bogogey men but AlQueda. And they will tell you that without blinking an eye. And some do not listen. "

Bob Deibert wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:18 AM:

" Here we go again! A man running for office that knows more about the war than the entire military and the setting President that hast briefings every day from those who are trained to make military decisions. Yes sir, run for office and you know it all. "

to Unbelievable wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:14 AM:

" Obama had dons some stumbling of his own. When you put him on a pedestal that is what happens. I think the good speech theory is a thing of the past. Now we get down to the real deal which is a gross amount of inexperience. And then hear him out about his religious attitude and his racial attitude. Our country may depend on it. He is the one saying it. The press should be printing and repeating it. "

History wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:12 AM:

" The Soviets sent their military in force into those mountains. The death toll in Iraq is nothing compared to what history tells us would be the death toll in those mountains. Large forces can not operate in a territory such as that which is why we are using small forces in that area. "

to Sen with info wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:11 AM:

" Then when they make decisions why do they whine that they don't have all the info. The problem is there are too many politics involved. He doesn't want Bush to be right. Which of course he is. "

Duh wrote on Jul 15, 2007 6:10 AM:

" With brains like these we can accomplish a lot. Fred Thompson said it well. He said that the war in Iraq is not the war but just the front of the war on terror. It would be good if Mr. Obama would realize that too and get down to business. He doesn't want to because then my gosh he would have to agree with President Bush. And no respectable Demo would do that now would they? Read the liberal papers. They still say Al Queda is in Iraq. A terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist. People think. Were all the original terrorists from Afghanisan? No. They were from several countries and were training in Afghanistan. And if we leave they will train in Iraq. What will we do then, invade them? Think. Think . Think. And do not listen to the hyberbole of Obama. He is trying to lead you down the wrong path. "

The posters on this.... wrote on Jul 15, 2007 3:18 AM:

" story can trash Obama all they want to, but it won't change my mind. Thanks to those posters and to Bush, I won't ever vote Republican again and I WILL vote for Obama. Anyone with half a brain knows you can't kill the terrorist leaders OR be effective in killing terrorists as long as they can 'hole up' in the terrain of Pakistan and Afghanistan. DUH! You think they are going to COME OUT and say, 'here I am - shoot me?' All Bush has accomplished is allowing them to grow in numbers and get our troops and Iraqis murdered. Some of your posts CRACK ME UP!! Typical Republicans. "

Amused wrote on Jul 15, 2007 12:45 AM:

" At how stupid GWB is thought to be. Donna Brazil warned Kerry of thinking like that. "

OGS I used to like... wrote on Jul 15, 2007 12:06 AM:

" ...this guy, Obama. But what is he thinking? I get better info off the internet than he claims to have being a D.C. insider. No way can I vote for this guy. I think my vote is going to Ron Paul. The more I research Ron Paul, the better I like him. "

Unbelievable wrote on Jul 14, 2007 11:44 PM:

" To the first 7 posters - what is wrong with Obama's ideas on this??? I know that people such as yourselves don't like hearing intelligent thoughts, so I guess I can understand why you'd say what you have said. Seriously, do ANY of you republicans honestly think that George W. Bush has the first clue what he's doing???? I'll take a rookie senator who can put together sentences and express a clear thought over a bumbling, self-entitled, son of a famous person for president anyday. I need to keep reminding myself that most people who read this newspaper probably voted for Bush (frightening), and this paper endorsed this joke of a president twice (even more frightening).....OBAMA in '08. "

to: ??? wrote on Jul 14, 2007 11:35 PM:

" He has my vote already. He was even on Attack of the Show. Way to appeal to generation Y. "

To: Cynic wrote on Jul 14, 2007 10:59 PM:

" Would you send troops into Pakistan? "

RE: WTF wrote on Jul 14, 2007 10:15 PM:

" 'This guy' is a U.S. Senator, which means he does have access to a lot of government information, including Senate studies and information about the war. "

The Happy Cynic wrote on Jul 14, 2007 8:53 PM:

" I can't believe all the people who miss the solid reasoning of this tactic. Fact, Iraq was a diversion and a mistake. Fact, the violence we've unleashed in Iraq will play itself out and will probably be worse (and help Al-Qaida more) the longer we stay. Fact, Al-Qaida committed the 9/11 atrocity, and we've yet to avenge the dead. Fact, attacking Al-Qaida at it's source (the Afghanistan-Pakistan border) is the best route to defeating them utterly. You don't have to be a military expert to see these points are valid and that they lead to where Obama has pointed. I've been waiting forever for a candidate to say exactly this. Obama already had my vote, but even if he hadn't, he would now. "

??? wrote on Jul 14, 2007 8:22 PM:

" VOTE RON PAUL 2008 Dr. Paul wins the New Hampshire straw poll with 65%, and came in Second place in the Georgia straw poll with 17%. He also surpassed McCain with campaign money. Please take time to look into this man; the mainstream media is trying hard to blackout his message. No Iraq War, No federal income tax, No North American Union, and No Patriot Act. This might be our last chance to save America from global bankers. He will restore the dollar by backing it with a standard so money can’t just be printed out of thin air. Fiat money is the worst currency we could have, our money isn’t even backed by a gold standard anymore. "

Question wrote on Jul 14, 2007 8:21 PM:

" Isnt this guy paid to do some sort of government job in Illinois? Who is doing his job while he has been out tring to get votes that last year and a half? He is just about as worthless as Blaggo. "

Harv wrote on Jul 14, 2007 8:03 PM:

" HA! Even Hillary would not have said something stupid as that. "

Obama wrote on Jul 14, 2007 7:02 PM:

" will get the last laugh. g.w. did drop the ball in pursueing al-Qaida. They are as strong as ever. He IS in the wrong country. There ARE more terrorists being created each day because of g.w.'s blunder. Now after 5 years of warfare do YOU think g.w. is the person we want leading our efforts against the enemy ? Go ahead, turn off Hannity and Rush, find a quiet peaceful place and let yourself realize g.w is a disaster. It does wonders for the soul. I purged Blago long ago and feel so much better ! "

Maybe wrote on Jul 14, 2007 6:34 PM:

" Obama should shift back inside Illinois borders and do his job here first. "

haha wrote on Jul 14, 2007 6:19 PM:

" I'm going to laugh when this fool loses Illinois. "

Any of you... wrote on Jul 14, 2007 6:05 PM:

" anti-war activists want to say something here? "

Wonder wrote on Jul 14, 2007 6:02 PM:

" If Obama would allow troops to pursue the terrorist into Pakistan? Has anyone asked him that? "

garand wrote on Jul 14, 2007 5:44 PM:

" Obama the general.....amusing how running for president makes you an expert on battle "

WTF wrote on Jul 14, 2007 5:04 PM:

" does this guy even get the info that he needs from the government to make plans like this? I can say stuff like this, but it doesnt mean I know what I am talking about. "

Gorden G. Fishbaugh wrote on Jul 14, 2007 4:31 PM:

" Dump Israel, and we won't have to deal with this al-Qaida. Obama just lost my vote. "
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