Edwards favors quick sharing of power in Iraq

[surfermaw]

Edwards favors quick sharing of power in Iraq
Criticizes Dean for pulling out of public campaign financing
TIM FUNK
Observer Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - While strongly defending his vote to go to war with Iraq, Sen. John Edwards said Sunday he favors immediately turning over responsibility for Iraqi civilian authority to the United Nations and security forces there to NATO.

"We can put an international face on this operation and get others to participate," he said, (by telling U.S. allies) "we're asking you to sit at the table and have decision-making authority with us."

The N.C. Democrat, appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press," also said he would not withdraw from the public campaign finance system for presidential candidates. He suggested former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's decision to do so was a case of putting personal interests ahead of principle. Dean on Saturday became the first Democratic presidential candidate ever to opt out of a decades-old system that gives federal matching funds to those who agree to limit campaign spending.

"(Dean) said earlier this year he felt very strongly about all the candidates' staying within the campaign finance system," Edwards said. "Now he's apparently figured out that it's advantageous for him not to do that. It sends exactly the wrong signal to voters

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http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/7225141.htm

[Mairead]

1. Good for Edwards! (Apart from the NATO bit -- that's just the US in drag)

[Rooktoven]

2. Actually putting NATO in is Bill Clinton's stance

and at a forum with Bob Dole, Dole agreed. It may not be what you want, but it could get bipartisan support.

[Mairead]

3. I'm sure it would get support--it's virtually the status quo!

Which is precisely the problem with it...it's the other countries that won't touch it, but we could then beat on them and call them uncooperative. 'See, see! We're trying to do the right thing, it's the nasty frogs and krauts who are spoiling everything. Bad frogs and krauts! Bad! Bad! No dead soldiers for YOU!'

[AP]

5. As Edwards noted, what happens in Iraq is crucial to Europe and Asia...

...not just in the sense that they need an economically productive Iraq, but in the sense that they need a democratic, stable Iraq with its own built-up, wealthy, stable middle class.

The US control of Iraq is creating so much anxiety among nations that don't need chaos in that region of the world, and they'd be right to assume that the US is intentionally pursuing chaos in order to preserve US hegemony.

It's right to treat Iraq in way which does not leave chaos behind, and in a way where the US is in total control. Nato and the UN is the first step.

[genius]

4. Good for Edwards. He's a good man. I"m not voting for him.

But I like him and I think that he has a great deal of integrity.

[JohnKleeb]

6. Another Kucinich supporting giving thumbs up to Edwards

:thumbsup:

[roguewolf5]

7. I like how he defends his orginal decision..

And sticks with what he's done. But also is moving forward away from the past, unlike the media would want, and into the present.
I whole heartedly agree that this war in Iraq should be about the world and not just US occupation.

I may not agree with what he voted on, BUT i am behind him in his plan for Iraq now. Since in all fairness its going to come down to Iraq in Nov. anyway.