The Blog

Obama v. Iraqi Foreign Minister

10:36 AM, Jun 18, 2008 • By JAIME SNEIDER
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Barack Obama spoke earlier this past week with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari. Their accounts of the conversation differ in politically convenient ways for the junior senator. Obama's version:

At a press availability in Michigan, I asked Obama if Zebari had expressed any concern to him that his plans to withdrawal U.S. troops as president would undo any security advances.

"No, he did not express that," Obama said. "He did emphasize his belief that we've made real progress and I think was eager to see political accommodations between the factions follow up in the wake of this progress.

Iraqi Foreign Minister's version:

"The foreign minister said ‘my message' to Mr. Obama ‘was very clear... Really, we are making progress. I hope any actions you will take will not endanger this progress."

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