Left I on the News  

Sen. Barack Obama delivered another major speech today, this one on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq (incidentally his website headlines the speech as the "5th Anniversary of Iraq War [emphasis added]," deemphasizing the fact that it was an unprovoked invasion).

My "favorite" part:

"Nearly four thousand Americans have given their lives. Thousands more have been wounded. Even under the best case scenarios, this war will cost American taxpayers well over a trillion dollars. And where are we for all of this sacrifice? We are less safe and less able to shape events abroad."

Notice anything missing? Like the Iraqi people and the price they've paid? No, it's all about us for Obama, just as for all American politicians. Not one word about the Iraqis in his talk, other than the condescending "Iraqis must take responsibility for their country."

His speech also provides a solid clue that, once he's in office, those promises to withdraw troops are not exactly engraved in stone:

"Let me be clear: ending this war is not going to be easy. There will be dangers involved. We will have to make tactical adjustments, listening to our commanders on the ground, to ensure that our interests in a stable Iraq are met, and to make sure that our troops are secure."

One guess what those "tactical adjustments" will be and what those commanders on the ground will be saying.

Of course no Obama speech would be complete without a pledge to step up the terrorism in Afghanistan (not exactly his words!):

"It is not too late to prevail in Afghanistan. But we cannot prevail until we reduce our commitment in Iraq, which will allow us to do what I called for last August – providing at least two additional combat brigades to support our efforts in Afghanistan."

Six more Afghans were killed by American bombs today, by the way, including a woman and two young children.

And of course there were threats to Iran for having the audacity to exercise its right to develop nuclear power, and for its non-existent "threats" to Israel:

"It is time to present a country like Iran with a clear choice. If it abandons its nuclear program, support for terror, and threats to Israel, then Iran can rejoin the community of nations – with all the benefits that entails. If not, Iran will face deeper isolation and steeper sanctions."