8 chapters across the catalog
An analysis of a scripted final question during a presidential press briefing regarding the 2011 withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. President Obama defends his legacy by blaming the Iraqi government's failure to pass immunity laws for US troops, while the hosts suggest the entire exchange was staged to deflect blame for current instability.
Syrian Conflict, Iranian Influence and Geopolitical Hubris
A theory is presented that the US withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 was timed to allow Iranian influence to flow into Syria, destabilizing the Assad regime in favor of radical Islamists. The hosts argue that American leaders like the Clintons and Bushes suffer from a "hubris" that prevents them from understanding the complex religious and cultural histories of the Middle East.
Fox News reports on the final U.S. troops crossing the border from Iraq into Kuwait, marking the end of a nine-year conflict. The report cites a cost of $800 billion and 4,500 American lives, figures the hosts dispute as being significantly understated. They also comment on the unusual, "Mad Max-style" vehicles used by the departing troops and the high security maintained until the final moments of the withdrawal.
US Embassy in Baghdad and Private Contractors
The US Embassy in Baghdad is described as the world's largest diplomatic mission, roughly the size of the Vatican. As the military withdraws, the State Department is hiring 5,000 private security contractors and maintaining its own air force to protect 16,000 personnel. Peter Van Buren argues this represents a continued civilian occupation of Iraq rather than a true end to the war.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates indicated during a visit to Baghdad that the U.S. would consider keeping troops in Iraq beyond the December 31, 2011, withdrawal deadline. Gates stated that the Iraqi government must "act quickly" to request an extension if they desire continued American military support.
Iraq Troop Withdrawal, Combat Force Designation
The Obama administration is reclassifying US forces in Iraq as non-combat units as troop levels drop toward 50,000 by August 31, 2010. Media reports from Katie Couric suggest this transition may be misleading, as violence remains high and political instability persists. The hosts note that private contractors and consultants are not included in the withdrawal figures.
Iraq War, US Troop Withdrawal and Oil Field Rights
The hosts analyze the June 30th withdrawal of US troops from Iraqi cities, contrasting the media's focus with the simultaneous awarding of oil development rights. British Petroleum and China won the rights to develop the Rumalia oil field, a project Reuters estimates could yield $1.7 trillion in profit. They suggest the timing of the troop withdrawal was orchestrated to distract from the significant energy deals being finalized.
Barack Obama Iraq Withdrawal Plan, Fort Lejeune Address
President Barack Obama announced at Fort Lejeune that 35,000 to 50,000 troops will remain in Iraq through 2011, despite previous campaign rhetoric regarding a faster withdrawal. Critics highlight the President's shifting justification for the war, moving from weapons of mass destruction to the establishment of a sovereign government. The withdrawal remains contingent on conditions on the ground.
