Open Thread

July 20th, 2008 10:11 AM

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: How big a deal is Maliki's statement about American troop withdrawal, and did Der Spiegel get it right?

This could be one of those unexpected events that forever changes the way the world perceives an issue. Iraq's Prime Minister agrees with Obama, and there's no wiggle room or fudge factor. This puts John McCain in an extremely precarious spot: what's left to argue?

On the other hand, "[A] spokesman for al-Maliki said his remarks 'were misunderstood, mistranslated and not conveyed accurately.'"

Which is it, and how important is this either way?