"I Will End the Iraq War" Says Obama [13+]

"I am absolutely convinced that strategically it is time for this [Iraq] war to end," Obama said, adding he believes the United States can withdraw combat troops from Iraq within 16 months while leaving "a residual force to engage in counterterrorism activities" and protect diplomats.

The senator from Illinois said the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts have worsened because the Bush administration has emphasized war tactics more than an overall strategy.

Obama's Republican opponent in the presidential race, Sen. John McCain, has criticized Obama for proposing plans for Iraq and Afghanistan without recent visits to either war-torn country.

But Obama said Bush and McCain "have missed consistently ... the broader strategies."

"Was it wise to go in there? And what are the costs and benefits of staying there?" Obama said, adding that the Iraq war costs $10 BILLION EACH MONTH.

"My job as commander-in-chief is to look at the whole picture."

Obama added: "I want to bring this war to a close, but I do want to consult with our commanders on the ground to find out tactically how do we do it in a safe way and how do we make sure that the gains that have been obtained with respect to violence in Iraq are sustained."

He said, "Perpetuating the strategy we have in Iraq is costing us elsewhere, not only in Afghanistan but also investments that we could be making here at home."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/1...