The New York Times acquired and translated Der Spiegels’ recording of al Maliki’s interview. It confirms the original story. Al Maliki said:

“Obama’s remarks that — if he takes office — in 16 months he would withdraw the forces, we think that this period could increase or decrease a little, but that it could be suitable to end the presence of the forces in Iraq.”

“Who wants to exit in a quicker way has a better assessment of the situation in Iraq.”

Bush just got caught pressuring Iraq’s government to mislead Americans to help McCain.

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  1. Torture: Obama Heeded Maliki on Abuse Photos, Says McClatchy; What That Says for Our Occupation
  2. Maliki vs. Odierno: Who Blinks First?
  3. Changing of the Guard: US Troops Withdraw from Iraqi Cities; Maliki Declares “Sovereignty Day”
  4. Report Confirms Poor Electrical Work by KBR Endangers US Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan
  5. What NYT “Recidivism” Story Misses: Gitmo as Our Recruitment Tool