McCain accused of fueling anti-Americanism

Sen. John McCain’s opposition to a withdrawal from Iraq, a move supported by the Iraqi government, was criticized in a conference call held by the Obama campaign. Moderator Denis McDonough said McCain discourages Iraqis from becoming self-sufficient and questioned how McCain plans to end the war without letting Iraq defend itself.

Former Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig said McCain must explain to Iraqis and Americans why he stands in opposition to the majority viewpoints held in each country. Danzig stated that war is fought to bring peace and questioned how peace can prevail when Iraqis are ignored. He said fundamentalists are able to support their anti-American claims that the United States means to establish itself in the region through McCain’s anti-withdrawal stance. Danzig continued, saying that diversion in Iraq hinders the United States’s success in the global War on Terror.

Major General Geoffrey Lambert, (USA, Ret.) said increased oil revenues and a new confidence stemming from Iraqi forces’ greater capabilities have led to Iraq’s support of a withdrawal schedule. Lambert stated that these signs are encouraging and should be supported by the United States.