A special bipartisan panelNever miss an opportunity to point that out, Rooters. Of course, all who call themselves Republicans are lockstep neobots.
held a second day of intensive meetings on Tuesday seeking a consensus on recommendations for U.S. President George W. Bush on how to change course in Iraq. The 10-member group, led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Rep. Lee Hamilton, wants to submit recommendations to Bush by the end of the year but has found some rough going in reaching agreement among themselves.
Gosh, who'da thunk it? I thought they'd finish by lunch on Day One.
Bush, whose Republicans were bounced from control of the U.S. Congress last month due in large part to his handling of Iraq, is under strong pressure for a major shift in course, and many in Washington are hoping the panel will provide an impetus for change.
Bounced. Hard to beat Rooters for the straight poop.
The group has been meeting in secret and participants have been reluctant to discuss their deliberations. A source familiar with its work said the group was expected to meet again on Wednesday.
Secret, yes, but we know all about it. We'll be selling the DVD through our Liechtenstein company with a Chinese name.
"I think everybody would like to have a consensus, but it's a tough thing to reach," said another official familiar with the group's deliberations. "Behind closed doors they want to come out with a reasonable plan that everybody embraces, but there's no easy way to do it."
The graphic covers it purdy well.
The group has been considering a number of options, including the possibility of the United States holding talks with Iran and Syria about influencing the warring groups in Iraq.
Sure, 3 years of talk isn't nearly enuff. They prolly need another 2 or so to cover trigger and weight issues.
The White House, annoyed at Iran over its nuclear program and at Syria for its influence in Lebanon, has been reluctant to hold talks with either government about Iraq.
Reluctant. Heh.
White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley told reporters on Monday this subject was likely to come up in talks Bush is to have in Amman, Jordan, on Thursday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.