Iraqi Elections -- A Study in Quotation
For those keeping score, the elections in Iraq are still scheduled for January 30 (or 30 January for our Eurofriends). The US ground commander (see below) said military operations were being stepped up to make all areas of four troubled Iraqi provinces (containing more than half the population of Iraq, mind you) safe enough for the vote to be held as scheduled.
"Certainly there are some pockets that will not participate in the election. We don't think it will be widespread." Iraqi PM Allawi (a candidate in the election), January 10, 2005.
"Both leaders reiterated the importance of moving forward on the date set by the Independent Iraqi Election Commission of Jan. 30." White House spokesman Scott McClellan, January 10, 2005, referring to Pres. Bush and PM Allawi.
"I can't guarantee that every person in Iraq that wants to vote, goes to a polling booth and can do that safely." Lieutenant-General Thomas Metz (senior U.S. ground commander in Iraq), January 6, 2005.
A classic from the CNB archives, showing that moving the elections was NEVER an option:
"Well, so be it. Nothing's perfect in life, so you have an election that's not quite perfect. Is it better than not having an election? You bet." Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, September 23, 2004.
For those wondering, yes, Rummy was discussing the Iraqi election.
"Certainly there are some pockets that will not participate in the election. We don't think it will be widespread." Iraqi PM Allawi (a candidate in the election), January 10, 2005.
"Both leaders reiterated the importance of moving forward on the date set by the Independent Iraqi Election Commission of Jan. 30." White House spokesman Scott McClellan, January 10, 2005, referring to Pres. Bush and PM Allawi.
"I can't guarantee that every person in Iraq that wants to vote, goes to a polling booth and can do that safely." Lieutenant-General Thomas Metz (senior U.S. ground commander in Iraq), January 6, 2005.
A classic from the CNB archives, showing that moving the elections was NEVER an option:
"Well, so be it. Nothing's perfect in life, so you have an election that's not quite perfect. Is it better than not having an election? You bet." Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, September 23, 2004.
For those wondering, yes, Rummy was discussing the Iraqi election.
posted by CNB at 1:33 PM
