As I understand it there were two issues discussed: the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) which concerns military matters and is a no, no for a first period Senator, and the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), which may be within the remit of the Congress.
Taheri claimed that Obama had been discussing issues definitely within the framework of the SOFA. Obama's campaign dismissed that and claimed he had been discussing the SFA. Some of his advisors even have gone so far as to suggest that Taheri or Zebari (Iraqi FM) must have mixed up the SOFA and SFA.
But let's go to the interview with Obama posted on the same link:
This is what he says at ca 1:12- 1:45 in the video.
"I also insisted that now it is important for us to begin....eh....the process of withdrawing US troops...eh..making clear that we have no interest in permanent bases in Iraq; that...eh...any negotiations for a Status of Forces Agreement or Strategic Framework Agreement..eh...should be done..eeeeeh....in the open..eh..and with Congress's authorization."
Let me repeat: "...any negotiations for a STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT or STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT......"
NOW WHO IS IT THAT MIXED UP THOSE TWO AGREEMENTS?
Is it not possible that the totally inexperienced Sen Obama, devoid of his dear teleprompter, did mix up SOFA and SFA when talking to the Iraqis?
At least that is what he tells the journalists? Time for a McCain ad, and s...w the State Dept and the unnamned Bush officials.
PS: I noted the "ehhs" in the transcription not to make fun of Obama, but to show that he was actually trying to weigh every word he said. That makes it an even more surprising mistake.
ping