President Obama initially promised that the Guantanamo detention facility would be closed in January of 2010. Though it was obvious by May of 2009 the deadline would not be met, officials didn’t admit that fact until mid-November. This is the administration’s way of doing things, to pretend deadlines are “on track” until the last possible minute.

 

So to with the August Iraq drawdown pledge. The Obama Administration has promised that by August of this year, there will be only 50,000 “non-combat” troops left in Iraq. Since making that promise 15 months ago, only a handful of troops have left, and 94,000 US troops are still there, still engaging in combat missions.

 

After Iraq’s December election became a January election and finally a March 7 election, it was clear the August deadline would not be met. Privately officials have conceded that the drawdown is being “reconsidered,” in as much as it is virtually impossible now.

But what the Obama Administration talks about privately and its official public stance are often two different things, evidenced today by the claim from US commander in Iraq Gen. Ray Odierno that the drawdown is “on track” and that he is fully committed to meeting the deadline.