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During meetings between Senators Obama, Reed, and Hagel, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki expresses support of Obama’s plan for Iraq

Presidential candidate Barack Obama, accompanied by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), continued their whirlwind tour of the Middle East and Europe yesterday by meeting with Iraqi PM al-Maliki. The four men, along with United States Generals, discussed the United States’ role in Iraq and within the region.

During the conversation, the parties addressed Senator Obama’s plans for a withdrawal in 2010. Despite John McCain’s vehement opposition to a withdrawal, it certainly appears that Iraq itself wants such a timetable. The traveling party quoted al-Maliki as supportive of Obama’s plans and that Iraq wishes for “our continued help in training Iraqi security forces, helping conduct counter-terrorism operations, developing Iraq’s economy and advancing political compromise,” as opposed to continued United States military operations in the country.

Senators Obama, Reed, and Hagel will be in Jordan today to meet with the Jordanian royal family.

For more on this story visit, USA Today.

Senator Reed and Senator Obama arrive in the Middle East to discuss terrorism and the United States’ role in the region

Yesterday, Senator Barack Obama met with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai to pledge his support to the Afghani government with their ongoing struggle with al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters. Senator Obama reinforced his position that winning the battle in Afghanistan, coupled with finding al-Qaeda leadership in the region, are major linchpins in winning the war on terror.

Senator Obama, Senator Reed, and Senator Hagel (R-NE) released a joint statement about the trip and our country’s role in helping combat terrorism in the conflict ravaged region and across the globe.

“Our message to the Afghan government is this: We want a strong partnership based on ‘more for more’ — more resources from the United States and NATO, and more action from the Afghan government to improve the lives of the Afghan people. We need a sense of urgency and determination. We need urgency because the threat from the Taliban and al-Qaida is growing and we must act; we need determination because it will take time to prevail. But with the right strategy and the resources to back it up, we will get the job done.” -Sen. Obama, Sen. Reed, Sen. Hagel, June 20, 2008.

In between touring Afghanistan and meeting local leaders and U.S. troops, Senator Obama found time to sit down and speak to “Face the Nation”. To view his interview, click on the video below.

As well, early this morning the three Senators landed in Iraq to meet with Iraqi PM al-Maliki. The group will discuss the Iraq War and a timetable for U.S. withdrawal; a move al-Maliki has publicly supported.

For more information on Obama and Reed’s trip, visit the Washington Post, CNN, or Associated Press.