Ramblings' Journal

Allawi: "Thank you, America."; Kerry accuses Allawi of flip-flopping

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, in an address to a joint session of Congress, had a message for the United States: "Thank you, America."

"I know that some have speculated, even doubted whether this (January election) date can be met," Allawi told a joint session of the US Congress. "So let me be absolutely clear. Elections will occur in Iraq on time in January because Iraqis want elections on time."

Speaking in English after receiving a standing ovation, Allawi told the chamber: "We are succeeding in Iraq. It's a tough struggle with setbacks, but we are succeeding.

"My friends, today we are better off. You are better off. And the world is better off without Saddam Hussein. Your decision to go to war in Iraq was not an easy one, but it was the right one.

"We Iraqis know that Americans have made, and continue to make, enormous sacrifices to liberate Iraq, to assure Iraq's freedom," Allawi said. "I have come here to thank you, and to promise you that your sacrifices are not in vain.

"Thank you, America."

Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry, speaking at a campaign appearance in Columbus, OH shortly after Allawi's address accused the Iraqi Prime Minister of flip-flopping and contradicting himself, something that Ketchup Boy himself is very familiar with -- although he wouldn't dare admit to it.

"I think the prime minister is obviously contradicting his own statement of a few days ago where he said the terrorists are pouring into the country," Kerry said. "The prime minister and the president are here, obviously, to put their best face on the policy."

Kerry accused Allawi of shilling for Bush, in order to put a positive spin on Bush's campaign.

Posted by mhking at September 23, 2004 11:08 PM