Edwards and Clinton Combat Troops in Iraq: It Depends Where "in" is

Just what does it mean to end combat missions in Iraq? Democrats John Edwards and Hillary Rodham Clinton disagree.

Edwards has been criticizing Clinton for her plan to continue combat missions against al-Qaida in Iraq. His campaign says that would be a continuation of what it calls the "U.S. occupation" that he will end if elected president.

Edwards says that doesn't mean he'll stop fighting against terrorists in Iraq. The difference, he told The Boston Globe in an article published Thursday, is that his counterterrorism missions would be based in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Middle East and conduct quick "expeditions" into Iraq.

Clinton's campaign says either way, sending troops to fight would be a combat mission in Iraq.
"It's unfortunate that Senator Edwards is so frustrated with his campaign that he' manufacturing false attacks against Senator Clinton," said Clinton spokesman Phil Singer.
"Before Senator Edwards goes after others on an issue, he ought to get his own position straight and explain why he tells voters he'll end combat missions in Iraq if his actual position is that he'd continue them."

Edwards' campaign said whether the combat troops are in the country or not is an important distinction. Troops on bases in Iraq would become targets for insurgents, symbolize continuing U.S. occupation, inevitably get drawn into other missions and prevent Iraqis from moving toward sovereignty, the campaign said.

Edwards spokesman Chris Kofinis also accused Clinton of failing to respond directly to questions Edwards has posed to her asking for details about her plan to end the war.

"While John Edwards has clearly stated that he will end the U.S. occupation of Iraq, Senator Clinton says she will continue the occupation, keeping combat troops stationed in Iraq for combat missions," Kofinis said in a statement.

"Not only has Senator Clinton refused to commit to a timeline for troop withdrawal, she has also stated repeatedly she will continue to use combat troops stationed in Iraq for counterterrorism missions, to fight Iran, protect the Kurds and protect our oil interests."