A reporter calls Veep Cheney on his Brits in Iraq malarkey and the Vice President ducks and hides. From the presser down under …
QUESTION: Mr. Vice President, you’ve said that the British draw-down from Iraq reflects their success there and not domestic considerations. Did the United States ask for them to redeploy those troops inside Iraq to take some strain off the U.S. forces involved in the Baghdad Security Plan and in al Anbar province? And if not, why not?
…
VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: Well, the Brits have been great allies in the efforts — mutual efforts in Iraq. They have been there from the very beginning, as have our Australian friends. They have to make decisions with respect to their forces based upon what they think makes sense. Prime Minister Blair did consult with President Bush in terms of moving forward, and the comments I made reflected their communications with us, the fact that they believe the situation has improved in Basra and southern Iraq, which has been their prime area of operation.
They’re going to continue to have a major presence there. They’re also I believe beefing up their operations in Afghanistan at the same time, so we’re very comfortable with their decision.
I think that’s called ducking the question, right? Maybe we can get some follow up on that one.
