Is Obama using our U.S. Soldiers for bargaining chips in his campaign?

Would Obama stoop to an unheard of level in campaigning? Would he use our U.S. soldiers as a bargaining tool for his presidential aspirations?

Maybe he would - maybe he wouldn't. But he is now disputing claims from the Iraqi Foreign Minister that he tried doing just that on his recent campaign visit to Iraq.

Once again - Obama or his camp must "explain" what he meant...

From The New York Post --

According to Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Obama made his demand for delay a key theme of his discussions with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad in July.

"He asked why we were not prepared to delay an agreement until after the US elections and the formation of a new administration in Washington," Zebari said in an interview.

Obama insisted that Congress should be involved in negotiations on the status of US troops - and that it was in the interests of both sides not to have an agreement negotiated by the Bush administration in its "state of weakness and political confusion."

"However, as an Iraqi, I prefer to have a security agreement that regulates the activities of foreign troops, rather than keeping the matter open." Zebari says. More...

It appears having to explain what he says or what he means is becoming a regular routine for Obama and his campaign.

Each side, the democrats and the Republicans, will have their point of view or spin on this issue. But there are several facts that are clear... Obama was in Iraq, Obama did meet with the Iraqi Foreign Minister and Obama is now, weeks later, having to explain or give his version of what he meant or said.

Whether he tried delaying an agreement for withdrawal or not - the Iraqi Foriegn Minister believed he was. That is all that counts! He spoke with a high ranking official from another country - the official thinks Obama said or meant one thing, Obama claims he didn't or didn't mean it like that.

As I have posted before, we as a country, cannot afford having the President of the United States dealing with countries and have the parties leaving thinking two different things. We all know that for many - perception turns into reality. Just imagine a scenario with Russia or China.

The New York Post also reports that Obama tried persuading Gen. Petraeus into giving him a "reallistic withdrawal date." Petraeus, knowing if he gives any type of time frame it will be used as campaign fodder one way or the other for Obama, shows why he is a General and refuses in committing to a date.