[KellyMP]

Liebermann probably said "no AQ, John" or something like that. No biggie... he misspoke, and quickly corrected himself when it was pointed out.

[kvitacencia]

Here's the full text:

McCain In Amman, Jordan Today:

McCain: Well, it’s common knowledge and has been reported in the media that Al Qaeda is going back into Iran and is receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran. That’s well known and it’s unfortunate. So I believe that we are succeeding in Iraq - the situation has dramatically improved, but I also want to emphasize time and again Al Qaeda is on the run, but they are not defeated. We are seeing a major battle take place in Mosul as we speak. The southern part of Iraq has other difficulties as we well know. So I am pleased with the progress, we have a long way to go, and I am deeply concerned about Iranian influence, not only in Iraq, but on nuclear weapons; on sponsorship of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations, and if we leave Iraq it will enhance Iranian influence in the region to the detriment, I think, of every nation in the region.

[Lieberman whispers in McCain's ear]

McCain: I’m sorry; the Iranians are training the extremists, not Al Qaeda. Not Al Qaeda. I’m sorry. http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/..._to_iranqa.php

It's interesting that he mentions Mosul. That's a predominantly Sunni Arab and Kurdish area, where one would expect there not to be a battle between a Shia militia and the government, and where AQI has been more active.

I think the man is genuinely confused about basic Iraqi politics. Isn't that supposed to be his signature issue?

[sharpyure]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
I'm not so sure. Since 9-11, the Bush administration has been successful at creating confusion as to the difference between al Qaeda, Iraqi nationalists, Shia fanatics, Fatayeen, etc., etc. etc. McCain's "misspeaking" may indicate that, like so many others, he is unable to tell the difference. I'd buy that if he stuck to what he said if someone pointed it out. But the fact that he quickly corrected himself makes me think it was just a gaffe.

[Qnnoshxj]

Um, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Iran is supplying weapons and bombs used by AQ in Iraq. Not exclusively, but definitely in part.

[dosugxxx]

I'd buy that if he stuck to what he said if someone pointed it out. But the fact that he quickly corrected himself makes me think it was just a gaffe. The Mosul thing indicates genuine confusion.

[littlePen]

Yes, he randomly threw that into a quote supposedly about Shia militias. Right....

[BreeveKambmak]

http://www.time.com/time/nation/arti...664967,00.html

9/11 Commission Finds Ties Between al-Qaeda and Iran

[Vitoethiche]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
I read the Report of the 9/11 Commission, and it says there was no tie between al Qaeda and Iraq. Reading is fundamental.

[maks_holi]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Reading is fundamental. That's why I rely on an original source whenever possible. It provides more reliable information.

[ggandibazz]

The connections between Iran and AQI amount to unverified claims by Admin hacks.

[indianstory]

Originally posted by Ramo
Yes, he randomly threw that into a quote supposedly about Shia militias. Right.... UM IT WAS ABOUT AL QAEDA NOT THE SHIA MILITIA PLEASE READ AGAIN

n. That’s well known and it’s unfortunate. So I believe that we are succeeding in Iraq - the situation has dramatically improved, but I also want to emphasize time and again Al Qaeda is on the run, but they are not defeated. We are seeing a major battle take place in Mosul as we speak. T

[Manteiv]

It's a natural mistake. I mean, does anyone really understand the difference between Shiites and Sunnis? I don't think there is one, they just make it up.

[libertiespana]

Originally posted by Ramo
Note that's AQI. Not any of the Shia militias.

Pretty sad, really. I don't think he was confused on that part. One subject just ran into another. AQI being trained by Iran appears to have been a mistake that was corrected with a save from Lieberman.

[nannysuetle]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
Shiite fanatics (e.g. Iran) don't get along too well with Sunni fanatics (e.g. al Qaeda). that's a nice generalization that does not sit well with reality.

Iran trains, funds and totally operates PIJ
Iran trains and aids Hamas
Iran trains, aids and operates (through Hizbullah) the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

Iran trains and supports sunni (and shi'ite) groups in Iraq.

[xyupi]

McCain's 23yo daughter had a pic in the Style section of the WaPo today. She's kinda hot

EDIT: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/20...meghan_mccain/

[DoniandaCoado]

New York Times:
The Democrats noted that Mr. McCain, Republican of Arizona, had made similar comments about Iran training Al Qaeda in an interview with “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” a radio program he called from Amman. “As you know, there are Al Qaeda operatives that are taken back into Iran, given training as leaders, and they’re moving back into Iraq,” Mr. McCain said, according to a transcript posted on the show’s Web site. One would think that somebody who is building their campaign on foreign policy experience would, you know, know things. The amount of times he's repeated it makes it evident that it's not just a slip of the tongue.

Oh wait, this thread is about McCain's hot family.

[Illisezek]

I mean, does anyone really understand the difference between Shiites and Sunnis? I don't think there is one, they just make it up. It has something to do with who was Mohommed's successor.

Someone once said that the Sunni/Shiite conflict was one of those things that, unless you're really in it, you don't see what the difference is between the two factions.

[soydaykam]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui


I'd buy that if he stuck to what he said if someone pointed it out. But the fact that he quickly corrected himself makes me think it was just a gaffe. Once is a gaffe, three times is learning-impaired.

[reiseebup]

What you should have said was: "Hey David, nice to see you posting again! Glad to know your not dead or something. Now go away."

[veizKinquiz]

And I was going to a remark about his age instead, but thought better of it. Might upset the Apolyton Shuffleboard Club or something...