*Kolom IBRAHIM ISA*
*Rabu, 1 September 2010*
*---------------------------------------*
*BARACK OBAMA MENGAKHIRI PERANG IRAK YANG DIMULAI George BUSH*
Seperti biasa PR-nya Presiden Barack Obama, dengan menggunakan nama
Oganizing America, secara teratur menyampaikan kepada pemilih, pendukung
atau siapa saja yang dianggap bersimpati pada Obama ----- situasi
politik AS dan kebijakan bersangkutan dengan situasi tsb. Sering juga
'penyampaian situasi' atau 'seruan Obama' dintandatangani oleh Presiden
Obama sendiri.
Demikianlah, aku juga termasuk yang secara teratur menerima informasi
atau penyampaian situasi politik demikian itu. Kemarin kuterima lagi
(dalam bahasa Inggris), atas nama Presiden Obama, sebuah PERNYATAAN
RESMI bahwa AS menghentikan 'combat mission', tugas tempur di Irak.
Dipancarkan melalui TV dari Gedung Putih Presiden Bush, a.l menyatakan:
". . .Tonight, I'd like to talk to you about the end of our combat
mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face, and the need
to rebuild our nation here at home.
Selanjutnya:" . . . I am announcing that the American combat mission in
Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people
now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.
This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this
office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat
brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq's
security forces and support its government and people. That's what we've
done.
* * *
Di-Indonesiakan menjadi kira-kira begini:
" . . . .Malam ini, saya ingin bicara dengan kalian tentang berakhirnya
misi tempur kita di Irak, tantangan keamanan yang berlangsung terus yang
kita hadapi, serta mengenai perlunya kita nenbangun kembali nasion kita
di sini di dalam negeri."
"Saya mengumumkan bahwa misi tempur Amerika di Irak telah berakhir.
Operasi Kemerdekaan Irak telah selesai, dan rakyat Irak sekarang memikul
tanggungjawab mengenai keamanan negerinya.
"Ini adalah janji saya kepada rakyat Amerika ketika sebagai calon
presiden. Akhir Februarti y.l saya mengumumkan rencana akan menarik
brigade-brigade kita dari Irak, sambil melipatgandakan usaha kita untuk
memperkokoh pasukan keamanan Irak, serta menyokong pemerintah dan
rakyatnya. Itulah yang kita lakukan."
Keputusan Barack Obama ini banyak mendapat sambutan. Ia berusaha
memenuhi janjinya ketika pilpres yang lalu, bahwa ia akan mengakhiri
perang Irak.
Mengapa? Karena Obama serta banyak kekuatan maju lainnya di Amerika,
bahkan pendapat umum mayoritas Amerika, dengan KERAS MENENTANG PERANG
IRAK yang dilancarkan oleh Presiden George Bush.
* * *
Apakah politik luarngeri AS yang dipimpin ketika dipimimpin oleh
Presiden Bush, sudah berakhir? Pada Sidang Umum PBB pada tanggal 12
September, 2003, tercatat bahwa Bush a.l mengatakan "either you are with
us, or you are with the terrorists". Jelas politik ini adalah politik
luarnegeri warisan Perang Dingin. "Kalau kalian tidak bersama kami,
kalian menentang kami". Politik luarnegeri Bush itu ditentang oleh
mayoritas negeri didunia ini. Bahkan sekutu-sekutu AS sendiri di NATO
menolaknya.
Setelah Bush memaklumkan "perang terhadap terrorisme", - - - -
bagaimana dunia ini diurus, bagaimana hubungan internasional diatur dan
diurus, itu sepenuhnya hendak dijadihkan monopoli AS. Artinya, AS-lah
yang menentukan segala-galanya. Menurut Amerikanya Bush, PBB, suatu
badan internasional yang diakui dan didukung oleh seluruh dunia, harus
tunduk di bawah kemauan AS. AS merasa punya hak untuk memberikan
"ultimatum" kepada badan internasional ini. AS mengambil hak ditangannya
sendiri untuk menentukan mana-mana negeri di dunia ini, yang termasuk
"negara syaitan" dan harus digulingkan, seperti Irak, umpamanya, dan
digantikan, dan mana-mana negeri yang berkelakuan baik.
* * *
Bagaimana selanjutnya perkembangan hubungan AS -- Irak, dan hubungan AS
dengan negeri-negeri laiinya -- apakah akan dengan sungguh-sungguh
menghormati hak bangsa-bangsa di dunia ini untuk menentukan nasibnya
sendiri, ataukah dengan cara lain AS mau tetap bertindak sebagai
penguasa, -- hanyalah perkenbangan selanjutnya akan membuktikannya.
Setiap orang yang cinta kemerdekaan, demokrasi dan perdamaian, menyambut
dihentikannya pertumpahan darah di Irak.
Dalam pada itu setiap langkah siapa saja di dunia, khususnya AS, yang
sewenang-wenang menentukan pemerintah negeri mana yang boleh eksis
terus, dan mana yang harus digantikan, wajib dikritik dan ditentang
habis-habisan!
* * *
Lampiran: (teks Inggris pidato Presiden Barack Obama):
Obama delivers Oval Office address on Iraq. <Transcript>
Good evening. Tonight, I'd like to talk to you about the end of our
combat mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face, and the
need to rebuild our nation here at home.
I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for
many Americans. We've now been through nearly a decade of war. We've
endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of
these storms the future that we're trying to build for our nation -- a
future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity -- may seem beyond our
reach.
But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the
future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and
commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the
United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our
leadership in this young century.
From this desk, seven-and-a-half years ago, President Bush announced
the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since
that night. A war to disarm a state became a fight against an
insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq
apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have
been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was
tested.
These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of
America's longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst these
shifting tides: At every turn, America's men and women in uniform have
served with courage and resolve.
As commander-in-chief, I am incredibly proud of their service. And like
all Americans, I am awed by their sacrifice and by the sacrifices of
their families.
The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were
given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together
with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their
own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for
a better future.
They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people, trained Iraqi security
forces, and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and
civilians --and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people -- Iraq
has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many
challenges remain.
So tonight I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has
ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have
lead responsibility for the security of their country.
This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this
office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat
brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq's
security forces and support its government and people. That's what we've
done.
We've removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq. We've closed or
transferred to the Iraqis hundreds of bases. And we have moved millions
of pieces of equipment out of Iraq.
This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own
security. U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's cities last summer, and Iraqi
forces have moved into the lead with considerable skill and commitment
to their fellow citizens.
Even as Iraq continues to suffer terrorist attacks, security incidents
have been near the lowest on record since the war began. And Iraqi
forces have taken the fight to Al Qaida, removing much of its leadership
in Iraqi-led operations.
This year also saw Iraq hold credible elections that drew a strong
turnout. A caretaker administration is in place as Iraqis form a
government based on the results of that election.
Tonight, I encourage Iraq's leaders to move forward with a sense of
urgency to form an inclusive government that is just, representative,
and accountable to the Iraqi people.
And when that government is in place, there should be no doubt: The
Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat
mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq's future is not.
Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq
with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq's security forces;
supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions; and
protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi
government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year.
As our military draws down, our dedicated civilians -- diplomats, aid
workers, and advisers -- are moving into the lead to support Iraq as it
strengthens its government, resolves political disputes, resettles those
displaced by war, and builds ties with the region and the world. That's
a message that Vice President Biden is delivering to the Iraqi people
through his visit there today.
This new approach reflects our long-term partnership with Iraq, one
based upon mutual interests and mutual respect.
Of course, violence will not end with our combat mission. Extremists
will continue to set off bombs, attack Iraqi civilians, and try to spark
sectarian strife. But ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve
their goals.
They understand that, in the end, only Iraqis can resolve their
differences and police their streets. Only Iraqis can build a democracy
within their borders. What America can do -- and will do -- is provide
support for the Iraqi people as both a friend andIraqis are a proud
people. They have rejected sectarian war, and they have no interest in
endless destruction*.* a partner.
Ending this war is not only in Iraq's interest; it's in our own. The
United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the
hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make
enormous sacrifices in Iraq and spent vast resources abroad at a time of
tight budgets at home.
We've persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people, a
belief that, out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in
this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the
history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibilities.
Now it's time to turn the page.
As we do, I'm mindful that the Iraq war has been a contentious issue at
home. Here, too, it's time to turn the page. This afternoon, I spoke to
former President George W. Bush. It's well known that he and I disagreed
about the war from its outset. Yet no one can doubt President Bush's
support for our troops or his love of country and commitment to our
security.
As I've said, there were patriots who supported this war and patriots
who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our
servicemen and women and our hopes for Iraqis' future.
The greatness of our democracy is grounded in our ability to move beyond
our differences and to learn from our experience as we confront the many
challenges ahead. And no challenge is more essential to our security
than our fight against Al Qaida.
Americans across the political spectrum supported the use of force
against those who attacked us on 9/11. Now, as we approach our 10th year
of combat in Afghanistan, there are those who are understandably asking
tough questions about our mission there. But we must never lose sight of
what's at stake.
As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership
remains anchored in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We
will disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing
Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. And because of
our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary
to go on offense. In fact, over the last 19 months, nearly a dozen al
Qaeda leaders -- and hundreds of Al Qaeda's extremist allies -- have
been killed or captured around the world.
Within Afghanistan, I have ordered the deployment of additional troops
who -- under the command of General David Petraeus -- are fighting to
break the Taliban's momentum. As with the surge in Iraq, these forces
will be in place for a limited time to provide space for the Afghans to
build their capacity and secure their own future. But, as was the case
in Iraq, we cannot do for Afghans what they must ultimately do for
themselves. That's why we are training Afghan Security Forces and
supporting a political resolution to Afghanistan's problems. And, next
July, we will begin a transition to Afghan responsibility. The pace of
our troop reductions will be determined by conditions on the ground, and
our support for Afghanistan will endure. But make no mistake: this
transition will begin -- because open-ended war serves neither our
interests nor the Afghan people's.
Indeed, one of the lessons of our effort in Iraq is that American
influence around the world is not a function of military force alone. We
must use all elements of our power -- including our diplomacy, our
economic strength, and the power of America's example -- to secure our
interests and stand by our allies. And we must project a vision of the
future that is based not just on our fears, but also on our hopes, a
vision that recognizes the real dangers that exist around the world, but
also the limitless possibility of our time.
Today, old adversaries are at peace, and emerging democracies are
potential partners. New markets for our goods stretch from Asia to the
Americas. A new push for peace in the Middle East will begin here
tomorrow. Billions of young people want to move beyond the shackles of
poverty and conflict. As the leader of the free world, America will do
more than just defeat on the battlefield those who offer hatred and
destruction -- we will also lead among those who are willing to work
together to expand freedom and opportunity for all people.
That effort must begin within our own borders. Throughout our history,
America has been willing to bear the burden of promoting liberty and
human dignity overseas, understanding its link to our own liberty and
security. But we have also understood that our nation's strength and
influence abroad must be firmly anchored in our prosperity at home. And
the bedrock of that prosperity must be a growing middle class.
Unfortunately, over the last decade, we have not done what is necessary
to shore up the foundation of our own prosperity. We have spent a
trillion dollars at war, often financed by borrowing from overseas.
This, in turn, has short-changed investments in our own people, and
contributed to record deficits. For too long, we have put off tough
decisions on everything from our manufacturing base to our energy policy
to education reform. As a result, too many middle class families find
themselves working harder for less, while our nation's long-term
competitiveness is put at risk.
And so at this moment, as we wind down the war in Iraq, we must tackle
those challenges at home with as much energy, and grit, and sense of
common purpose as our men and women in uniform who have served abroad.
They have met every test that they faced. Now, it is our turn. Now, it
is our responsibility to honor them by coming together, all of us, and
working to secure the dream that so many generations have fought for --
the dream that a better life awaits anyone who is willing to work for it
and reach for it.
Our most urgent task is to restore our economy, and put the millions of
Americans who have lost their jobs back to work. To strengthen our
middle class, we must give all our children the education they deserve,
and all our workers the skills that they need to compete in a global
economy. We must jumpstart industries that create jobs, and end our
dependence on foreign oil. We must unleash the innovation that allows
new products to roll off our assembly lines, and nurture the ideas that
spring from our entrepreneurs. This will be difficult. But in the days
to come, it must be our central mission as a people, and my central
responsibility as President.
Part of that responsibility is making sure that we honor our commitments
to those who have served our country with such valor. As long as I am
President, we will maintain the finest fighting force that the world has
ever known, and do whatever it takes to serve our veterans as well as
they have served us. This is a sacred trust. That is why we have already
made one of the largest increases in funding for veterans in decades. We
are treating the signature wounds of today's wars, post-traumatic stress
and traumatic brain injury, while providing the health care and benefits
that all of our veterans have earned.
And we are funding a post-9/11 G.I, Bill that helps our veterans and
their families pursue the dream of a college education. Just as the G.I.
Bill helped those who fought World War II -- including my grandfather--
become the backbone of our middle class, so today's servicemen and women
must have the chance to apply their gifts to expand the American
economy. Because part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those
who have fought it.
Two weeks ago, America's final combat brigade in Iraq -- the Army's
Fourth Stryker Brigade -- journeyed home in the pre-dawn darkness.
Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of vehicles made the trip from
Baghdad, the last of them passing into Kuwait in the early morning
hours. Over seven years before, American troops and coalition partners
had fought their way across similar highways, but this time no shots
were fired. It was just a convoy of brave Americans, making their way home.
Of course, the soldiers left much behind. Some were teenagers when the
war began. Many have served multiple tours of duty, far from their
families who bore a heroic burden of their own, enduring the absence of
a husband's embrace *or a mother's kiss.*
Most painfully, since the war began 55 members of the Fourth Stryker
Brigade made the ultimate sacrifice, part of over 4,400 Americans who
have given their lives in Iraq.
As one staff sergeant said, "I know that to my brothers in arms who
fought and died, this day would probably mean a lot."
Those Americans gave their lives for the values that have lived in the
hearts of our people for over two centuries. Along with nearly 1.5
million Americans who have served in Iraq, they fought in a faraway
place for people they never knew. They stared into the darkest of human
creations --war -- and helped the Iraqi people seek the light of peace.
In an age without surrender ceremonies, we must earn victory through the
success of our partners and the strength of our own nation. Every
American who serves joins an unbroken line of heroes that stretches from
Lexington to Gettysburg; from Iwo Jima to Inchon; from Khe Sanh to
Kandahar -- Americans who have fought to see that the lives of our
children are better than our own.
Our troops are the steel in our ship of state. And though our nation may
be travelling through rough waters, they give us confidence that our
course is true, and that beyond the pre-dawn darkness, better days lie
ahead.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of
America, and all who serve her.
* * *
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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