Obama calls for shifting focus from Iraq to Afghanistan

Source: Xinhua | 07-15-2008 09:11

WASHINGTON, July 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Monday that he would set a goal of having all U.S. combat brigades out of Iraq by summer 2010 and shift more resources to fighting al-Qaida in Afghanistan.

U.S. Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama (D-IL), speaks at the National Council of La Raza convention at San Diego''s Convention Center July 13, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

In an op-ed in The New York Times, the senator from Illinois criticized John McCain, his Republican opponent, and the Bush administration for "refusing to embrace" the idea that Iraqis should take over responsibility for military control of the country and the fight against terrorist and insurgent forces.

He also dismissed the troop surge that McCain supported because he said it's been too costly and has not led to Iraqi political reconciliation.