The Fact Hub: Edwards Would Continue Combat Missions Against Al-Qaeda In Iraq But Attacks Hillary For Having The Same Position

On September 7, John Edwards announced his plan to continue combat missions against al-Qaeda in Iraq:

Edwards: "Even though the presence of U.S. troops has served as an attractive target for terrorists, our eventual withdrawal will not remove the threat. As president, I will redeploy troops into Quick Reaction Forces outside of Iraq, to perform targeted missions against Al Qaeda cells and to prevent a genocide or regional spillover of a civil war."

Nevertheless, since that speech, John Edwards sharply criticized Hillary for continuing to pursue al-Qaeda in Iraq:

"For example, I heard Senator Clinton say on Sunday that she wants to continue combat missions in Iraq. To me, that's a continuation of the war. I do not think we should continue combat missions in Iraq." [Edwards, MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate, 9/26/07]

"Senator Clinton says she wants to end the war, but she also says she will keep combat missions in Iraq. Keeping combat missions in Iraq means she will extend the war. John Edwards will end the war. John Edwards' plan for Iraq is very simple: No combat troops. No combat missions. No combat, period." [Edwards campaign statement, 10/30/07]

But speaking to the Boston Globe yesterday, he confirmed his support for combat missions in Iraq:

Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, who has stepped up attacks on rival Hillary Clinton for her plans to continue combat missions against Al Qaeda in Iraq, said yesterday that he would also carry out "expeditions" against that insurgent group...

http://facts.hillaryhub.com/archive/?id=4100