Obama calls for Timetable, Diplomatic Surge

Sen. Barack Obama called on a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq and for a 'diplomatic surge' to include Iran during the testimony of Iraq commander Gen. David Petraeus and US ambassador to Baghdad Ryan Crocker.

"I think that increased pressure in a measured way, in my mind, and this is where we disagree, includes a timetable for withdrawal. Nobody is asking for a precipitous withdrawal, Obama said, also noting the tremendous burden the war is placing on the weak economy.

"I continue to believe that the original decision to go into Iraq was a massive strategic blunder, that the two problems you pointed out, Al-Qaeda in Iraq and increased Iranian influence in the region are a direct result of that original decision. That's not a decision you gentlemen made. I will not lay it at your feet. You are cleaning up the mess afterwards."