The Maverick Sees al-Qaeda Everywhere

John McCain is so unserious about foreign policy that he thinks all Ababic people support al-Qaeda. His latest political blunder reveals is utter cluelessness.

The misstep in question occurred during a news conference in Jordan earlier Tuesday, when the presumptive Republican presidential nominee repeatedly said Iran was supplying al Qaeda. Iran is predominately a Shiite country and is not aiding the Sunni dominated Al-Qaeda.

McCain ultimately corrected himself after Sen. Joe Lieberman whispered in his ear.

"I'm sorry, the Iranians are training extremists, not al-Qaeda. I am sorry," the Arizona senator said.

Iran gave the United States intelligence on al-Qaeda. That changed when Bush speechwriters David Frum and Michael Gerson decided to label Iran part of the Axis of Evil. There was no vetting with the State Department. The speechwriting department made foreign policy.

McCain has shown an equal lack of insight about Iraq.

Well, all I can say is that [Hillary Clinton] obviously does not understand nor appreciate the progress that has been made on the ground. She told General Petraeus last year when he testified that she would have to suspend disbelief in order to believe that the surge is working. Well, the surge is working.

So I just think what that means is al Qaeda wins. They tell the world that. And we fight here again and around the Middle East. And their dedication is to follow us home. All I can say is that this will be a big issue in the election as we approach November because at least a growing number of Americans, though still frustrated and understandably so, believe that this strategy has succeeded.

Iraq was not a stronghold for al Qaeda before 9/11. The Iraqi population is a Shiite majority and was purging al-Qaeda in Iraq before the surge.

At least I hope it's dishonest," wrote blogger Matt Yglesias. "Because if McCain is really that clueless about what's happening, then we're in more trouble than I thought." The Straight-talker really is that dense.