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Harkin: Next Step in Iraq is Bringing Troops Home

Date: Dec. 6, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Foreign Affairs


HARKIN: NEXT STEP IN IRAQ IS BRINGING TROOPS HOME

Applauds Iraq Study Group's report, notes Dems made same points earlier this year

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement regarding the new report released by the Iraq Study Group:

"I am pleased that the United States Institute of Peace hosted the Iraq Study Group. The ISG spent nine months delving into the hard questions of our policy in Iraq and the group's report reflects many of the points the Senate Democrats stated in a letter to President Bush in late June 2006. It is my sincere hope that this is the end of failed stay-the-course rhetoric and the beginning of a real solution to bringing our troops home.

"The findings are an indictment of the President's failed policies in the Middle East. The report clearly acknowledges that the situation in Iraq is grave and deteriorating. The report rightfully calls for a new and enhanced diplomatic effort in the region to include dialogue with Iran and Syria, additional focus on Afghanistan, and a renewed and sustained commitment by the U.S. to a comprehensive approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Additionally, the ISG reinforces the vital need for the Iraqi government to take responsibility for its own political destiny.

"Unfortunately the President has previously rejected talking to Iran and Syria. He has resisted linking the Iraq war to the Palestinian issue. He has also resisted punishing Iraqis for not making progress on the issue of security. The President has shown his talk of new ideas is simply that. It's my sincere hope that this report can persuade the President that a dramatic change is needed in our approach to Iraq.

"The President owes it to the brave members of the military to find a way out of the mess he's made. Our troops have preformed brilliantly and accomplished their task. Our troops achieved their goals despite a series of disastrous decisions by their civilian leaders here in Washington. But there is little left our military can do. It is time to bring the troops home and concentrate on finding a political solution to the crisis in Iraq."

http://harkin.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=266455

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