Issue Position: Iraq and the Middle East

Issue Position

Invading Iraq was a huge strategic error that has cost our nation dearly. This war has put an unimaginable burden on our brave troops and their families, but it has also severely damaged our military readiness, eroded our reputation and credibility around the globe, made our country less safe from terrorism, and cost taxpayers in our district alone an astounding $3 billion.

Five years after we invaded Iraq, we now have one card left to play: the timing and terms of the redeployment of our troops. Iraqi leaders have shown for years that they will not make the tough decisions, compromises and agreements necessary for stability as long as they can fall back on our protection. We can no longer afford to enable their indecisiveness.

We should begin bringing our troops home tomorrow, institute a clear timeline for their full redeployment, and complete our withdrawal as fast as logistics, safety, and tactical considerations permit. The day after tomorrow, we should convene a conference of reconciliation including the Iraqi Sunni, Shia and Kurds and Iraq's neighbors to develop an agreement for peace supported by all the nations of the region. We need to make it clear America does not seek any permanent military presence in Iraq, although an American military presence in the form of carrier strike groups and over-the-horizon bases in friendly nations may be necessary in the medium term to eradicate terrorist infrastructure and assist in the guarantee of any peace agreement. But we've been bogged down in the streets and cities of Iraq for five long, painful years, and now the Republicans ask us to prepare for 100 more. That is something we cannot afford.

Many are concerned about what the current instability in the region means for our Israeli allies. Israel is the sole democracy and our most reliable ally in the Middle East. Its history, politics, and thriving economy create a special relationship between the U.S. and its people. Israel's peace and security must be a critical U.S. policy objective. This will ultimately be achieved through U.S. leadership and engagement aimed at a comprehensive two-state peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. The U.S. and the rest of the world has a vital interest in achieving a two-state solution in which Israel is fully accepted by all of its neighbors and free of the threat of military or terrorist attack.

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