Issue Position: Iraq

Issue Position

Issue Position: Iraq

2007 was the deadliest year on record for American soldiers serving in Iraq. It is time to honor the commitment of our servicemen and women in Iraq by agreeing upon a reasonable exit strategy, making sure they have adequate funding for safety equipment, and guaranteeing comprehensive veterans' benefits when they return. We must also provide for their families, whose sacrifices are just as important to America's continued security.

* I will strongly support a responsible timetable for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, This timetable, to be developed in consultation with our military leaders, must balance the safety of our troops with our moral commitment to Iraq's stability.

* I will encourage the establishment of a regional peace-keeping force, composed chiefly of troops from the region, to ensure the security of the Middle East.

* As part of a Democratic Congress, I will advocate for an increase in diplomatic efforts to work toward the long-term stability of the Middle East.

* I will vote to end the Bush administration's freeze on diplomatic postings by the State Department, and I will support shifting substantial resources from the Department of Defense to the State Department to expand long-term diplomatic efforts.

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