The goal of our policy in Iraq should be to prevent the establishment of a sanctuary for those who would export terrorist attacks against innocent people in the United States and around the world.  A nation with a developed industrial base and access to billions of dollars, such as Iraq, could well serve as the source of horrific attacks if it is led by rulers who are accomplices to terrorism, or who are unwilling or unable to act to deny terrorists the sanctuary they seek.

Our men and women in uniform have served and are serving with incredible skill, integrity and courage.  All have made profound sacrifices.  Some have made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.  The Bush Administration has not met the standard of excellence that these American patriots meet every day.  Unless we change the course in Iraq, the Administration’s policy in Iraq will create the very result we have sought to prevent—a failed state incapable of or unwilling to shut down terrorist sanctuaries. The Administration’s own National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) recognized this reality just a few weeks ago.  The loss of 93 Americans in October alone (as I write this on October 25) provides tragic evidence of this ongoing failure.

Here is the new policy I believe we must adopt in order to accomplish our mission and bring our troops home from Iraq.

A unified national government capable of leading a stable Iraq is only possible if that government commands the loyalty of its security forces.  Today, it is mostly Americans who are defending the Iraqi government.  This must change immediately.  We have been told by the Bush Administration that at least 75,000 Iraqi security forces are prepared and trained to defend their country.  I say—let them do so, starting now.  We should withdraw a similar number of US troops from Iraq, in a manner and to a place recommended by our uniformed military leaders.  We should then turn over to the Iraqi security forces responsibility for the parts of Iraq these Americans are now fighting to secure.

If the Iraqi security forces succeed, we should continue to assist the new Iraqi government and make as expeditiously as possible the transition from US security to Iraqi security.  Congress should demand from the Administration specific dates and numbers as to when Iraqi security forces should assume responsibility.  As Iraqi security forces assume this responsibility, Americans should be withdrawn.

If the Iraqi security forces do not quell the violence, then Iraq’s civil war will end only through diplomatic initiative.  In that event, we should ask other nations and leaders around the Middle East and the world to help convene a conference to negotiate an end to civil war in Iraq.  We should never impose any solution upon the people of Iraq.  It does seem, however, that a likely conclusion of these negotiations would be the establishment of a weak federal state, and the recognition of three strong regions—each largely controlled by its dominant religious group. Whatever diplomatic result is achieved should coincide with a complete withdrawal of US forces.

Iraq will only stand as a competent and willing ally in the fight against terrorism if its government enjoys the support of its people, and if its people are willing to fight those who would disrupt or destroy that government.  The time for Americans to lead the fight for that government is over.  The time for a change in policy is now.