Statement of the Hon. Rosa L. DeLauro

2006 National Intelligence Estimate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today issued the following statement after media reports in The New York Times and the Washington Post exposed an April 2006 National Intelligence Estimate that found that the American invasion and occupation of Iraq has actually increased the threat of terrorism and placed the nation in more danger.

“The National Intelligence Estimate declares conclusively that, contrary to the President’s claims, the Iraq war is fueling Islamic radicalism rather than quelling it; and it makes it clear that the Iraq war has contributed to the spread of extremist ideology.  This report was not issued by the President’s political opponents.  It is a product of the 16 non-partisan U.S. intelligence agencies whose only task is keeping Americans as safe as possible. 

“The Bush administration’s policies in Iraq are making us more vulnerable and more at risk.  We cannot continue down a path that strengthens our enemy and diminishes our security.  It is time to change course in Iraq .

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