FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 22, 2005

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: ‘Stay the Course’ Not a Strategy for Success in Iraq

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the President’s failure to provide a plan for success in Iraq:

“This week, Iraqi leaders at the Arab League conference in Cairo called for a timetable for withdrawing foreign forces from Iraq, further evidence of how far out of touch President Bush’s Iraq policy is from reality.  While senior Administration officials such as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice suggest that U.S. forces  may still be in Iraq in 10 years, Iraqi Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish leaders have all stated clearly that they want the Iraqi people to quickly take over their country’s future and be responsible for its security.

“Growing numbers of Iraqis and Americans recognize what President Bush will not: ‘stay the course’ is not a strategy for success in Iraq.  The United States must change direction.

“Last week, a broad, bipartisan majority of the Senate expressed complete and utter dissatisfaction with the Bush Administration’s handling of the war in Iraq.  And Congressman John Murtha’s courageous statement ignited a long overdue debate in Congress and the country over the Administration’s failed Iraq policy.  Mr. Murtha spoke truth to power: the war in Iraq has not made America safer, it has stretched thin our military forces, and it has damaged our reputation around the world.

“When Congress reconvenes next month, we must engage in a serious debate about the continued U.S. presence in Iraq.  We need an exit strategy that allows Iraqis to take control of their own security and allows us to bring our brave men and women home.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi