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On the Issues
War in Iraq
The war in Iraq has become one of the most significant challenges to face our nation in generations. Its monumental impact on our military, our economy, our foreign policy, and our global counterterrorism efforts is hard to overstate. Confronting these challenges will require a thoughtful, effective policy that takes full account of the facts, advances our national interests, and keeps our nation safe.
In my view, the Bush Administration got this war wrong from the very beginning. Invading Iraq without reliable intelligence, appreciable support from allies, or a workable postwar plan has proven to be a disaster. I opposed the war from the beginning, and voted against its authorization. I have also opposed the way this war has been conducted, sending our troops to Iraq for multiple deployments and without adequate equipment. And I have strongly opposed the Administration’s unregulated use of private security contractors.
Since the war began, the President has stuck to a “stay-the-course” strategy that has failed to acknowledge the facts on the ground or the needs of our military commanders. In January 2007, recognizing the failure of his policy up to that time, the President announced a “surge” strategy to escalate U.S. troops with three clear goals in mind: (1) to reduce violence, (2) to capitalize upon security gains to attain the political progress necessary for Iraq’s long-term stability, and (3) to achieve the conditions necessary to allow U.S. troops to begin returning home.
As it stands, there is no indication that the tactical gains of the surge have been translated into lasting, strategic gains. We have seen no real measurable progress on Iraqi political reconciliation, which is required to quell sectarian tensions and establish long-term stability. If the escalation had served its purpose, we would be discussing a further drawdown of troops; instead, the Administration now plans to maintain at least 140,000 troops in Iraq for the foreseeable future.
In the absence of political progress, we risk institutionalizing an indefinite dependency on the U.S. military to maintain security. The United States must send a clear signal to Iraq’s political leaders that our occupation is coming to an end, forcing them to make the compromises necessary to govern and secure their own country. We must adopt an exit strategy, in consultation with the government of Iraq, which sets a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. Along with Rep. Brad Miller, I have introduced legislation, H.R. 645, which would require a near-term withdrawal of our troops from Iraq in accordance with a clear exit strategy.
In order to address the overarching strategic objective in Iraq, we must simultaneously initiate a surge of diplomacy to spur political progress and reconciliation within Iraq, engage Iraq’s neighbors in working for stability in Iraq, and solicit more involvement by the international community. One of the chief recommendations of the Iraq Study Group was to initiate a new diplomatic offensive. My legislation, H.R. 3797, would mandate such a diplomatic surge, and it enjoys strong bipartisan support.
In addition to these efforts, I have supported a number of other key bills aimed at addressing several important aspects of the Iraq war. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2265, which would enable our nation to help respond to the staggering refugee crisis this war has created. I am also cosponsoring H.R. 2929, which would make it clear to the Iraqis that our occupation is not indefinite by prohibiting the establishment of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq. And I have also supported legislation to hold government contractors accountable for waste, fraud, and abuse in Iraq.
I will continue to hold the President accountable for his administration's missteps in Iraq, and I will continue to support responsible efforts to bring our troops home.
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