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Washington, DC -- Two nonpartisan reports released today depict a dismal picture on the future situation in Iraq, and unfortunately, it appears there is little outside forces can do to change the outcome.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s report shows that up to 48,000 more troops will be needed in Iraq to implement President Bush’s new “surge” strategy, with a cost estimated to be between $20 and $27 billion. The analysis showed that the thousands of additional support personnel and troops that will be needed to implement the Bush’s surge plan are much greater then the President had indicated.
“It is this type of poor planning and unwillingness to be forthright with the Congress and the American people, that created this disaster in Iraq in the first place,” said Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22).
Also, the National Intelligence Estimate, an analysis compiled by top experts in the intelligence committee, found that sectarian violence within Iraq is expected to worsen, and that the United States has virtually no control over it. The report also details that although Al-Qaeda forces are still prevalent in the region, the primary violence stems from insurgents and political extremism.
“The findings of the National Intelligence Report are not only dire in nature, but reinforce what military experts have been saying all along – that increasing troop levels and throwing more money at Iraq will not change the situation. President Bush must wake up and face the reality that Iraq is in the midst of a civil war, fueled by sectarian violence, and there is little the United States can do to change it,” said Klein.
“I believe the best course of action is to implement a strategic plan, devised by our military experts, for a phased withdrawal of our troops. At the same time, our men and women who are serving must be equipped with all the supplies and protection they need to keep them as safe as possible. It is time for President Bush to start listening to the experts, and support a sound strategy supported by top military leaders and the intelligence community." | 
