Kucinich: US Cannot ‘Win’ In Iraq; Time For Congress To Cut Off Funds, Demand Troop Withdrawal
On Eve Of Bush/Maliki Summit Iraq Is Completely Out Of Control
Washington,
Nov 28, 2006 -
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today on the growing and deadly civil war in Iraq:
“The US is not and will not ‘win’ in Iraq through a continued military occupation. It is time for Congress to cut off the funds and demand a quick withdrawal of all US troops from Iraq. The period of carnage and blood shed in Iraq has gone on longer than World War II. The American public voted for change, and now Congress must respond.
“Diplomacy not more troops is the only path to victory in Iraq. It is far past time that this Administration, which has shown an aversion to diplomacy in the past, uses every diplomatic tool possible, including talks with Iran and Syria, to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.
“Sending more US troops to Iraq will only increase the death, destruction and chaos. More troops will only fuel an already full blown bloody and deadly civil war.
“On the eve of the summit between President Bush and Prime Minister Maliki Iraq is in a state of complete chaos. Most Iraqis still suffer daily without the most basic services such as electricity, clean water, sewage or hospitals. Government sponsored death squads roam the country despite the presence of over 130,000 US troops and US contractors. The presence of US troops and contractors is fueling the civil war.
"Departure from Iraq is inevitable. This war going to end. It is not a matter of if, but when. Iraq is a disaster of this Administration's making. This was a war of choice. The timing of the beginning of the war was a choice, and the timing of the ending will be a choice. If President Bush does not choose to end the war, then Congress must by cutting off funds."
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