Iraq
Support for our military men and women presently in the battlefield and their safety is paramount. Matheson opposes putting a date certain on troop withdrawals. If military might alone could bring success in Iraq, the magnificent performance of our fighting forces would have already prevailed.
Success in Iraq requires more than a military strategy. As outlined in the bipartisan Iraq Study Group report, a diplomatic, political and economic plan is required in order to stabilize the country. Matheson supports redeployment of U.S. soldiers from combat missions to support functions, allowing the Iraqi Army to take the lead combating sectarian violence. Matheson has voted for legislation requiring the President to tell Congress how he plans to withdraw troops from Iraq. He has voted against the establishment of permanent U.S. military bases and to give U.S. soldiers as much time off at home as they spend being deployed in Iraq.
Matheson believes it is immoral to play politics with the needs of the men and women who protect the ideals we hold so dear. He has called for a new approach to the situation in Iraq and for the pursuit of a comprehensive strategy for success.