"SETTING AN ARBITRARY DATE FOR WITHDRAWAL COULD SIGNAL DEFEAT"

Washington, Dec 6, 2006 - "It is clear that the United States and our allies need to be flexible in obtaining our goal of a secure Iraq.  The recommendations released today by the Iraq Study Group reflect careful consideration by an experienced and knowledgeable panel of experts, and they deserve careful consideration.  I am pleased that there is broad agreement among the Group and our military commanders that the premature withdrawal of our troops will not serve our national interests.  Setting an arbitrary date for withdrawal could signal defeat, embolden the terrorists, and undermine our security.  However, I do believe that we must alter our course and establish benchmarks for success.  In the end, it must be the Iraqis who assume the burden of protecting their hard-won freedom."