A New Course in Iraq

America is a strong nation, and we are a strong people. We are not timid. We can handle the challenges, and we can handle the truth. Our government led America into war in Iraq through deceit and kept our troops in a foreign civil war without a plan. It’s time to face our best interests honestly in Iraq, and redeploy our troops out of harms way safely and responsibly.

I am very concerned about the war in Iraq. For more than four years we have suffered from government misinformation, a poorly conceived invasion, a reckless lack of post-invasion plans, inadequately protected troops, and incompetent management. The government’s mismanagement has cost thousands of lives, weakened America in the rest of the world, and mortgaged our nation’s future.

The President, as commander in chief, has refused to acknowledge the truth and continues to disappoint the American people by refusing even to propose any plan for achieving success in Iraq and for returning our troops safely and responsibly.

We should not overlook or diminish the tireless efforts and sacrifices of our military, many on their third, fourth, or even fifth tours. Nor can we ignore or diminish the widespread suffering of the Iraqi people who daily encounter civil war. Congress must act to ensure that the efforts and suffering of the Iraqi people and of our armed forces are serving a purpose that is worthy of their sacrifices. We must demand a broad strategy, encompassing diplomatic, economic, legal and social assistance, and offering clearly defined objectives, timelines, and most importantly, clear exit strategies. The American people cannot accept a strategy built on the blind hope or denial of reality in the face of mounting casualties of our troops and the people of Iraq.