A group of folks running for Congress released a plan for Iraq yesterday. Entitled “A Responsible Plan To End The War In Iraq“, it starts by recognizing that helping Iraq move forward is no longer in the hands of the military. In fact, a military-led solution hasn’t been viable for some time now. Maintaining our military presence in occupation fashion will not lead to a situation in which the Iraqis will be able to take complete control of their country. It also addresses examining what went wrong in the lead-up and execution of the invasion and resulting occupation. In order to not make similar mistakes in the future (ahem, Iran), we need to understand how we got to this point.
Darcy Burner (WA-8), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Donna Edwards (MD-4), Jared Polis (CO-2), Tom Perriello (VA-5) and Sam Bennett (PA-15) were in attendance at the unveiling of the detailed strategy document at the Take Back America Conference in Washington, DC. Other challengers participating in the effort but unable to attend the event included Eric Massa (NY-29), Larry Byrnes (FL-14), George Fearing (WA-4) and Steve Harrison (NY-13).
From the press release: “Originating outside the Beltway and based on consultations with retired generals and other national security experts on a path forward to end the war, the challengers’ document lays out a series of actions for Congress to take to end United States military involvement in Iraq, strengthen America and improve our standing around the world, restore accountability and checks and balances to our government and work toward energy independence.”
It’s about time we’ve had some leadership displayed on the most critical foreign policy issue this country is facing.
