Harry Reid's Blog - December 2006
Frankly, I don't believe that more troops is the answer for Iraq. It's a civil war and America should not be policing a Sunni-Shia conflict. In addition, we don't have the additional forces to put in there. We obviously want to support what commanders in the field say they need, but apparently even the Joint Chiefs do not support increased combat forces for Baghdad. My position on Iraq is simple:
1. I believe we should start redeploying troops in 4 to 6 months (The Levin-Reed Plan) and complete the withdrawal of combat forces by the first quarter of 2008. (As laid out by the Iraq Study Group)
2. The President must understand that there can only be a political solution in Iraq, and he must end our nation's open-ended military commitment to that country.
3. These priorities need to be coupled with a renewed diplomatic effort and regional strategy.
I do not support an escalation of the conflict. I support finding a way to bring our troops home and would look at any plan that gave a roadmap to this goal.
It's been two weeks since the Iraq Study Group released its plan to change the course and bring our troops home. Since then, the President has been on a fact finding tour of his own administration -- apparently ignoring the facts presented by those in the military who know best. The President needs to put forth a plan as soon as possible, one that reflects the reality on the ground in Iraq and that withdraws our troops from the middle of this deadly civil war.
1. I believe we should start redeploying troops in 4 to 6 months (The Levin-Reed Plan) and complete the withdrawal of combat forces by the first quarter of 2008. (As laid out by the Iraq Study Group)
2. The President must understand that there can only be a political solution in Iraq, and he must end our nation's open-ended military commitment to that country.
3. These priorities need to be coupled with a renewed diplomatic effort and regional strategy.
I do not support an escalation of the conflict. I support finding a way to bring our troops home and would look at any plan that gave a roadmap to this goal.
It's been two weeks since the Iraq Study Group released its plan to change the course and bring our troops home. Since then, the President has been on a fact finding tour of his own administration -- apparently ignoring the facts presented by those in the military who know best. The President needs to put forth a plan as soon as possible, one that reflects the reality on the ground in Iraq and that withdraws our troops from the middle of this deadly civil war.
As you probably have heard by now, Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota became ill yesterday and was taken to the hospital.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone here in the Senate are with Tim and his family.
Tim is getting the finest care in the world at George Washington University Hospital. I, along with Senator Daschle, were with the family last night and this morning.
Admiral John Eisold, Attending Physician of the United States Capitol just released a statement saying, "Senator Tim Johnson has continued to have an uncomplicated post-operative course. Specifically, he has been appropriately responsive to both word and touch. No further surgical intervention has been required."
As Senator Johnson continues his recovery, the Senate continues to prepare for the 110th Congress. There's a lot to do on behalf of the American people, and we are looking forward to getting to work next year.
If you would like to send Senator Johnson a get well note you can do it by clicking here.
I will make sure he receives all of your good wishes.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone here in the Senate are with Tim and his family.
Tim is getting the finest care in the world at George Washington University Hospital. I, along with Senator Daschle, were with the family last night and this morning.
Admiral John Eisold, Attending Physician of the United States Capitol just released a statement saying, "Senator Tim Johnson has continued to have an uncomplicated post-operative course. Specifically, he has been appropriately responsive to both word and touch. No further surgical intervention has been required."
As Senator Johnson continues his recovery, the Senate continues to prepare for the 110th Congress. There's a lot to do on behalf of the American people, and we are looking forward to getting to work next year.
If you would like to send Senator Johnson a get well note you can do it by clicking here.
I will make sure he receives all of your good wishes.
Posts by Month
Posts