The hours of testimony from General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker have offered few surprises. As expected, the officials attempted to paint a rosier picture of progress in Iraq and buy more time before any definitive decisions are made about troop withdrawal. President Bush is attempting to portray the modest reduction of troops proposed by General Petraeus as a significant shift and a middle ground with opponents of the occupation.
There will be pivotal votes on the Iraq war throughout the summer, leading up to General Petraeus' progress report in September. We must be relentless in our pressure on politicians and let them know that the American people will accept nothing less than a timelined withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
On Tuesday, May 1, 2007, President Bush delivered on his threat to veto a timeline for withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, with blatant disregard for the opinions of the American and Iraqi people. In a recent CBS News Poll, 64% of Americans said they want to see a deadline set for withdrawal from Iraq for some time in 2008.
In the coming days we must make sure that Congress understands that message. It is unclear what Congress's next steps will be after the veto, and they will be watching public opinion closely to decide on a plan.
Take a minute to write a letter to the editor showing the public supports Congress's efforts to end the war.
Become an expert on the war in Iraq, and learn about Iraq's history. Check out the books and resources we use to inform our work to bring about a peaceful and just resolution. Click here.
The hours of testimony from General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker have offered few surprises. As expected, the officials attempted to paint a rosier picture of progress in Iraq and buy more time before any definitive decisions are made about troop withdrawal. President Bush is attempting to portray the modest reduction of troops proposed by General Petraeus as a significant shift and a middle ground with opponents of the occupation.
Become an expert on the war in Iraq, and learn about Iraq's history. Check out the books and resources we use to inform our work to bring about a peaceful and just resolution. 