I, for one, am at the end of my rope when it comes to supporting a policy that has our soldiers patrolling the same streets in the same way, being blown up by the same bombs day after day. That is absurd. It may even be criminal. I cannot support that anymore.
-Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Senator Smith has joined lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the vast majority of the American public in opposing the Bush administration’s misguided plan to escalate the war in Iraq. An increase in troops will not quell the violence in Iraq; in fact previous attempts to increase the number of troops in Baghdad resulted in the highest monthly casualty rate in two years1. We must stop the Bush administration’s irresponsible move to ignore the will of the American people and the reality on the ground in Iraq. There is no military solution; it is time for a serious diplomatic effort with Iraq’s neighbors and a phased withdrawal of American forces.
Congress has the authority to prohibit a troop increase, but many Members are still on the fence about using their power to oppose the plan.
As the House debated H.Res. 861 on June 15 and 16, 2006, a resolution aimed at scoring political points on the issue of Iraq, members of Congress were able to speak out regarding the war in Iraq. We have compiled some of their statements, and you can see what your Representative had to say here.
Towards a Free and Peaceful Iraq
Finding a solution to the crisis in Iraq requires us to move beyond the soundbites of “stay the course” and “cut and run.” The United States and the international community have a responsibility to work with a sovereign Iraqi government to help that country become secure, stable, and independent. But the American occupation is profoundly counterproductive. Ongoing offensive military action—along with the mounting Iraqi casualties it causes—strengthens support for the insurgency and alienates potential allies. Ending the occupation is a prerequisite for rebuilding the Iraqi people’s confidence in their nation’s security forces and its fledgling democracy.
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.
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. 