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Changing Iraq: A Menu of Options. Order Now!
Americans tell pollsters that the Iraq War is a top consideration. And many say that our leaders in The White House and Congress are mishandling the situation.
Our Congress has resumed debate on the issue, specifically, the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes spending for the military in 2008.
Several Senators are planning on introducing amendments that would change the course of the war – and you can still weigh in and tell them what you think is best.
Weigh in with your representatives and let them know what YOU want to happen in Iraq. After all, they’re spending $12 billion of tax per month on Iraq and Afghanistan.
Amendments to consider – a menu
If you’re interested in a speedy withdrawal of troops, Jim Webb (D-Virginia) and Chuck Hagel (R- Nebraska) have an amendment for you. Their plan would withdraw troops in about 300 days, with withdrawal beginning 120 days after the bill passed and requiring all troops out just 180 days after that.
If that seems a bit quick to you, there’s another option offered by Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska). Their strategy would slowly withdraw troops starting in 2008.
Of course, any mention of withdrawal is going to ignite a big debate, especially in the face of new warnings from American Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan C. Crocker. He says troop withdrawal would stimulate even more violence in Iraq, turning the country into a mess of bloody sectarian violence.
Others say that the American military’s presence inspires violence and that warring sects may band together if troops left. For more on this, click here.
Apart from withdrawal plans, Lindsay Graham (R-South Carolina) wants to introduce a new policy for reservists, preventing them from being deployed more than one year for every six years of service. Opponents may argue that this limits the Pentagon’s flexibility to position troops and could further hinder progress.
What about redeployment?
Several Democratic presidential hopefuls are embracing the idea of redeployment – keeping some troops in the region but removing them from the most volatile areas. The upside is that soldiers are kept out of harms way on a daily basis, but still have a presence in the area. Many Democrats say this is the best position for diplomacy, since the military wouldn’t be occupying Iraq but would have easy access to the region.
Challengers argue that redeployment would amount to troops looking on while thousands of civilians are killed.
New president, new strategy?
President Bush does not want to withdraw troops or make a big strategic change. The White House wants to see the full effects of the troop surge before changing course.
The presidential election is starting to gain momentum, and here’s what candidates are saying about Iraq:
Withdraw quickly, now
Withdraw gradually
Redeploy troops
Redeploy troops and divide Iraq into three ethnic regions
Maintain troop levels
Slowly turn over the responsibility to Iraqis
Which options do you prefer? They cross party lines, so don’t assume your favorite party has a single message.
For more on these options, take a look at WomenMatter’s analysis of Iraq, and when you feel ready, CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES.
About WomenMatter
WomenMatter is a place to discuss life issues with other women. We don’t want to wedge women apart, but rather bring them together to dialogue. To participate in our blog, click here.
WomenMatter is the place where we can take one issue at a time, match what we do about it every day of our lives to the facts of the bigger system that we all live in and recognize that every idea for making it better has tradeoffs.
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Article Posted on: 8/5/2006
