Oregon Senator: Transition U.S. Forces to Fight Terrorists, Not Civil Wars

Senator Gordon Smith is lead Republican in effort to transition U.S. troops.

Salem-News.com

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Oregon Senator Gordon Smith became the lead Republican co-sponsor behind an amendment in the Senate that would put U.S. troops on a glide path out of Iraq, allowing for greater focus on combating terrorists.

“We need to be fighting terrorists not civil wars,” Smith said. “Iraq’s peace is one they must win on their own; we cannot win it for them. Our might should be focused on stopping terrorists who are plotting to bring harm to the United States.”

The amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill calls for a troop reduction to begin 120 days after enactment with troop withdrawal by the spring of 2008.

The amendment will allow military forces to combat terrorists who are operating in Iraq and train, equip and provide logistical support to Iraqi security forces.

Senator Smith is offering the amendment with Democratic Senators Carl Levin of Michigan and Jack Reed of Rhode Island.

The Senate is expected to consider the measure this week.