Wyden Statement on General Petraeus’s Report

“Military tactics are not bringing about political reconciliation” - Senator Ron Wyden

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) issued the following statement today in response to General David Petraeus’s testimony before the U.S. House Armed Service Committee:

“General Petraeus’s focus on selective military successes in Iraq obscures the larger problem: military tactics are not bringing about political reconciliation.

“For four and a half years, the Bush administration has been telling the American people that if we stay the course in Iraq conditions will change. Conditions have changed. They have gotten worse, forcing our courageous men and women in uniform into refereeing a dangerous civil war."

"It is the Iraqis – not the American Armed Forces – who must make the tough decisions that will bring about political reconciliation in their country. Therefore we must make it clear that American troops will not serve as their crutch forever."

“I continue to fight for a time-table for withdrawal from Iraq. Our troops have served their country bravely and honorably. It is time to bring them home.”

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Henry Ruark September 12, 2007 2:31 pm (Pacific time)

Sue et al: Greatest tragedy in last two decades is terrific neocon wastes which could,should have been used properly in our own nation. We will pay huge interest costs on allathat as we still are for last-time with same gang, in Reagan era. Again, thanks for your solid insights. Keep sharp eye-out and share with us as you find more.

Sue September 12, 2007 1:43 pm (Pacific time)

I agree, Henry. Let's bring them home and spend the $$ on our deserving soldiers. They have done a great job. Our leaders have not. After we give them what they deserve, we should have plenty left over (of the money not spent on the occupation, even though we really don't have that either) to give our children health care and education.

Henry Ruark September 12, 2007 7:52 am (Pacific time)

"War" was falsely set up from the get-go, as we now know for sure. Given that reality, only possible right-step now is to"declare 'victory' and bring troops home" --as we have done before. Per solid "conservative" rule, let's let Iraq fight its own way into what democracy it can muster --aided by U.S. via funds/saved from continuing conflict-demands. Better we buy food, medicine and constructive services than bombs, blood, caskets and the inevitable, eventual, deepened frustrations now sure to come.

Sue September 12, 2007 7:12 am (Pacific time)

Wyden did not vote for the war in the first place. Smith's voting record doesn't match his recent speeches in opposition to the war.

DD877 September 11, 2007 4:04 pm (Pacific time)

Lipstick on a pig Huh. Then The Pig Could French Kiss Islam...

Vic September 11, 2007 2:07 pm (Pacific time)

It all sounds good , but actually Gordon Smith has taken more risks and been more vocal regarding his opposition to this war than Ron "Where-The-Hell-Is-He" Wyden. While thousands are dying, the politicians pose and postulate and try not to offend the Israeli lobby ..( Wyden has consistently been among the top ffteen recipients of AIPAC lobby money according to the Washington Report on Middle Eastern Affairs.. We need politicians who represent the people. I appreciate Wyden's stance, but really....has anyone heard of him actually doing anything the last six years other than his initial vote against the war 4 and one half years ago?

Sue September 11, 2007 10:49 am (Pacific time)

Good on you, Senator Wyden.

Anonymous September 11, 2007 9:30 am (Pacific time)

General BetrayUs's report was nothing but more Bush and Co propaganda trying to put lipstick on a pig. Ah well...

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