Position on Iraq

I disagreed with the Bush Administration’s decision to pursue this unnecessary war in Iraq.  But we are there now, and we cannot simply walk away.  To do so would be an insult to the brave men and women who have served there and their families, especially those who have been injured and killed serving their country. 

While I am pleased that President Bush has taken the first steps to involve the United Nations and NATO in the stabilization and rebuilding of Iraq, he needs to do more.  The task ahead requires that the United States work with the international community as full partners to stabilize Iraq.  Only when order and security are restored will the Iraqi people be able to decide the future of their country.  Only then will we be able to bring our troops home with the hope that Iraq will not descend into civil war. 

Unfortunately, we have a long way to go.  Please be assured that I will continue to monitor the situation in Iraq closely, and do all I can to ensure that our troops have all they need to accomplish their mission and come home safely.