Iraq Troop Surge out US troop withdrawal In
Rizwan Ghani
April 18, 2007
Under the circumstances Bush’s coming meeting with lawmakers will be of little significance. And it is matter of time only that Iraq military based policy will be replaced by diplomacy to bring US troops back.
In all probability this will be Bush’s last fund request for US troops in Iraq to support (his) troop surge plans as Democrats are pushing fresh practical solutions to end Iraq war and bring the US troops back.
Reportedly, on Sunday Bush asked Democrats to pass the war-spending bill he wants. “Democrats owe US troops a vote, said Bush. Democrats might wonder if that is the criterion then Bush owes it to America. He should respect the results of last Congressional election and withdraw troop from Iraq. But in all probability that is not going to happen and Bush will continue ignoring people’s democratic will in days to come. Sunday showed us exactly that. Cheny supported Bush and troop surge plan.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s plan for total troop withdrawal from Iraq towards the end of year 2007 could well be the upcoming Democrat Iraq strategy. “Iraq troop surge strategy out US troop withdrawal In”.
Many readers would be wondering that there is no sign of such changes in the White House. But then Washington has a Capitol Hill, in which as Pelosi said, has a new Congress in town.
The timing of announcement of Gov.’s plan on ABC network has turned Bush’s Monday speech seeking funds for Iraq war without restrictions as irrelevant.
It is opined that Democrats and other lawmakers will release the funds for “once” this time for multiple reasons: They don’t want to an unpopular move of cutting fund for troops at this stage; Buy cornering Bush over the issue (they) want to show that his troop surge strategy is doomed and it cannot go forever. And want to show their voters that they have upheld their election promise of US troops return. They are still on it despite strong opposition both by the Bush and majority of the Republicans.
In the actual release of funds for Iraq Democrats will swap “time line for withdrawal strings” with “benchmarks” for Malki govt. In that Mallki govt. would be asked to do more in terms of security, oil law and “engagement of all political stakeholders in peace process. Malki aware of such prospect is already heading for a new cabinet after initiation of recent political meltdown triggered due to withdrawal of Sadar’s political support.
Democrats in all probability will not release 100 bn dollars for Iraq in near future. Independent experts believe that current funds for US troops could last till end of June and well may go up to earlier part of July. And with reports that with pooling of funds from other sources Pentagon still has more cushion period. Bush may have to wait till the Lawmakers decide to release the funds.
In the meantime Democrats will educate Americans and international community about the Gov. Richardson’s plan. On the domestic to strengthen public opinion and win support of more Republican lawmakers and senators to secure two third majorities for both houses to bring all the US troops back from Iraq. This will help them win in ’08 presidential elections and deliver on the domestic issues.
By sharing details of the plan with international community Democrats will strengthen global cooperation to restore peace in ME including Iraq.
As compared to the plans of other major presidential candidates Richardson’s Iraq plan has the potential to give a head start to bring an end to Iraq war. And reallocate some 600 billion dollars on domestic front including health care, social security, education sector and VAs.
McCain’s supports troop surge amidst Republican warnings of terrorists haunting Americans back home. Richardson has rejected such and misplaced speculations and believes his three pronged Iraq strategy based on strong diplomacy will bring US troops back by the end of 2007 with help of international support.
The Richardson plan envisages tactical and strategic steps to bring an end to Iraq war. A) total withdraw of US troops with no resides by end of2007. B) Arrange reconciliation conference and C) Security conference.
In terms of troop withdrawal Richardson proposed total withdrawal of US troops from Iraq towards the end of 2007 without leaving any (residual) troops in the country.
Richardson has long experience of dealing with Iraqis. As Ambassador to UN reportedly he negotiated with Saddam Husain. The governor believes his hands on experience in the region and his team of military experts believes that total troop withdrawal is practical without security repercussions within agreed reconciliation and security frameworks.
Explaining idea of Reconciliation conference Gov. talked of involving regional countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Iran and other neighboring countries to extend necessary diplomatic cooperation to restore stability in Iraq. Sadar’s political moves being termed as political meltdown reflect severity country’s political challenges.
Richardson also stressed on resolution of Palestine issue as an important part of the Iraq reconciliation process. By recognizing the long standing issue Gov offered a strategic diplomatic opportunity resolve outstanding Palestine cause with help of American.
Linking of Richardson plan with Saudi peace plan for the region based on King Abdullah’s proposals (also incorporating two state solution and return to pre-1967 borders in light of UN Resolutions) which in turn is also backed by Arab league can kick start the diplomatic process in least possible time. Abbas –Olmert meeting has also been viewed positively in the region despite little outcome.
In terms of Security conference Richardson talked of bringing Muslim nations including neighboring Gulf States to assist in Iraq reconstruction. In all probability Gov.’s idea of bringing in NATO may have its critics.
In terms of internal issues of Iraq Richardson talked of equal sharing of oil revenues in all sections of the society as an important element for restoration of peace in the country. The other issues include “de-bathification” to bring on board disenfranchised minority segments of the Iraqi population for sectarian unity and united Iraq.
In this regard review and replacement of existing proportional system of representation with direct voting system forcing political representatives to deliver instead of ending up in parliament “automatic succession” could play an important role to cut sectarian and tribal voting trends in the Iraqi society. That in turn will go long way in helping restore cohesion and peace in the country.
As compared to Bush’s failed troop surge policy based on use of military with no end in sight and with little support from average American who want US troop back Gov. Richardson has offered plan that based on diplomacy and dialogue that offers hope for peace in Iraq in shortest possible time.
The plan offers opportunity to the regional states and rest of the global community to play a positive role to secure peace in their neighborhood. Region which strongly desires peace will be ready to engage in diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Iraq war.
Willing cooperation by all concerned to bring an end to Iraq war and resolve all outstanding regional issues will in fact translate into an automatic US security shield back home. Something supported in ISG recommendations. Experts also endorse the policy stable ME is the gateway to lasting peace and security in other parts of the world.
It is therefore time to reject use of power and give diplomacy a chance to restore peace in Iraq starting with US troop withdrawal.
Richardson’s Iraq plan has shown a new direction to American politics. It will now overshadow Republican’s failing troop surge strategy. Richardson’s plan has provided a strong base to develop a comprehensive plan to bring an end to Iraq war including US troop withdrawal. It will also help Democrats build consensus as part of bipartisan spirit and win the support of Republican lawmakers to bring an end to Iraq war.
Under the circumstances Bush’s coming meeting with lawmakers will be of little significance. It is matter of time only that Iraq military based policy will be replaced by diplomacy.
Finally, all plans can be fine tuned. And Richardson’s plan is no exception. But few dispute the positive direction of the plan that in itself is beacon of hope. And with collective will and commitment, and support of international community including neighboring states there could be peace in Iraq as early as the end of 2007.
In all probability this will be Bush’s last fund request for US troops in Iraq to support (his) troop surge plans as Democrats are pushing fresh practical solutions to end Iraq war and bring the US troops back.
Reportedly, on Sunday Bush asked Democrats to pass the war-spending bill he wants. “Democrats owe US troops a vote, said Bush. Democrats might wonder if that is the criterion then Bush owes it to America. He should respect the results of last Congressional election and withdraw troop from Iraq. But in all probability that is not going to happen and Bush will continue ignoring people’s democratic will in days to come. Sunday showed us exactly that. Cheny supported Bush and troop surge plan.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s plan for total troop withdrawal from Iraq towards the end of year 2007 could well be the upcoming Democrat Iraq strategy. “Iraq troop surge strategy out US troop withdrawal In”.
Many readers would be wondering that there is no sign of such changes in the White House. But then Washington has a Capitol Hill, in which as Pelosi said, has a new Congress in town.
The timing of announcement of Gov.’s plan on ABC network has turned Bush’s Monday speech seeking funds for Iraq war without restrictions as irrelevant.
It is opined that Democrats and other lawmakers will release the funds for “once” this time for multiple reasons: They don’t want to an unpopular move of cutting fund for troops at this stage; Buy cornering Bush over the issue (they) want to show that his troop surge strategy is doomed and it cannot go forever. And want to show their voters that they have upheld their election promise of US troops return. They are still on it despite strong opposition both by the Bush and majority of the Republicans.
In the actual release of funds for Iraq Democrats will swap “time line for withdrawal strings” with “benchmarks” for Malki govt. In that Mallki govt. would be asked to do more in terms of security, oil law and “engagement of all political stakeholders in peace process. Malki aware of such prospect is already heading for a new cabinet after initiation of recent political meltdown triggered due to withdrawal of Sadar’s political support.
Democrats in all probability will not release 100 bn dollars for Iraq in near future. Independent experts believe that current funds for US troops could last till end of June and well may go up to earlier part of July. And with reports that with pooling of funds from other sources Pentagon still has more cushion period. Bush may have to wait till the Lawmakers decide to release the funds.
In the meantime Democrats will educate Americans and international community about the Gov. Richardson’s plan. On the domestic to strengthen public opinion and win support of more Republican lawmakers and senators to secure two third majorities for both houses to bring all the US troops back from Iraq. This will help them win in ’08 presidential elections and deliver on the domestic issues.
By sharing details of the plan with international community Democrats will strengthen global cooperation to restore peace in ME including Iraq.
As compared to the plans of other major presidential candidates Richardson’s Iraq plan has the potential to give a head start to bring an end to Iraq war. And reallocate some 600 billion dollars on domestic front including health care, social security, education sector and VAs.
McCain’s supports troop surge amidst Republican warnings of terrorists haunting Americans back home. Richardson has rejected such and misplaced speculations and believes his three pronged Iraq strategy based on strong diplomacy will bring US troops back by the end of 2007 with help of international support.
The Richardson plan envisages tactical and strategic steps to bring an end to Iraq war. A) total withdraw of US troops with no resides by end of2007. B) Arrange reconciliation conference and C) Security conference.
In terms of troop withdrawal Richardson proposed total withdrawal of US troops from Iraq towards the end of 2007 without leaving any (residual) troops in the country.
Richardson has long experience of dealing with Iraqis. As Ambassador to UN reportedly he negotiated with Saddam Husain. The governor believes his hands on experience in the region and his team of military experts believes that total troop withdrawal is practical without security repercussions within agreed reconciliation and security frameworks.
Explaining idea of Reconciliation conference Gov. talked of involving regional countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Iran and other neighboring countries to extend necessary diplomatic cooperation to restore stability in Iraq. Sadar’s political moves being termed as political meltdown reflect severity country’s political challenges.
Richardson also stressed on resolution of Palestine issue as an important part of the Iraq reconciliation process. By recognizing the long standing issue Gov offered a strategic diplomatic opportunity resolve outstanding Palestine cause with help of American.
Linking of Richardson plan with Saudi peace plan for the region based on King Abdullah’s proposals (also incorporating two state solution and return to pre-1967 borders in light of UN Resolutions) which in turn is also backed by Arab league can kick start the diplomatic process in least possible time. Abbas –Olmert meeting has also been viewed positively in the region despite little outcome.
In terms of Security conference Richardson talked of bringing Muslim nations including neighboring Gulf States to assist in Iraq reconstruction. In all probability Gov.’s idea of bringing in NATO may have its critics.
In terms of internal issues of Iraq Richardson talked of equal sharing of oil revenues in all sections of the society as an important element for restoration of peace in the country. The other issues include “de-bathification” to bring on board disenfranchised minority segments of the Iraqi population for sectarian unity and united Iraq.
In this regard review and replacement of existing proportional system of representation with direct voting system forcing political representatives to deliver instead of ending up in parliament “automatic succession” could play an important role to cut sectarian and tribal voting trends in the Iraqi society. That in turn will go long way in helping restore cohesion and peace in the country.
As compared to Bush’s failed troop surge policy based on use of military with no end in sight and with little support from average American who want US troop back Gov. Richardson has offered plan that based on diplomacy and dialogue that offers hope for peace in Iraq in shortest possible time.
The plan offers opportunity to the regional states and rest of the global community to play a positive role to secure peace in their neighborhood. Region which strongly desires peace will be ready to engage in diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Iraq war.
Willing cooperation by all concerned to bring an end to Iraq war and resolve all outstanding regional issues will in fact translate into an automatic US security shield back home. Something supported in ISG recommendations. Experts also endorse the policy stable ME is the gateway to lasting peace and security in other parts of the world.
It is therefore time to reject use of power and give diplomacy a chance to restore peace in Iraq starting with US troop withdrawal.
Richardson’s Iraq plan has shown a new direction to American politics. It will now overshadow Republican’s failing troop surge strategy. Richardson’s plan has provided a strong base to develop a comprehensive plan to bring an end to Iraq war including US troop withdrawal. It will also help Democrats build consensus as part of bipartisan spirit and win the support of Republican lawmakers to bring an end to Iraq war.
Under the circumstances Bush’s coming meeting with lawmakers will be of little significance. It is matter of time only that Iraq military based policy will be replaced by diplomacy.
Finally, all plans can be fine tuned. And Richardson’s plan is no exception. But few dispute the positive direction of the plan that in itself is beacon of hope. And with collective will and commitment, and support of international community including neighboring states there could be peace in Iraq as early as the end of 2007.
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