Wicker Credits President for Seeking Iraq Input

WICKER CREDITS PRESIDENT FOR SEEKING IRAQ INPUT
January 9, 2006

President Bush sought advice and counsel on Iraq policy from more than a dozen foreign policy leaders from past administrations in a historic January 5th meeting at the White House. The group was comprised of cabinet-level officials from both political parties, many of whom opposed his decision to take military action in Iraq. I applaud the President for reaching out to these experts to gain a broader perspective on an issue of such importance to our country.

The meeting included six former secretaries of state and seven former defense secretaries dating back to the Lyndon Johnson administration. Mr. Bush arranged the gathering to detail his strategy for success in Iraq and hear candid assessments of the situation from these experienced men and women.

APPRECIATED ADVICE

"Not everybody around the table agreed with my decision to go into Iraq," the President said. "But these are good solid Americans who understand we've got to succeed now that we're there. I am most grateful for their suggestions. We take to heart the advice."

The meeting was part of a broader initiative by the Bush Administration to share details about Iraq policy with members of Congress from both parties and the American people. Mr. Bush has traveled around the country to make a series of speeches about the situation in Iraq and made an Oval Office address to the nation on December 18.

LEVELING WITH THE PEOPLE

He has spoken candidly about the difficulties U.S. and coalition forces are encountering in Iraq and acknowledges his administration has made mistakes. Melvin Laird, former defense secretary under President Nixon and a meeting attendee, gave Mr. Bush high marks for the effort. "If you level with the American people, you'll get their support," he said.

The group also included former Clinton Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Carter Defense Secretary Harold Brown. Mr. Brown said the President "heard some things he did not like and heard some things he did like. That's the kind of meeting you want." Brown suggested one focus should be on the failure of the Iraq insurgency to stop the elections and advancements toward democratic rule.

Mr. Bush reiterated his commitment to keep the focus on making the political process work for every Iraqi and improving the security situation. That includes building up Iraqi forces to enable them to take control of the country and to allow U. S. personnel to begin coming home. "We are making darn good progress," he said. He has remarked repeatedly the U.S. will not set a timetable for withdrawing our forces until the Iraqis are able to handle their own security.

Most significant of all, the meeting participants were united in their support for winning in Iraq. They encouraged the President to continue the dialogue with the American people about the successes and setbacks.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/IraqInput.htm