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Burlington Free Press - Where They Stand: U.S. Senate Candidates On The War In Iraq

Date: Oct. 6, 2006
Location:
Issues: Foreign Affairs


Burlington Free Press

WHERE THEY STAND: U.S. Senate candidates on the war in Iraq

Published: Friday, October 6, 2006

TODAY'S QUESTION: Do you have an exit strategy and specific timeline for ending the war in Iraq?

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BERNIE SANDERS

As Vermont's Congressman, I not only voted against the war in Iraq, I helped lead the opposition. At a time when 2,700 Americans have been killed, 20,000 have been wounded, $300 billion has been spent and Iraq descends into civil war, I believe that history will record that vote as the right vote.

While President Bush tells us to "stay the course," the people of Iraq — in the midst of all the slaughter, chaos and horror they are experiencing — tell us in very strong numbers, according to recent polls, that they want our troops out of their country. They believe their country will be safer and more stable if we bring our troops home as soon as possible. I believe we should respect the feelings of the Iraqi people and do just that. Incredibly, anti-Americanism in Iraq has grown so high that now over 60 percent of Iraqis approve of attacks on U.S.-led forces.

Thus, while our troops — including many Vermonters — have served valiantly, the Bush administration has failed both strategically and diplomatically, thereby putting our brave men and women in an impossible position.

Tragically, President Bush, who misled us into the war, whose administration was unprepared for what occurred in Iraq after the invasion, has absolutely no plan or idea as to how we can end the war. When the president says "stay the course," what does he mean? Will our troops be in Iraq for three more years, 10 more years, indefinitely? Meanwhile, a recently declassified National Intelligence Estimate states very clearly that the Iraq War is making us and the world less safe by creating a recruiting tool and training ground for terrorists.

In my view the military should develop a comprehensive plan to bring our troops home as soon as possible, with most of them home in six months and virtually all within the year. At the same time, the United States should continue to provide financial, economic and logistical support to the Iraqi government so that they have the tools to create peace, stability and prosperity in their country.

Bernie Sanders is an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate.

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http://bernie.org/?p=274

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