Time For A Change In Iraq

Dear Friends,

Yesterday I took to the Senate floor to talk about why it is time for a change in Iraq and to call on Republicans to stop playing partisan politics with the war while our troops are in harm's way. I spoke out in favor of the Levin amendment, which calls for a transition in strategy that will bring stability to the country and allow the troops to begin coming home.

I wanted to share with you some excerpts from my remarks. I encourage you to read the full text on my website at http://www.hillaryclinton.com/speech/view/?id=953.

I think it is time to choose whether or not we believe we have the right road map for success in Iraq. While our troops are serving bravely and with our national security in the balance, it is time to choose what is more important, a strategy to win in Iraq or a strategy for Republicans to win elections here at home....

I support this responsible way forward, a road map for success that will more quickly and effectively take advantage of Iraqi oil revenues, build up Iraqi infrastructure, foster Iraqi civil society, challenge Iraq's neighbors to do more to ensure stability in Iraq and allow our troops to begin coming home....

Let's be clear about what this debate is about. My friends on the other side of the aisle believe that the status quo is working in Iraq. They do not believe we need a fundamental change in policy. They choose to continue blindly following the president. We Democrats disagree. We believe we need a new direction in Iraq that will increase the chances for success on the ground....

They may not have a war strategy, but they do have an election strategy. This is the road they took America down in 2002. It was a dead end for our country then, and it's a dead end now....

This is not a time for partisanship. It is past time for this administration to level with the American people, for this Congress to find its voice and fulfill its constitutional duties to check and balance the Executive Branch, and for the Iraqis to chart a clear and responsible path to stability and peace....

The conflict in Iraq has now gone on longer than U.S. fighting in the Korean War before the armistice. We ought not to attack one another for asking the tough questions and presenting alternatives about how to achieve success, limit the loss and sacrifice of our young men and women.

I believe we must end our current open-ended, unconditional policy in Iraq. These decisions require serious debate, one without partisan political attacks.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Tags: Hillary, Hillary Clinton, Iraq, Levin Amendment