“A course change should happen now”
by Patrick J. Buchanan
What was anticipated in September, the retreat of the old bulls of the Republican Party from the Bush war policy, happened in June. The beginning of the end of U.S. involvement in the Iraq war is at hand.
“I rise today,” said Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana on Monday, “to offer observations on the continuing involvement of the United States in Iraq. . . . [Our course in Iraq has lost contact with our vital interests in the Middle East and beyond.”
According to the six-term, ex-chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, three factors make it improbable the “surge” can succeed – and imperative the United States redeploy its troops, out of combat and perhaps out of Iraq: political fragmentation in Iraq, the growing strain on the U.S. military and the crumbling support at home.
Lugar’s stance provides cover for Republicans anxious to break and join the chorus for early withdrawal. Beyond Sen. John McCain, a few generals and some neoconservative commentators, no one is calling for more U.S. troops. The handwriting is on the wall.”A course change should happen now,” said Lugar. But if his diagnosis seems on target, his remedy lacks credibility.
The United States has four strategic goals in Iraq, says Lugar. Prevent creation of a safe haven for terrorists. Prevent sectarian war from spilling out into the broader Middle East. Prevent Iran’s domination of the region. Limit the loss of U.S. credibility through the region and the world as a result of a failed mission in Iraq.
Lugar’s recommended policy to secure these goals: “[A down-sizing and redeployment of U.S. military forces to more sustainable positions in Iraq and the Middle East.”
Lugar is calling for what the Iraq Study Group recommended, a shift of U.S. combat brigades out of action and out of country, turning their duties over to the Iraqis.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/buchanan/buchanan62.html