Murtha Floats Deadline-Free Withdrawal from Iraq-Nam

Saying that he sees signs of flexibility at the White House, Congressman John Murtha (D-OH) may have the best vision in the country. He has decided that the campaign to find a way out of Iraq-Nam may best be served by a withdrawal start date with no finish date. The ex-Marine plans to offer an amendment to the Defense Spending Bill next week that would require the beginning of a withdrawal 60 days after the Bill is enacted. It is an idea worth pursuing.

This journal is on record as saying a complete withdrawal of all US forces from Iraq-Nam is the only way to serve America’s national interests. Getting Americans killed to protect a pro-Iranian regime in Baghdad is bad policy on several levels. Since there are those in both parties who want to keep some troops there, practicality demands accepting something other than perfect policy. Moves in the right direction are enough are preferrable to no movement at all.

Congressman Murtha told the press, “I’m hearing signals. They [Republicans] are trying to work out a deal where we leave 70,000 troops over there ... That’s the White House telling them to do that, I’m convinced.” That’s 70,000 too many, but it’s definitely an improvement on the 160,000 or so currently there. He also said, “I’m hoping there will be an agreement between Democrats and Republicans and the Senate and the House and the White House and I think you’ll see that happen. I think you'll see that happen by September, October.” Mr. Murtha added, “I know they get so much pressure from the public. The public wants us the hell out of there.” In a democracy, that should be enough.

Precisely who among the GOP is telling Mr. Murtha whatever he may be hearing is hard to say. White House National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe wasn’t entirely clear on this point when he said, “Troop levels will be determined by conditions on the ground and based on the recommendations of the commanders on the ground.” The passive voice is a bit coy here. House Republican Leader John Boehner remains anti-Murtha, “Our commanders in Iraq are reporting solid progress in the new offensive against al Qaeda, but Democrats won’t bother themselves with facts on the ground.” Facts on the ground include no WMD, and the GOP has not improved since that lie.

As usual, the question is whether the amendment has the votes to pass the House and the Senate. It does offer GOP legislators a chance to distance themselves from the president without breaking ranks with the party. How many will take the opportunity is unclear. However, it does show that the Democrats might be learning that they can’t get the US out of Iraq-Nam without help from the GOP this side of the next presidential election.

© Copyright 2007 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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