1. Did the U.S. do the right thing sending troops to Iraq?

 

Both Democrats and Republicans and those who saw the intelligence all agreed to go to war.  Now, with hindsight, indicating that our intelligence was incorrect, the decision appears by many to be the wrong decision.  However, even President Clinton admitted recently that it was good that Saddam Hussein is no longer the leader of Iraq.  The real question now is how does the United States do the right thing for our country and the world and I seek to be a moderate voice for effective change in that regard.

 

2. Should the U.S. pull troops out of Iraq? If so, when?

 

I would like for us to leave Iraq as soon as possible, but we should employ a multinational approach to this effort.  We should compile an allied plan (enlisting the support for this plan from the United Nations) that ensures that the terrorists, which are supported by Al Qaida, do not take over Iraq.  Also, that this plan ensures that there are mechanisms to prevent Iran and Syria from interfering with efforts to stabilize Iraq.  This plan would include a timetable based upon joint allied objectives that provides a pragmatic roadmap to disengagement.  The exact time figure is something that I can only speculate on, however, I do not support pulling troops out immediately and unconditionally as I think it is irresponsible, and the United States as a leader in the world needs to show responsibility.

 

3. Have you changed your stance on the war since it began?

 

Yes.

 

4. Why?

 

Hindsight is 20/20, and there is much that we can learn from this conflict.  Saddam Hussein did not comply with U.N. sanctions, was supporting and applauding terrorist activities in other countries, and threatened the use of weapons of mass destruction while making it difficult for the United Nations to understand the extent of his weapons programs.  Today, it appears that we have more information about his capabilities than when we did when we entered Iraq.  I think we should have done a better job of making our case for engagement like George Bush 41 did which enabled him to enlist a very strong international coalition and U.N. support in addressing the Gulf War.  Moreover, after engaging in this war, we should have paid more attention to our key military leaders who were carrying out the operation, and we should have entered with a comprehensive strategic plan to win the peace.