On November 7th, 2006 the American public sent a message on Iraq and as the new Democratic majority, we must respond with decisive action. Staying in Iraq is not an option politically, militarily or fiscally. The American people understand this. Today there is near consensus that there is no U.S. military solution and we must disengage our military from Iraq. The ISG recommended that we begin a withdrawal of U.S. troops by early 2008, depending on conditions on the ground. This is no different than the current policy. We must do what is best for America and insist on a responsible plan for redeployment. Iraq is plagued by a growing civil war and only the Iraqis can solve it.
The only way the ISG was going to actually possibly cause a change in policy was if they said it's time to leave. Bush will continue what he's doing. ISG report anniversary day is now on the calendar, and a year from now we can see just what the Wise Old Men of Washington have accomplished.