Iraq

Issue Position

Iraq

Americans are rightfully concerned about the situation in Iraq. For too long, the Bush Administration and Republicans in Congress have fanned the flames in Iraq by refusing to address the reality of the situation. Tim Walz believes that there will be a time and place to address how and why the US found itself fighting in Iraq, but that the first priority of Congress must be stabilizing Iraq so we can bring our soldiers home safely. Stabilization requires that we start listening to our experts and our military leaders on the ground, and that we replace the rubberstamp Congress with people like Tim Walz who will facilitate open, honest debate in Congress. There is no simple solution, but we can be assured that the answer is not to continue the current course of action without an exit plan.

The Walz Solution - For the last 18 months Tim Walz has talked about Iraq while his opponent ignored the problem. Walz's plan to stabilize Iraq is two-fold.

1. We must stabilize the society by implementing proven, measurable milestones such as the ability to generate electricity, the availability of potable drinking water and a functioning sewer system. Once these are in place, violence will decrease. Our success in Bosnia is proof that ensuring citizens are able to drink water from their tap and turn on their lights stabilizes a society and is essential to reducing violence and strengthening a fledgling democracy. Once insurgent violence is significantly reduced, we can begin bringing our troops home. A partial withdrawal during this time of deadly insurgent violence only puts our troops at greater risk.

2. We must turn over responsibility for supporting Iraq's government to a regional security force. Countries like Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt have an interest in Iraq's stability and should be encouraged to support Iraq's new government as part of a regional security force. This force would replace American troops and would be less likely to be a catalyst for insurgent violence.

Tim Walz is a realist. If data shows that it is impossible to implement the milestones and that American troops are a catalyst for violence then it is imperative that all of our troops are brought home immediately. If we cannot win the peace, we must not allow another American life to be lost. Ultimately, Walz seeks to bring the troops home as quickly as possible in a responsible manner.

Gutknecht suggestion puts troops in danger - Until recently Gil Gutknecht ignored the need for a real plan in Iraq, telling both the Wall Street Journal and the Star Tribune that he wouldn't talk about the war because the American people did not understand it. Now that polling has confirmed he must discuss it, Gutknecht is calling for an irresponsible partial removal of American troops.

A retired Command Sgt. Major, Tim Walz knows that removing some of the troops on an arbitrary time line is reckless. A partial withdrawal leaves those left behind exposed to even more deadly insurgent violence. Gutknecht's suggestion is his own re-election plan, not an exit plan that will keep our troops safe. His dramatic change in position leaves those remaining behind exposed to even more deadly insurgent attacks.

Americans are looking for change -Instead of withholding support for the invasion of Iraq until an exit strategy was in place, Gutknecht and his colleagues rubberstamped the Bush ill-conceived invasion plan and have continued to parrot their "stay the course' message. Americans are tired of career politicians like Gutknecht who make life-threatening decisions regarding American troops for political gain. Tim Walz has spent a lifetime looking into the eyes of southern Minnesota's soldiers: as a teacher, as a coach and as a Command Sgt. Major. He is committed to doing the right thing for our nation and for our troops, regardless of political expediency.

When Tim Walz is elected he will represent the people of southern Minnesota with integrity and will work with anyone who is committed to solving the problems in Iraq.

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