Issue Position: Iraq

Issue Position

Issue Position: Iraq

America's war in Iraq is now in its fifth year. Since the war began, Minnesota soldiers and airmen, National Guard members and Reservists have continued our state's proud tradition of military service to the nation. Thousands of Minnesotans in uniform have already served in Iraq, and many are still there. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
visiting members of the MN National Guard in Iraq

Sen. Klobuchar meets with Minnesota troops in Fallujah

I have been opposed to this war from the beginning, and I have long advocated a responsible change of course in Iraq, with the redeployment of our combat troops and a policy that requires the Iraqi government to take responsibility for the security and destiny of the country. My own visit to Iraq in March 2007 only cemented my commitment to this change in course.

Our men and women in uniform have done all we have asked of them, and while they continue to perform their duties bravely and honorably, it is clear that a change of course is necessary. Stability in Iraq cannot be achieved solely through military means; we must develop a strategy that focuses on ending the violence through political and economic solutions as well. This point has been echoed by top military commanders in Iraq by U.S. officials in Washington, and by the Iraqis themselves.

In March 2007, I traveled to Iraq to thank soldiers from Minnesota for their sacrifices and to meet with U.S. and Iraqi military commanders and political leaders. I was overwhelmed by the courage and fortitude our forces are showing in the face of this difficult challenge. I came home more determined than ever to push for a strategy that compels the Iraqis to stand up and take responsibility for their country, and allows us to begin bringing our soldiers home.

In the months since I was sworn in, I have been working with my Senate colleagues to fulfill our Constitutional duties to provide oversight for our policies in Iraq. Recently, a bipartisan majority in Congress agreed to a new strategy that calls for a phased withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, with the goal of removing the bulk of combat troops by early 2008. Though this policy has not yet been adopted, I am committed to working for a responsible and realistic strategy that signals to the Iraqis that our commitment is not open-ended, and that will allow our soldiers to return home to their families.

As Minnesota's U.S. Senator, these are my priorities in Iraq:

* Continue to push the administration for a phased withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq. I will maintain pressure on the administration to produce a shift in strategy that will allow us to begin bringing our soldiers home.
* Protect our troops. As I press for a responsible withdrawal of American forces from Iraq in the weeks and months ahead, my colleagues and I will do nothing that threatens the safety of American soldiers in the field. We will advocate for action to protect our troops in the field. Congress must continue to fulfill its Constitutional duty to exercise oversight of American policies in Iraq.
* Transition to Iraqi authority. The Iraqi government must stand up and assume responsibility for military and political stability in Iraq. An open-ended commitment of U.S. forces inhibits the capability of Iraqi leaders and Iraqi security forces to operate independently, and increases their dependency on us. A phased withdrawal of our troops will compel the Iraqi government to stand up and push for the political reconciliation between Iraq's main ethnic groups which is necessary in order for the violence to subside.
* Demand accountability for American funds. There have been many disturbing revelations about what has happened with billions of American taxpayer money in Iraq. There must be accountability in the spending of reconstruction funds that are intended to provide the Iraqis with the meaningful economic assistance they need to rebuild their country.
* Ensure a civil national debate that makes America proud. As we in Congress, as well as citizens across the country, continue to debate the best strategy in Iraq, we must remember that open discussion of diverse and divergent viewpoints is the foundation of our democratic system. Although we may disagree on tactics and strategies, in the end we all want what is best for our troops and best for our nation.

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