A push for new Iraq strategy — now (xpost from Veterans)

[unhappycamper]

A push for new Iraq strategy — now
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Aug 5, 2008 5:46:26 EDT

The U.S. needs a new strategy for Iraq that sets goals and objectives — and a plan for achieving them — and it shouldn’t wait for a new commander in chief to be sworn in, the head of a congressional watchdog agency said July 23.

But taking such action could be difficult in light of the partisan divide over what should happen next as U.S. troop strength in Iraq returns to pre-surge levels.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, who recently made a highly publicized visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, remains fixed on his plan to withdraw the bulk of U.S. combat forces from Iraq within 16 months of taking office if he is elected.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the Republican presidential candidate, remains opposed to a fixed timetable for withdrawal, calling it dangerous, but suggests he could have combat troops out of Iraq by the end of his first term if he is elected.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, negotiating a long-term agreement with the U.S. on what forces should stay in his country, talks of needing U.S. combat troops to provide security through the end of 2010. The White House says it is trying to reach agreement on a “time horizon,” which spokeswoman Dana Perino said is an “aspirational goal” and nothing like the timetables that the Bush administration opposes.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08/army_iraqpolicy_080408w/