One of the most influential lawmakers on Capitol Hill is calling on the president to bring troops home from Iraq by Christmas. Senator John Warner says that would send a powerful message to Iraqi leaders that the U.S. commitment is not open-ended.
Senator Warner has so much pull that in the coming days we could see more Republicans breaking with the president. He claims it's not a withdrawal deadline but a respectful suggestion to the president to start bringing troops home.
"I say to the president, respectfully, pick whatever number you wish. We do not want to lose momentum but certainly in the hundred and 60 thousand plus, say five thousand could begin to re-deploy and be home to their families and loved ones no later than Christmas this year," said Warner.
This week's intelligence report called Iraq a mixed bag and raised doubts about its government's stability. Released yesterday, the report is just one of several evaluations expected in the coming weeks. The Government Accountability Office is expected to deliver its assessment of Iraq's government next week. While in another report expected by the first of September, a former Marine commander will detail Iraq's security situation.
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Senator Warner has so much pull that in the coming days we could see more Republicans breaking with the president. He claims it's not a withdrawal deadline but a respectful suggestion to the president to start bringing troops home.
"I say to the president, respectfully, pick whatever number you wish. We do not want to lose momentum but certainly in the hundred and 60 thousand plus, say five thousand could begin to re-deploy and be home to their families and loved ones no later than Christmas this year," said Warner.
This week's intelligence report called Iraq a mixed bag and raised doubts about its government's stability. Released yesterday, the report is just one of several evaluations expected in the coming weeks. The Government Accountability Office is expected to deliver its assessment of Iraq's government next week. While in another report expected by the first of September, a former Marine commander will detail Iraq's security situation.
Discuss Add this link to... Bury
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