Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
On The Report Of The Iraq Study Group
Wednesday, December 6, 2006

This report is another strong signal that consensus has emerged in this country, across the political spectrum, that ‘stay the course’ proved its failure as a strategy in Iraq long ago. 

Like all Americans, I want a credible strategy for withdrawing American troops from Iraq and a path for a political settlement that stabilizes the country.  Our open-ended military presence in Iraq continually signals to Iraqi politicians that they don't have to take the necessary steps to stand up to the militias and address the underlying problems that are fueling the violence.  In the meantime, while the President’s strategy seems to be little more than repeating the word ‘victory,’ our troops are stuck in the middle of a civil war and thousands of Iraqi civilians live under the specter of suicide bombings and ethnic cleansing.  Mr. Gates underscored the plain reality yesterday that we are not winning in Iraq. 

The authors of this report deserve our thanks.  They have taken a hard look at a complex situation that has been growing worse by the day.  It may be too late to achieve the outcome we want, even if the report’s recommendations are implemented.  But while there are no guarantees, the report does identify a package of measures which, in the view of this experienced, bipartisan group, may offer the best chance – however fleeting -- of stabilizing the country and bringing home the bulk of our troops within a year.

This report will have relevance only if the President – the Commander In Chief – adopts a clear, credible new strategy. 

There are many positive aspects to the Study Group’s recommendations, like the withdrawal of most of our combat forces over the next year, enhanced training of Iraqi forces, a better coordinated reconstruction effort, and a greater focus on engagement with Iraq’s regional neighbors. 

The most important thing that this report may achieve is to jolt the White House into a clear-eyed recognition of today’s reality in Iraq.

I suspect no one will be satisfied with every aspect of these recommendations, and I worry most of all that the President may simply be unwilling to accept the reality of a very dire situation and take the necessary steps to bring our troops home.

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