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US.
Democratic
candidates' plans for Iraq
2.5.2007 |
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How
Democratic presidential candidates say they would
handle the Iraq war
May 2, 2007
How the Democratic presidential candidates say they
would handle Iraq if they were commander in chief:
Delaware Sen. Joe Biden:
Withdraw almost all U.S. forces by the end of 2007.
Maintain a residual force of about 20,000 troops for
counterterrorism efforts, protection from foreign
threats and training for Iraqi security forces.
Divide Iraq along autonomous ethnic lines, with a
central Iraqi government only for border security,
foreign policy and to divide fairly the nation's oil
resources. Gain cooperation from Sunni Arabs by
guaranteeing them 20 percent of oil revenues.
Convene with the United Nations a regional security
conference to pledge support for the power-sharing
agreement. Increase reconstruction assistance and
establish a jobs program to keep youth away from
crime.
New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton:
Begin redeploying troops out of Iraq within 90 days.
Supports a goal of all removing all combat troops
except those needed for residual missions by March
2008. Residual forces would be charged with training
and equipping Iraqi security forces,
counterterrorism activities, protecting U.S.
personnel and facilities, and protecting the Kurds
in northern Iraq. Require the Iraqi government to
meet benchmarks such as passage of oil law and
reducing sectarian influence in security forces or
cut off U.S. funding for security forces and
reconstruction.
Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd:
Immediately redeploy combat troops out of Baghdad
and other urban areas to other less populated areas;
to bases in Kuwait and Qatar; and to Afghanistan.
Remaining troops would have a narrow mission of
training and equipping Iraqi security forces,
counterterrorism activities and protecting U.S.
personnel and facilities.
Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards
Immediately withdraw 40,000 to 50,000 troops, along
with any sent over as part of President Bush's plan
in January to add 30,000 troops eventually. Bring
home all combat troops within 12-18 months. Leave a
residual force to help protect the U.S. Embassy and
Americans offering humanitarian relief, and keep a
force in the region to prevent civil war from
spilling over into other countries, becoming a
genocide or spreading terrorism.
Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich
Close all U.S. military bases in Iraq and withdraw
the troops, while simultaneously ordering the return
of all U.S. contractors and turning over their work
to the Iraqi government. Convene a regional
conference to develop a security and stabilization
force made up of troops from other nations that
would replace U.S. troops, a process he says will
take at least three months. Fund the peacekeeping
mission, a national reconciliation and reparations
to the Iraqi people.
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama
Introduced legislation two months ago that would
have begun bringing home troops by Tuesday, the
fourth anniversary of Bush's speech declaring an end
to major combat operations in Iraq. All combat
troops would be deployed out of Iraq by March 31,
2008. Allow for a temporary suspension of the
redeployment if the Iraqis meet specific security,
political and economic benchmarks. Leave a residual
force of a size to be determined to help train Iraqi
troops, participate in counterterror operations,
protect U.S. personnel and maintain a presence at
the Defense Department's attache office. Intensify
training of Iraqi security forces. Recommend the
appointment of a special envoy to oversee
international diplomatic efforts to end the civil
war in Iraq.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson
Withdraw troops by the end of 2007, including
residual forces, unless Bush can show the Iraqi
government is meeting established benchmarks. Lead
the way on providing aid for reconstruction and
encouraging national reconciliation. Convene a
regional conference.
AP
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