How the Democratic Presidential Candidates
Say They Would Handle Iraq if They Were Commander in Chief
May 1, 2007
By The Associated Press
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.
