[Join the Live Blog Discussion with Frank tonight at 8pm EST]
The political tide is turning.
The month of August has refocused American attention on the war in Iraq. With escalating violence against our troops, President Bush's freefalling approval ratings, one grieving mother's determination to be heard, and the administration's own pundits turning against the war, it is clear that the public has taken notice, and the majority do not like what they see.
Now is the time for Democrats to take a stand and put forth our own vision.
Now is the time for Democrats to clearly define a way to end this tragic war. We can and must lay out a plan to win the peace and bring our brave troops home.
For too long progress in Iraq has been deadlocked. Many argue that for us to leave now would condemn the Iraqi people to civil war or a theocratic state, possibly both. Yet the continued sense of occupation has bred greater resentment and violence by the day.
The administration's go it alone strategy has frustrated those of us at home and abroad. Many have resigned to the fact that the Bush Administration will accept nothing less than full control of Iraq. Yet many of our military leaders have worried out loud that our troops are stretched too thin.
Some think that the opportunity to internationalize this conflict has passed. Many have said that international bodies would never agree to the cost of sending their own troops. Yet I am not convinced that this is a stalemate.
The DoD and Donald Rumsfeld have told us that 14 of Iraq's 18 of the provinces are secure. If that's the case, let's bring NATO, the UN, or an international coalition into the 14 secure provinces to take the reigns and start rebuilding. This will take some pressure of the US forces and take the target off our troops' backs. Then we can begin to bring some troops home and focus on the 4 provinces that are not secured. Let's break up the Halliburton & friends monopoly on contracts in those 14 provinces and give other countries an incentive to help bear the economic costs of the war.
I do not believe that there is no way to engage the international community in this initiative. This war impacts the world through higher oil prices, increased terrorism, and greater instability. It is in their best interests to be involved, but they have never been approached with an acceptable proposal. We can change that.
If this war is really about bringing stability to the Middle East, and not about lucrative contracts in exchange for campaign contributions, then surely the administration will not object to sharing the rebuilding work with others.
If this war is really about looking out for our troops, and equipping them as best as possible to win the peace, then surely the administration will back a plan to relieve the pressure on our own military.
If this war is really about freedom for the Iraqi people, and not oil, then surely the administration will consider an alternative such as this.
We need to end this war the right way, and that begins with a renewed commitment to engage with the international community.
I would like to extend an invitation to you to join me to discuss ideas on Iraq. That's why tonight, from 8pm to 9pm EST I will be holding a Live Blog Discussion on Iraq. Please join us to share your ideas and questions.
www.pallonefornewjersey.com/frankblog
Congressman Frank Pallone