Various newspapers, political pundits, and even the front page of Daily Kos tell us that the number one issue on the voters' minds is Iraq. It certainly has been on my mind a lot -- in fact, it is the one thing above all others that motivates me the most to get these Republicans out of office. They led us in this war, and it does not appear they have any idea or inclination to improve the situation.
Since July, Lew Katz, Democratic nominee for the 14th Congressional District in Ohio, has been speaking about the Katz Plan for Iraq. He talks about the three R's: Reduce, Replace, and Redevelop. Katz's plan is endorsed by a number of experts, including Joseph Hoar, a four-star general in the United States Marine Corps; Professor Michael Scharf, director of the Frederick K. Cox International Law Center at Case Western Reserve University and a nominee for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize; and Professor Amos Guiora, director of the Institute for Global Security Law and Policy at Case Law School and a counterterrorism expert.
Below is the text of the Katz Plan, written in July. Three months later, it is still just as relevant. I added the images to remind me -- us -- that this not just political speech. It is a moral issue, one that we need to start to fix on November 7. These images were some of the milder ones I found using a simple Google image search.
The Katz Plan: Bringing America Home while Securing Iraq
The time has come to begin a serious discussion about reducing the American military presence in Iraq. The mounting casualties among American forces and Iraqi civilians, the spiraling financial costs of the war and the growing instability in the region make it imperative to start withdrawing our troops as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, neither the Bush administration nor its allies in the Republican- controlled Congress have offered a realistic plan for getting our troops out of Iraq. To fill this leadership void I am offering the Katz Plan, a strategy for accomplishing the crucial goals of bringing our troops home while securing Iraq's long-term viability.
Why has the Bush administration refused to put forth an exit strategy for Iraq? Perhaps it is because their real goal is to maintain a presence there indefinitely, as evidenced by our almost-completed construction in Baghdad of a Pentagon-like base of operations in the Middle East. The construction of the 102-acre complex, larger than Vatican City, is the only infrastructure project actually on schedule in the entire country. It signals to the Iraqis and the international community that the United States has no real intention of leaving Iraq - despite what the Bush administration and its Republican allies publicly proclaim.
Against this backdrop of ongoing Bush administration lies about our long-term designs for Iraq, I offer the Katz Plan as a bold new direction to bring our troops home and secure Iraq. My plan emphasizes the "Three R's": reduce, replace, and redevelop. By following these guiding principles, America can bring home the men and women who have sacrificed so much to serve our country with honor in the pursuit of securing a Democratic Iraq.
Reduce American Troops
Our troops have done all that they have been asked by this administration. They have toppled a ruthless dictator, laid the foundation for an independent Iraq, and done their best to secure civil peace. For those reasons alone, they deserve to come home.
Furthermore, our troops have become the single target upon which the multiple Shi'a and Sunni sects throughout Iraq can agree. Without the presence of American troops, the Shi'a and Sunni Muslims will no longer have a scapegoat for continuing hostilities, forcing them to face the reality of coming together and governing as one unified nation.
Finally, until the United States publicly demonstrates that it will not continue to bear the cost of the war, both in lives lost and money, other nations with an interest in a secure and democratic Iraq will watch from the sidelines. Thus, in order to send a concrete signal that we do not intend to maintain a permanent presence in Iraq -- an intention already compromised by the construction of the Pentagon-like base -- we must begin an immediate drawdown in Iraq.
Replace American Troops with a Middle Eastern Security Force
Ideally, as the Bush administration insists, Iraq will be able to secure itself in the near future as its army and police force continue to grow in numbers and sophistication. However, until that day arrives, an external security force will be necessary to prevent Iraq from descending into civil war; a disastrous conflict which could ultimately result in Iran's controlling Iraq, its oil resources, and its Sunni and Kurdish populations.
Other Middle Eastern nations have a stake in Iraq's independence from Iran. Iraq serves as a geographical buffer between Iran and Sunni Arab countries concerned about Iran's long term aspirations in the region. If Iran controls Iraq, a joint power of such magnitude would exert enormous power in regional politics, influence the worldwide supply and price of oil, and expel Iraq's Sunni and Kurdish populations, resulting in an influx of millions of refugees for Iraq's neighbors.
The United States must call on its allies in the region, such as Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, to replace American troops. These nations are not only trade partners with the United States; some have also received billions of dollars in American aid. Such a partnership with America carries a responsibility, one that can be fulfilled by replacing American troops in Iraq until Iraq can provide security for its own people.
In another American demonstration of our desire both to exit Iraq and to allow other nations to join us in its economic redevelopment, the United States should share the nearly completed Pentagon-like base with the newly formed Middle Eastern security force and diplomats from around the region. The new base offers a real opportunity to move away from our unilateral efforts and from the current perception that we plan to remain in Iraq. Instead, it would signal our intent for regional cooperation, security and peace.
Redevelop Iraq's Infrastructure
Redeveloping Iraq offers a unique opportunity to create a stable and important capitalist market in the Middle East, but only if Iraq is opened up to worldwide investment. Until now, the majority of redevelopment contracts have been secured through a no-bid process by American corporations. This solitary American policy has resulted in limited world interest in Iraq, as most nations have assumed -- correctly -- that the United States will monopolize the redevelopment of Iraq.
Much of Iraq's importance in the world market is tied to its oil reserves, but due to the current instability, outdated technology, and vast unexplored areas such as Iraq's Western desert, it is impossible to determine accurately how much oil Iraq possesses. While OPEC conservatively estimates Iraq's oil reserves to be the third-largest in the world with 115 billion barrels, some believe Iraq may have the largest oil reserves in the world.
However, if Iraq is not stabilized or falls under the influence of Iran, any opportunity to allow Iraq to enter the global economy will be lost. To bring Iraq into the global economy requires the world to invest in its infrastructure, including contracts for hospitals, running water, electricity and other infrastructure. While these short-term contracts are enticing, the long-term investment opportunities lie in the incredible oil supplies and the buying power of the Iraqi people, empowered by a stable and capitalistic Iraq.
America at a Crossroads
We stand at a crossroads in Iraq. Will we continue the failed policies of the Bush administration, will we abandon Iraq, or will we pursue the Katz plan to reduce, replace and redevelop? We have a clear opportunity to turn away from America bearing the complete burden in Iraq by bringing in other interested nations and cooperating with a multinational security force comprised of other Arab nations in the region.
If this coalition of Middle Eastern forces can demonstrate that it is committed to security in the region, we would move closer to peace and cooperation in a region that continues to be wracked by violence. Ultimately, the Middle East must secure its own destiny, free from American influence. By pursuing the Katz Plan, we can assure Iraqi independence and stability and bring our troops home.