Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Washington Post
April 30, 2008
Pg. 18
The April 25 editorial "A Seasoned Command" ignored the opportunity costs we are paying by staying in Iraq.
I asked Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker whether America's security would be better advanced by focusing on "al-Qaeda in Iraq" or on al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where those who attacked us on Sept. 11, 2001, are regrouping. He rightly answered Afghanistan and Pakistan. But our efforts in those countries are handcuffed by our commitments to Iraq.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq is a Bush-fulfilling prophecy: It wasn't there before the war. When we draw down, the Iraqis are likely to stamp out its remnants. U.S. forces in the region can help finish the job.
Iran's influence skyrocketed when we toppled Saddam Hussein and gave Shiite parties a path to power. By drawing down, we can force Iran to confront the specter of a disintegrating Iraq or all-out war among Shiite factions, and diminish Tehran's ability to wage a proxy war on our soldiers.
The consequences of drawing down are debatable. The costs of staying -- including the strain on our military, the drain on our Treasury and the deadweight on Afghanistan -- are knowable and unsustainable.
JOE BIDEN, U.S. Senator (D-Del.), Washington
April 30, 2008
Pg. 18
The April 25 editorial "A Seasoned Command" ignored the opportunity costs we are paying by staying in Iraq.
I asked Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker whether America's security would be better advanced by focusing on "al-Qaeda in Iraq" or on al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where those who attacked us on Sept. 11, 2001, are regrouping. He rightly answered Afghanistan and Pakistan. But our efforts in those countries are handcuffed by our commitments to Iraq.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq is a Bush-fulfilling prophecy: It wasn't there before the war. When we draw down, the Iraqis are likely to stamp out its remnants. U.S. forces in the region can help finish the job.
Iran's influence skyrocketed when we toppled Saddam Hussein and gave Shiite parties a path to power. By drawing down, we can force Iran to confront the specter of a disintegrating Iraq or all-out war among Shiite factions, and diminish Tehran's ability to wage a proxy war on our soldiers.
The consequences of drawing down are debatable. The costs of staying -- including the strain on our military, the drain on our Treasury and the deadweight on Afghanistan -- are knowable and unsustainable.
JOE BIDEN, U.S. Senator (D-Del.), Washington