Kucinich: Gradual Reduction Of Troops Not Enough...

[Jim O'Bryan]

Kucinich: Gradual Reduction Of Troops Not Enough; Congress Must Not Use Iraq Study Group As A False Crutch-Must Cut Off Funds

Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today on news reports that the Iraq Study Group will recommend the gradual reduction of US forces in Iraq:

"The gradual reduction of US troops in Iraq is not enough. On November 7th, the American public spoke and delivered a powerful mandate to Washington on the war in Iraq. They demanded a new direction, and that direction is out.

"The American public did not vote for the Iraq Study Group, they voted for a new Congress. Congress must not use the Iraq Study Group as a false crutch. The American people want out of Iraq, and only Congress, not the Iraq Study Group, has the power to end the war in Iraq.

"There is only one way to end the war in Iraq. Cut off the funds. This was a war of choice. The timing of the beginning of the war was a choice, and the timing of the ending will be a choice. Congress must now exercise its Constitutional duty and end the war in Iraq.

"Gradual reduction of US forces in Iraq, as reportedly recommended by the Iraq Study Group, will not end the war in Iraq, it will prolong it. A gradual reduction of US forces only means a long lasting engagement with fewer and fewer troops. This will make the US more vulnerable, not less, to insurgent attacks. A gradual reduction will do nothing to quell the civil war, and will delay the only solution -- the end of the war.

"Our own military has repeatedly stated that we cannot and will not 'win' in Iraq by military force. Yet, the President, and the Pentagon, are ready to send more troops to Iraq. Choosing escalation over diplomacy is irresponsible. Sending more US troops to Iraq will only increase the death, destruction and chaos. More troops will only fuel an already full blown bloody and deadly civil war.

"Congress, not the Iraq Study Group, will be held accountable by the American people. If President Bush does not choose to end the war, then Congress must by cutting off funds."

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