Rep. Andrews Statement on the Resignation of Secretary Rumsfeld

I believe that Secretary Rumsfeld's decision to resign, a step I advocated for over a year ago, is a step in the right direction toward affecting change in Iraq.  However, it is only the first step.  Changing the person in charge of a failed policy in Iraq without addressing the failed policy will not help bring our troops home and quell the chaos in that country.
 
I believe that in order for us to succeed in Iraq, Secretary Rumsfeld's designated successor, Dr. Robert Gates, must recognize that Iraq will only stand as a competent and willing ally in the fight against terrorism if its government enjoys the support of its people, and if its people are willing to fight those who would disrupt or destroy that government.  The time for Americans to lead the fight for that government is over.   
 
The Bush Administration estimates that at least 75,000 Iraqi security forces are prepared and trained to defend their country.  I say-let them do so, starting now.  We should withdraw a similar number of US troops from Iraq, in a manner and to a place recommended by our uniformed military leaders.  We should then turn over to the Iraqi security forces responsibility for the parts of Iraq these Americans are now fighting to secure. 

If the Iraqi security forces succeed, we should continue to assist the new Iraqi government and expedite the transition from US security to Iraqi security.  Congress should demand from the Bush Administration specific dates and numbers as to when Iraqi security forces should assume responsibility.  If the Iraqi security forces do not quell the violence, then Iraq's civil war will end only through diplomatic initiative.  In that event, we should ask other nations and leaders around the Middle East and the world to help convene a conference to negotiate an end to civil war in Iraq and the likely creation of a weak federal state in Iraq. Whatever diplomatic result is achieved, however, should coincide with a complete withdrawal of US forces.

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