U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-2nd, capped off his first full week on the job by firing off a letter to President Bush in which he questioned how the United States will determine whether the Iraqi government has taken responsibility for the security of its provinces.

The letter was sent in response to the president's Wednesday announcement that he will deploy more than 21,000 additional troops to Iraq.

"You said in your address that 'America will hold the Iraqi government to the benchmarks it has announced,' " Donnelly said in the letter.

"I was pleased to hear you speak those words because the truth is that we have no other choice. America should not continue to sacrifice blood and treasure for Iraqis if they cannot demonstrate that they desire a future of peace and freedom as much as we desire it for them.

"Of all the benchmarks you outlined, arguably the most important one -- that the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all provinces by November -- is also the most ambiguous," Donnelly said.

"How will your administration determine whether the Iraqi government has taken 'responsibility' for its security?"

The Granger Democrat also questioned how the administration will determine whether the Iraqi government has been successful.

"What will be the consequences if the Iraqi government fails to take responsibility for security in all provinces by November?" Donnelly asked. "And most importantly, what criteria will be used to determine whether this force increase is contributing to success?"

Donnelly, in a telephone interview, said he decided to send the letter because, as a member of Congress, he feels it is his obligation to the people of the district and the troops to "be sure we are making progress" in Iraq.

"I have serious concerns," Donnelly said of the additional troop deployment, adding that he wants to make sure that specific targets are being met.

In his letter, Donnelly commended the president "for talking about the war in Iraq in a way that largely matches what my constituents have been thinking for many months now," but said it is critical "that we have the answers to the above questions in order to monitor our level of success."

Staff writer James Wensits:
jwensits@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6353