Iraq

I have worked for a number of years to ensure a safe and timely return from Iraq for our troops.  While my goal is for our military to leave Iraq as soon as possible, we must be as careful getting out of the country as we were careless getting in. I plan to work with the Obama administration on creating a responsible timeline for withdrawal. The removal of our troops needs to be responsible and phased, done in a way to protect the men and women who have worked so hard to protect us.

Following withdrawal, it is likely that a residual force will be left in Iraq and in the region to conduct targeted counter-terrorism missions against al Qaeda, and to protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel.  Nevertheless, I believe that permanent bases should not be built in the country, and that we should continue efforts to train and support the Iraqi security forces, as long as Iraqi leaders move toward political reconciliation and away from sectarianism.