From the Office on Cong. Mark Kirk (Rino-IL)
Dear Friend:
Thank you for responding to our survey.
I do not support President Bush’s proposed troop surge in Iraq and voted for the House resolution that recommended against his action. The United States should increase the responsibilities of the elected Iraqi government to solve its own problems, while reducing the number of American combat troops sent overseas.
I did not come to this conclusion lightly. The long-term security of our country depends on the United States not being defeated in the Middle East. To prevent a collapse of democracy, tolerance and our supporters in that region, we should implement a new plan that relies on America’s key strengths, building support among all our citizens and allies.
Our troops in Iraq did achieve two major objectives. First, they ended the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, a leader who invaded two separate United Nations member countries and ordered the murder of several hundred thousand Iraqis. Second, they backed the United Nations and its sponsorship of Iraq’s three national elections that approved a new constitution and government. Iraq is no longer a military threat to her neighbors or minorities – especially Kurdish families, who no longer fear that a third genocide campaign will be launched by their very own government. These are major achievements worthy of the bravery and sacrifice of Americans in uniform.
Iraq now faces new challenges which should be solved by Iraqis – not the U.S. military. Iraq’s government, lead by a Kurdish President and a Shia Prime Minister, face a daunting enemy, composed of people who would restore the old dictatorship or worse. This struggle is primarily political, not military. Foreign troops – be they American, British or otherwise – are not well-suited to advance the elected government’s writ.
In the coming months, I will use my voice and vote to help build a longer-term plan for the United States and our allies in the Middle East. Our plan should be strengthened by a major diplomatic initiative among Iraq’s neighbors and the World Bank to support the elected government's plans for reconstruction. The U.S. military has a unique expertise in providing logistics, communications and training for our allies. A plan based on these key strengths, while reducing the number of American combat troops, will improve the prospects for peace and build support for our goals here and among our allies.
I appreciate your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to contact me on this or any other issue of concern to you that comes before the Congress. You can call my office at (847) 940-0202 or log on and e-mail me at www.house.gov/kirk.
His office is closed, but come Monday, ...............