NPR: Bill Clinton Urges 'Substantial Drawdown' in Iraq

[L. Coyote]

Iraq = Bill Clinton Urges 'Substantial Drawdown' in Iraq
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14214905

Listen to this story... by Renee Montagne


Morning Edition, September 7, 2007 · While there has been some U.S. military success in Iraq, a "substantial drawdown" of American forces is needed this year, former President Bill Clinton says. U.S. troops are so stretched that it would be difficult for them to respond in the event of a national security emergency, he tells NPR.

In an interview with Renee Montagne to promote his new book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, Clinton acknowledges that an upcoming report from Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, is likely to cite some successes stemming from the increase earlier this year in U.S. troops in Iraq.

"In at least two places in the Sunni section of Iraq there has been progress using the surge American forces to work with Sunni groups that previously fought Americans," Clinton says.

He says it's no surprise "that now that we've provided more forces there, and we're following a local agenda rather than our own, there's been some success."

But that success is not sustainable .............

[Taverner]

1. Um, how about a "get the fuck out NOW!"?

Didn't she promise she would pull out on her first day in office?

[hashibabba]

2. I believe they're talking about Bill, not Hill. n/t

[mdmc]

3. what, we no longer should be strong and wrong?

Now it is okay to be weak and right?

[blm]

4. Yeah - Kerry saying start withdrawing troops in summer of 2005 was TOO weak

for Bill in 2004. Actually, it was weak AND wrong to Bill,as he was publicly still supporting Bush's decisions on terrorism and Iraq war up until the end of 2006.

Gee - wonder why the change?

[mdmc]

5. I'll take public opinion polls for $1000.00

:kick:

[mdmc]

6. kick