Richardson: "Rivals can't say they want to end Iraq war and then leave behind thousands of troops

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Associated Press
Friday, October 12, 2007

BEDFORD, New Hampshire -- Presidential hopeful Bill Richardson on Friday said his rivals can't say they want to end the war in Iraq and then leave behind thousands of troops, a continuation of his challenge of better known Democratic candidates.

Any political reconciliation in Iraq is hopeless until all U.S. troops leave, said Richardson, who repeatedly has criticized any proposals to leave support troops there. He said he would leave U.S. Marines to guard an embassy.

"Taking our troops out is the only way I believe that we can forge a diplomatic solution and political compromise," the New Mexico governor said. "The reason I believe we need to take all our troops out is because our kids have become targets. They're caught in the crossfire between al-Qaida and the insurgents."


It's past time for Iraq to take ownership of its future, Richardson said.

"If you look at Iraq, they're not exactly a helpless country," he said.


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