Lugar Calls for Major Course Change in Iraq
U.S Senator Dick Lugar tonight called for the nation to take a major course change in Iraq in order to achieve success. In a live speech on the Senate floor and posted on the Senator’s website, Lugar said the current surge is not working and the United States runs the risk of failure in Iraq unless it changes its policies.
Lugar says he does not see the Iraqis reaching a political settlement anytime soon under current conditions. He also says while the U.S. military is strong, it is not indestructible and Iraq could have devastating effects on its ability to function in the future. Lugar also calls on the U.S. to end its dependence on foreign oil by increases fuel efficiency standards. And he says a bipartisan solution on Iraq is less likely as the 2008 election
gets closer.
Lugar offers several recommendations to fix the situation in Iraq. He says while Iraq should be prevented from becoming a terrorist haven, Lugar says the U.S. should redeploy its forces throughout the region to ensure security and also remove itself from the fighting between sectarian forces.
He also says the U.S. should go on a diplomatic offensive and open discussions on Iraq with all parties that have a vested interest in the nation.
Lugar is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
