United States Senator Hillary Clinton (Democrat-New York) has made her harshest-ever assessment of President Bush's Iraq war strategy – continuing her determined evolution from the Iraqi war's strongest supporter to one of the Administration's most prominent critics.
Hillary Clinton's increased criticism of the Iraqi war comes as she nears an announcement of her plan to run for President in the 2008 election as well as a period of stepped-up anti-war activity in the Democratic Party. The anti-war campaign is aimed at blocking President Bush's proposal to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq.
Hillary's long support for the war and her past reluctance to distance herself considerably from the Bush Administration had earned ire from many liberal activists, who would play a major role in the Democratic nomination battle.
On Wednesday, Hillary just stopped short of proposing a timetable for troops withdrawal from Iraq – an idea many activists support.
After returning from a visit to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hillary said President Bush's new proposal threatens the missions in Iraq. In Iraq, she said, more troops are not the answer, but in Afghanistan additional troops are badly needed.
"The President's team is pursuing a failed strategy in Iraq as it edges closer to collapse, and Afghanistan needs more of our concerted effort and attention," Hillary had said.
She said she supports a non-binding resolution opposing Bush's plan, but she would go further ahead by introducing legislation to limit the number of US troops in Iraq. The legislation, Hillary stressed, would establish conditions for the US Administration as well, like certifying that the Iraqi government had disarmed the sectarian militias and made constitutional changes to ensure rights for all ethnic minorities, as well as requiring participating in diplomatic activities with Iraq's neighbors.
Hillary Clinton was also harsh in her criticism of the Iraqi government. She had met Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
"The Iraqi government," she complained, " is not committed to taking the steps both militarily and politically that would help them to gain control over Baghdad and other places in the country."Labels: International Politics |
