Bill Bennett: “Mr. Kagan concludes: Any plan that requires a withdrawal based on a timeline, rather than conditions on the ground, is…”

“Mr. Kagan concludes: Any plan that requires a withdrawal based on a timeline, rather than conditions on the ground, is likely to lead to failure. The notion that imposing timelines would somehow force the Iraqi government to 'do the right thing' and thereby resolve the problems in the country is always presented without any evidence. It is the logical argument without substantiation that appears to be contradicted by past precedent and by facts on the ground. It is a mirage that some people cling to as a way of convincing themselves and others that an action likely to lead to complete failure in Iraq will instead lead to at least partial success. As the president and Congress deliberate on the best way ahead for the United States and Iraq, therefore, the choices are quite stark. Either the United States can continue its efforts to establish security while improving the capabilities of the ISF or it can abandon those efforts, withdraw, and allow Iraq to sink into chaos where terrorists can flourish. I urge all Members of the Senate to pay attention to the wisdom of Mr. Kagan's report.”