Mark Udall: “is this really the time for the United States to lead an attack on Iraq and to make this the immediate centerpiece of…”

“is this really the time for the United States to lead an attack on Iraq and to make this the immediate centerpiece of our war on terrorism? I think not. This is not to suggest that military action and war are never justified. Clearly, there are times when force is not only justified but is the most effective means of securing human rights, freedom and security. Knowing when to go to war is as important, however, as recognizing when a war is justified. Liberating the people of Iraq from one of the world's most repressive regimes and preventing Saddam Hussein from acquiring nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction are all worthy goals that are beyond reasonable argument. But are we certain that we have reached the point where war is the only means of achieving these goals? A few weeks ago I joined Senator McCain and other legislators at the Wehrkunde Conference. During the conference, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld confronted the Europeans, challenging them to join in military action to disarm Saddam. Most Europeans balked, and they continue to balk today. We may not be entirely alone, but we remain largely isolated, and that will not only make success in Iraq harder. It will also risk our long-term success in the war against al Qaeda and terrorism. The administration speaks of a short war and assured success. But success in Iraq is not just about eliminating Saddam. Many military experts believe that that will be the easy part.…”