Bill Nelson: “the Senate's debate on U.S. policy with respect to the war in Iraq has been healthy. There is no question but that every…”

“the Senate's debate on U.S. policy with respect to the war in Iraq has been healthy. There is no question but that every Member of this Chamber is deeply proud of America's men and women in uniform and the magnificent job they have done and continue to do to bring peace and stability to that troubled land. Like all my colleagues, I want them all to come home to their loved ones and this grateful Nation as soon as possible. But our departure from Iraq must not leave a greater risk of terror taking hold there. We cannot afford to leave Iraq in a condition that terrorists could take over the country, as they did in Afghanistan before September 11. I have given the views of my colleagues on all sides of today's votes careful consideration. I have concluded that I cannot support any policy that would set an arbitrary timeline for the start, rate, or conclusion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. The decision to drawdown American forces must be based on the application of our military commanders' professional judgment assessing actual security conditions on the ground. Withdrawal of U.S. forces must be based on the objective criteria of local stability and the capability of Iraqi forces. Setting a timeline for withdrawal limits our Commander in Chief's strategic options and denies our local commanders the operational flexibility necessary to sustain progress to stability and reduce the risks of the insurgency taking any tactical advantage.…”