Cord Byrd: “few would argue that these are challenging times for U.S. foreign policy. Faced with threats from a growing radical…”

“few would argue that these are challenging times for U.S. foreign policy. Faced with threats from a growing radical Islamic ideology, tense situations in North Korea and Iran, an escalating civil war in Iraq, humanitarian crises of biblical proportions in Africa and elsewhere, and countless other challenges, it is clear that we need as perhaps never before the hand of experience guiding our foreign policy. It is no secret that I have disagreed--deeply disagreed--with many of the foreign policy decisions made by this administration. I said in 2002 that it was a mistake to invade Iraq, and my judgement has never wavered: the President was wrong to start this war, he was wrong to continue this war, and he is wrong to escalate this war. However, we are in Iraq now. American men and women are caught in the cross-fire of sectarian warfare that has been brewing for centuries. And I believe that the way out is primarily political and diplomatic, not solely through the use of military force. The recommendations of the Iraq Study Group are just the latest reminder that we must engage diplomatically with other nations--not only with our friends and allies, but also with our competitors and even our enemies--to seek new solutions. That is why the leadership at the State Department is so important, and why I am pleased that last night the Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Ambassador John Negroponte to become Deputy Secretary of State.”