Political Quotes

Dick Durbin: “Our feeling is that we could not do it immediately. The Baker-Hamilton study group suggested that we would basically…”

On the recordJanuary 10, 2007
Our feeling is that we could not do it immediately. The Baker-Hamilton study group suggested that we would basically redeploy our troops over a 15-month basis. That would suggest an orderly movement of troops of maybe 10,000 a month. But if you did it precipitously, it would create a danger for our troops and an instability. I think if we had an orderly redeployment, withdrawal, the Iraqis would get the message that they have to step in as American troops are redeployed.
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Discussing troop redeployment in Iraq based on the Baker-Hamilton study group's recommendations.

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Oct 13, 2026

You can’t survive in politics unless you’re optimistic. You’ve got to believe that even though you face a setback or you don’t have all the laws you need, that tomorrow will be better.

rollcall.com
Oct 9, 2026

We ask that you immediately provide all committee records that you have withheld, commit to fully complying with Senate Rules XXVI and XXVII going forward, and apologize to Mr. Smith on behalf of the Committee.

durbin.senate.gov
Oct 13, 2026

To leave here without this being a law finalized to protect these young people … is painful, really painful. I don’t want them to feel like I’m abandoning them.

rollcall.com
Oct 10, 2026

Public executions have no place in a democracy.

huffpost.com

Other voices in this conversation