Wayne Allard: “I believe, as many do in this body, the current situation in Iraq is not sustainable but that it requires positive…”

“I believe, as many do in this body, the current situation in Iraq is not sustainable but that it requires positive change, not defeatism. I think the worst thing we could do would be to give the terrorists of the world an opportunity to declare victory. In the long run, that would make it more difficult to assure Americans will be safe. This bill includes conditions that do not support the commanders on the ground and sets artificial deadlines for troop withdrawal. I have consistently said we should give the President's plan time to work. There are signs it is. I read today General McCaffrey's assessment. While not upbeat, he did find that 'the situation on the ground has clearly and measurably improved.' He says we have 'little time left.' I agree. But 'little time' is not to set a deadline. Doing so changes the entire strategic picture. We do not want to let the insurgents know they just have to let the clock run down. This is not the time to micromanage the war from Washington and the Congress.”