Bob Kerrey: “Third, we should openly and consistently state our goal of a free, democratic Iraq, even if we have to state it…”

“Third, we should openly and consistently state our goal of a free, democratic Iraq, even if we have to state it repeatedly for years. To accept less and say less is simply unworthy of our heritage. Mr. President, there are additional steps which are essential if we are to achieve our goal: We should announce our intention to see Saddam Hussein indicted and tried for war crimes and genocide. As some commentators have suggested, the United States should form an umbrella organization of pro-democracy Iraqi exile groups and support them with money and military supplies. When the exile group seizes significant Iraqi territory, the United States should recognize it as Iraq's government and make frozen Iraqi government funds available to it. The UN has already decided to expand the amount of oil Iraq can sell in exchange for food and medicine. We should work with the UN to facilitate greater amounts of life's necessities getting into the hands of the Iraq people. Over the long term, we should consider the usefulness of sanctions in overthrowing Saddam. The debilitating effect of sanctions on ordinary Iraqis may actually help keep Saddam in power. Our policies should serve the strategy of removing this dictator from office and creating the democratic Iraq and peaceful Middle East which is our goal. Mr. President, I am laying out what could be a long road for the United States. But when you compare today's situation with tomorrow's possibilities, it is a road worth taking.”