Russ Feingold: “I am deeply concerned that rather than changing course in Iraq, the President is merely rearranging the bureaucracy in…”

“I am deeply concerned that rather than changing course in Iraq, the President is merely rearranging the bureaucracy in the White House. The administration needs to better coordinate the U.S. Government's operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am pleased that Lieutenant General Lute has acknowledged that the U.S. military alone cannot stabilize Iraq and that enhanced efforts by other agencies of the Federal Government are needed. However, I am skeptical that this new position will have a significant impact given that the President still refuses to admit that there is no military solution to the situation in Iraq. Until the President recognizes the need to redeploy our troops from Iraq and seek international assistance in promoting a political resolution, I am afraid that Lieutenant General Lute's efforts will simply contribute to more of the same failed policy. I will continue working to redeploy our troops from Iraq so that we can devote greater resources to our top national security priority--going after the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 and their allies.”