Bush’s New Optimism No Substitute For A Real Plan For Iraq

Today during a press conference at the White House, President Bush said, “I sense something different happening in Iraq.” His upbeat assessment also included the assurance that “progress would be steady” going forward. He also repeated his assertion that he would “listen to commanders on the ground” when making decisions about American troop levels in Iraq. But, President Bush remains steadfast in his refusal to provide any sort of timetable for the American presence in Iraq nor did he provide a measure for success. [President Bush, Press Conference, 6/14/06]

“We agree with President Bush that our troops should be commended on their heroism and continued brave service in a dangerous war zone,” said Democratic National Committee Press Secretary Stacie Paxton. “But the President’s optimism is no substitute for a real plan for Iraq that will help the American people understand when the mission is successful and completed. President Bush continues to say that he will listen to his commanders about troop levels, but he keeps contradicting their own predictions and as recently as last month sent even more troops into Iraq. The President must speak honestly to the American people about Iraq, make sure that 2006 is a year of transition, and provide clear benchmarks for success.”