ISG Comments by Jerome Grossman

The Baker-Hamilton Report confirms the weakened political position of President Bush and his policy on Iraq.

However, it also undercut those who advocate immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops, as well as Senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed, who advocate beginning troop withdrawal within four to six months, and Rep. Jack Murtha, who advocates withdrawal as quickly as possible to nearby countries.

The Report calls for up to 20,000 U.S. troops to train Iraqi forces until at least 2008 and perhaps much longer. These 20,000 troops will need a support and protection system of at least 40,000 more troops, a significant presence in Iraq likely to increase support for the insurgents fighting foreign occupation.

U.S. policy in Iraq is a failure, conceived in fraud and misrepresentation and executed in violation of international law. The occupation must be ended immediately, all troops brought home, so that our country can begin to rebuild its policies and reputation.

Jerome Grossman
November 7, 2006