War in Iraq
Lauzen: Supports General Petraeus’ plans to begin American troop withdrawals in 2008; opposes disclosed timetable for troop reduction; opposes immediate withdrawal; would maintain levels of funding for troops; supports Iraq initiative as part of “broader War on Terror.”
Oberweis: Believes Iraq was a great military victory, but sees significant errors on the follow-through; supports Iraq initiative as part of War on Terror; would maintain funding levels; opposes immediate withdrawal.
Dilger: Supports increased globalization as a way of combating terrorism.
Foster: Wants to immediately remove troops from day-to-day combat operations and move then to safe positions, followed by the withdrawing troops at the “safest logistical rate” possible until strategic redeployment is established in the region to protect against civil war; says draw down of troops “will force the negotiations that would hopefully spur a peace process;” disagrees with perception that troop surge has been successful in reducing violence.
Laesch: “Best outcome” involves immediate withdrawal; giving strong diplomatic and financial support to Iraqi government; transferring of power to multinational peacekeeping coalition; suggests the “absence of diplomacy and a realistic plan to succeed is reason enough to support an immediate withdrawal;” thinks need exists to bring education to area to help foster democracy.
Stein: Remove troops as quickly and safely as possible starting now; wants Iraqi officials to uphold its government and the country’s policing; for every Iraqi soldier trained, one U.S. troop comes home.
Serra: Supports “as much funding as possible” to contain violence and pave way for withdrawal within two years; wants more visible support of troops in Iraq; in general, calls for “a bigger, stronger military.”
