Iraq

This war has taken an immense toll on our troops, our country and the world.  I have seen the effects it has had on our troops firsthand.  My nephew is on his 4^th tour of duty, my foster son has returned and is suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome and we are the lucky ones.  4000 American families have lost loved ones. The time is long overdue to develop a plan for an organized disengagement from Iraq. I support a systematic withdrawal of our troops. We must do all we can to bring our troops home safely and with honor.  This disengagement does not mean abandonment. Iraq is experiencing what many have for some time labeled a civil war. We need to fulfill our obligations to restore civil society in that nation and work toward broader multilateral relations in the region. Diplomacy is not appeasement and we need to begin to make real diplomatic efforts in Iraq and in the region.  No one benefits from a chaotic Iraq, thus engaging our allies in the region and throughout Europe in stabiilzing Iraq will benefit us all.