It has become clear
that the presence of U.S. and other foreign troops is a primary
cause of violence in Iraq.
Sunni
strongholds continue to resist American plans for the country;
foreign Islamic terrorists have entered the country to fight the
American occupation; car-bombings, suicide attacks, and hostile
fire from growing segments of the population have culminated in
an insurgency as serious as any since Vietnam; and the country
seems to grow less secure by the day.
A
recent British poll of Iraqis found that 82% are strongly opposed
to the presence of foreign troops and less than 1% think that the
occupation forces are improving security in that country.
Withdrawing our military from Iraq is the just
and honorable solution to an unjust war.
While
helping Iraq rebuild and achieve stability are worthy goals,
after two years of war our continued presence undermines those
goals more than it helps. Do no more harm, must be our
guiding principle. The United States should continue assisting
the Iraqi people to get back on their feet. But
it is time to withdraw our troops to avoid causing more American
and Iraqi casualties.
Dear President Bush,
It is clear that the situation in Iraq has been handled disastrously and that it is time to bring our soldiers home.
Our presence in Iraq has already cost the American people dearly. Over 2,000 soldiers have been killed and over 14,000 wounded; we have allocated $357 billion to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and spent over $200 billion. Deadly attacks against American and Iraqi security forces continue on a daily basis and the occupation by American troops provides insurgents with a constant stream of new recruits.
Iraq has become a quagmire, and I urge you to bring our troops home.
Sincerely,
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