Richardson wants troops out of Iraq next year
December 16, 2006
MANCHESTER, N.H. --New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said Saturday that the administration should set a date to withdraw American troops from Iraq in 2007 and criticized Sen. John McCain's call for boosting troop levels there.
"It makes no sense," the potential Democratic presidential candidate said at St. Anselm College. "There is no military solution. There's got to be a political solution."
Richardson said McCain, seen as a front-runner among potential Republican presidential hopefuls, would only foment sectarian violence with his call for an additional 30,000 troops.
America must reinvigorate its diplomacy in the Middle East by starting with Iraq, Richardson said in an address at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's winter meeting.
"This is not cut and run," he said. "What I'm proposing is something that I believe will work. A fixed withdrawal date. You redeploy those troops."
A withdrawal should be coupled with a political solution and a reconciliation conference with ethnic groups in Iraq, he said. He said it would allow the Pentagon to redeploy forces to Afghanistan and bolster efforts to combat international terrorism.
U.S. Rep-elect Paul Hodes agreed with Richardson that a political solution is needed.
Hodes said an infusion of troops could provide a short period of stabilization, but it was not a long-term answer.
"It is not the answer to what is ailing Iraq or what is ailing us in Iraq," he said. "We need a responsible exit strategy that protects American security."
Richardson said America must renew its commitment to Israel and find ways to deal with Iran and Syria. He said opening up channels for dialogue does not mean America has to make concessions
"Another national security threat: climate," Richardson said.
The former Energy Secretary said the future energy solution includes solar, biomass, fuel-cell technologies and tax credits for renewable energy. He said a program for all vehicles to get 40 mpg must be pursued.
Richardson said the president and Congress must invest more in education, fight for democracy and human rights, and focus on achieving energy independence at home. He also spoke of strengthening the economy.
"I cut taxes and it works if you pay for it, if you target it, if you do it for the middle class," he said. "We should be the party of economic growth."
Richardson said the federal government must reinforce its border security, including hiring more agents. He panned the idea of a wall on the Mexican border to stem illegal immigration. A plan to curb illegal immigration must stay true to Americas ideals as the land of opportunity, said Richardson, a Latino.
Richardson said he would make an announcement in early 2007 on whether he would be a presidential candidate in 2008.
After congratulating New Hampshire Democrats for Election Day victories, Richardson said the 2008 presidential primary is shaping up to be a great proving ground for the candidates.
"Lets be tested," he said, "if I'm running."
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2006/12/16/richardson_wants_troops_out_of_iraq_next_year/
