WAR: Former Secretary of State Baker suggesting A Phased Withdrawal From Iraq, page 1

posted on Jan, 14 2005 @ 04:05 AM

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Another voice was added to the crowing chorus posing the question: Should the U.S. begin pulling out its troops from Iraq. this time however, the voice was from close within the party. Former Secretary of State James Baker, pointing to growing concern that the U.S. may be seen as having Imperial ambitions, has suggested that a phased withdrawal should be considered. However, Baker also pointed out that the security situation needed to be stabilized prior to any withdrawal.

sfgate.com
The growing debate over a possible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq got an added boost Thursday with the dissemination of comments by former Secretary of State James Baker suggesting that the Bush administration should consider a phased withdrawal of some of the 150,000 troops now there.

"Any appearance of a permanent occupation will both undermine domestic support here in the United States and play directly into the hands of those in the Middle East who -- however wrongly -- suspect us of imperial design," Baker said Tuesday in a speech at Rice University in Houston. News reports of his comments were disseminated on national news wires on Thursday.

Baker, a Republican Party stalwart, was an architect of the 1991 Persian Gulf War in the administration of President Bush's father. Bush enlisted him to help win international debt relief for the newly conquered Iraq.

Baker couched his remarks by saying that any such withdrawal should happen only if the security situation improves and once Iraqi forces are ready.

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Baker is old school, and despite or because of his Carlysle Group connections, is well respected in both conservative circles as well as overseas. If he is calling and making suggustions such as this the Bush neocons will have to at least pay attention to it. If the security situation can be resolved then there simply is no need for as many troops as we have now. However, we have a long way to go and the election is only a start not an end to the troubles.

dixon

posted on Jan, 14 2005 @ 04:21 AM

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If I recall correctly, Baker was also Bush's lawyer in the legal battle with Gore. Interesting that he is now giving counsel of a different sort. Well, hope Bush listens loud and clear.

FredT

posted on Jan, 14 2005 @ 04:26 AM

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If anybody can chop through the neocons it will be Baker. However, even he couched the suggestion with the security situation being needed to be resolved.

dixon

posted on Jan, 14 2005 @ 04:28 AM

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Looks like practical advice from Baker.

Can't leave too much of a mess behind.

Seekerof

posted on Jan, 14 2005 @ 04:43 AM

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Despite Baker's past dubious connections and thoughts, this one has merit.
Realistically, I believe that any type exit strategy will be ultimately determined by the outcome of the upcoming elections.

seekerof

dixon

posted on Jan, 14 2005 @ 08:13 AM

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I would agree. But it would appear to me that the elections outcome is a no brainer. So, the adminisrtation can start preparations for a graduated withdrawal out of Iraq back home or elsewhere.