Iraq Study Group Issues Report

Calling for immediate and extensive diplomatic efforts to reverse a "grave and deteriorating" situation in Iraq, the bipartisan Iraq Study Group (ISG) today released its final report recommending the United States begin a measured troop withdrawal, while rapidly training Iraq’s military to defend its own country.

While not establishing a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal, the group's report states that, "The United States must not make an open-ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq."

Acknowledging growing dissatisfaction among the American public with the situation in Iraq, the report calls on U.S. political leaders to "bring a responsible conclusion to what is now a lengthy and costly war."

"Our country deserves a debate that prizes substance over rhetoric, and a policy that is adequately funded and sustainable," states the report. "The President and Congress must work together. Our leaders must be candid and forthright with the American people in order to win their support."

The report also recommends that the U.S. work with Iran and Syria to reduce the level of violence in Iraq. "In seeking to influence the behavior of both countries, the United States has disincentives and incentives available," states the report. "Iran should stem the flow of arms and training to Iraq, respect Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and use its influence over Iraqi Shia groups to encourage national reconciliation."

Neither Congress nor the Bush Administration is obligated to act on the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group.

The entire report of the Iraq Study Group can be downloaded from the United States Institute of Peace Website.

Also See:
Iraq Study Group "Reshapes" War on Terror (Terrorism Issues)
Bush Wants $100 Billion More for Iraq War (U.S. Liberals)
Iraq War Results & Statistics as of December 3, 2006 (U.S. Liberals)
Iraq Study Group Final Report (.pdf)