Although Congressional Democrats failed to prevent President Bush's military surge in Iraq last year, they won a concession. They funded the increased deployments, but demanded that the administration report on the success of its operations by September 15. With that day of reckoning almost here, the political battle lines have been drawn. Many Democrats, and a growing number of Republicans, are demanding a withdrawal. The military is stretched to the breaking point, but terrorism remains a threat and the President says the surge needs more time. When General David Petreaus makes his report next week, Bush will face one of his toughest decisions since he launched the war: does the US stay or go? Can Bush continue to fight and still bring some troops home? Guest host Jim Sterngold explores the chaos of Iraq that's taking center stage in the chaotic political arena in Washington.
The Looming Political Battle over Iraq
Credits
Guests:
- Doyle McManus - Los Angeles Times
- Andrew Kohut - Pew Research Center - @pewresearch
- Larry Kaplow - Baghdad Correspondent for Newsweek
- Peter Galbraith - gubernatorial candidate and former diplomat - @GalbraithforVT
- Wayne White - Middle East Policy Council - @middleeastinst