by David Lerman
One day after returning from his first visit to Iraq, Virginia Sen. Jim Webb called again for ``robust regional diplomacy” and suggested the impact of President Bush’s troop surge has been overstated.
Appearing today on NBC’s Meet the Press, the former Navy secretary and Marine combat veteran credited U.S. troops for helping increase security. But Webb, an early and vocal critic of the Iraq war, showed no sign of changing his view after a two-day trip to Iraq and Kuwait.
The trip included a visit to Anbar province in western Iraq, where his son Jimmy served in combat last year.
Administration officials and supporters have pointed to a lessening of violence in Anbar—and a decision by some Sunni insurgents there to side with U.S. forces against al Qaeda terrorists-- as an indication of progress in Iraq.
But Webb suggested the realignment of Sunni forces had little to do with the surge of U.S. troops and was more a reaction to a growing frustration with al Qaeda terrorists.
``This was happening before the surge began, well before the surge began,” Webb said. ``And it would have been happening if there wasn’t a surge.”
The increasing sense of security in Iraq has allowed Iraqi refugees to begin returning to the war-torn country, according to recent news reports. But Webb described the troop surge, as he did from its inception this year, as a ``tactical adjustment” that ``didn’t change the over-arching strategy of what we are trying to do.”
Webb, a freshman Democrat who has won outsized attention in Congress on the Iraq war because of his military background, said several positive factors on the ground in Iraq have conspired to create ``a very important interval” for the United States.
With the easing of tensions in Anbar, restraint from an influential Shiite leader in Baghdad and interest by Turkey in avoiding a Kurdish guerrilla war on its border, Webb said the time is right to launch an intensive round of diplomacy.
``That’s the only way that we’re going to be able to take advantage of the quality of the work that our military people have done,” Webb said. ``And we’re still waiting.”
But for all his criticism of the war and White House strategy, Webb declined to endorse the call of more liberal Democrats seeking to cut off funding for the war.
``The one thing for sure is, nobody is going to cut off funding for the things that are necessary for our people to be able to do their job on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan,” the senator said. ``I think that’s just not a winning formula.”
Webb also said he was concerned about a new agreement reached between the U.S. and the prime minister of Iraq that envisions a long-term military presence in Iraq.
``There has to be a formula here where the United States Congress specifically ratifies the notion of long-term bases, if that’s where they’re going,” Webb said. ``I do not believe we should have long-term bases in Iraq. I believe we should get this overwatch done, we should move our combat troops off the streets of Iraq, and we should move toward a situation where we do not have a large military presence in that region.”
In his 20-minute interview, Webb also played up the chance that Virginia could elect a Democrat for president next year, despite its long history of siding with Republicans. The last Democratic president to win Virginia was Lyndon Johnson in 1964.
Webb, who ousted Republican Sen. George Allen last year, cited Democratic victories in Republican-friendly districts in the General Assembly races in Hampton Roads last month as evidence of growing Democratic strength.
Based on recent electoral history and the changing demographics of Virginia, he said, ``The state is open.”
Webb again dismissed the notion of serving as a vice-presidential running mate, when asked by moderator Tim Russert.
``Nobody is talking to me, and I don’t think that would be a great-- I don’t think that would be a compelling enough reason for me to leave what I’m doing right now.”
Without explicitly ruling out the possibility of a vice-presidential bid, Webb said, ``I really am not interested in that.”
David Lerman reports for The Daily Press of Hampton Roads, Va., a Tribune Co. newspaper.
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Comments
The Neocon agenda (Bush/Cheney/Giuliani) will be achieved regardless of how many Americans are killed and regardless of how many Iraqi's are killed, this whole "surge" business is just a way for W. to "stay the course" until Jan 09.
We were going to be in Iraq and multinational oil companies (Halliburton) were going to receive oil revenues for building infrastructure, no matter how much they charge and how long they take. It was always about the money for the Republicans.
So, we have NO Iraqi military - only an American one.
Here's a good look at how "swell" the training of the Iraqi military is coming along:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfSwS4OO51w
The corporate profits will go directly to the share-holders, without having a 'security' expense line in the ledgers. Anybody checking Exxon-Mobile stock?
Congratulations Republicans, your Neocon corporate sponsers would like to thank you for all of their success $$$$$.
Posted by: Billy Zoom | December 2, 2007 3:56 PM
At this point it seems pretty pointless whether the surge is working or not. Why are we still there? Who will be held accountable for lying us into this war in the first place.
Posted by: donkey | December 2, 2007 4:52 PM
More stupidiity from the grandest idiots of the world: the Loons on the Left.
Donkeyhead, lies? Sorry, but your party had been talking about Iraqi WMDs, Iraqi terrorism and regime change throughtout the 1990s and they kept that tune right past their vote to authorize the Iraqi War in 2002.
Webb has an agenda and a grudge. If this was WWII and we just dropped the bomb on Japan, he'd still insist the war is lost and no headway being made.
Posted by: John D | December 2, 2007 5:22 PM
Can somebody explain what bombing Japan has to do with anything?
I say, declare Victory, and bring the troops home. Let Halliburton pay for its own security.
Posted by: athena | December 2, 2007 6:13 PM
For Billy Zoom, you rather destroy your argument by referring to Bush, Cheney and Giuliani as "neocons." Obviously, you don't know the meaning of the word. A neocon is a former liberal now espousing conservative values. None of the three could pass as a former liberal, though there are plenty of libs who have become conservatives. Ever hear of a "neolib?" Nope, because conservatives don't switch sides. And by the way, did anyone really expect Webb to find anything contrary to his party's propaganda? Didn't think so.
Posted by: Santana | December 2, 2007 6:16 PM
You lefties don't care about America you only care about you.
We are in a world war with Islamofascists and they want to kill us indiscrimately.
They are savages and human animals because they hide behind children and women in schools, mosques and hospitals these people could care less what devastation they do.it doesen't seem pointless --the poster is wrong!
You think by being friendly with these savages you can be friends not on your life they only want to destroy you and your fsmily--that's only stupdity they will kill you and your family. Jerry White, Springfield,IL
Posted by: Jerry White | December 2, 2007 8:37 PM
More stupidiity from the grandest idiots of the world: the Loons on the Left.
Donkeyhead, lies? Sorry, but your party had been talking about Iraqi WMDs, Iraqi terrorism and regime change throughtout the 1990s and they kept that tune right past their vote to authorize the Iraqi War in 2002.
Webb has an agenda and a grudge. If this was WWII and we just dropped the bomb on Japan, he'd still insist the war is lost and no headway being made.
Posted by: John D | December 2, 2007 5:22 PM
For some unknown reason John I feel sorry for you. So again I'll point out the many flaws in your hobgoblin like metality.
First off, I watched the interview this morning and Mr Webb has anything but a single-minded agenda. He is very bright and is a combat veteran. His son has his boots on the ground over there 24-7. He has access to allot of military personel who respect and share there views on the situation with him. Unlike you John, soldiers are not a bunch of zombies with no opinion, or mind of their own. They do the job with the utmost patriotism but that doesn't mean they can't see what time it really is over there. I'm sure they were happy to share the 411 with Mr Webb.
"Appearing today on NBC’s Meet the Press, the former Navy secretary and Marine combat veteran credited U.S. troops for helping increase security. But Webb, an early and vocal critic of the Iraq war, showed no sign of changing his view after a two-day trip to Iraq and Kuwait.
The trip included a visit to Anbar province in western Iraq, where his son Jimmy served in combat last year."
Before you slander a guy like this you should give him the respect he deserves and has earned. Maybe you should have watched the interview before you typed your little insult riddled tirade. People like Sen. Jim Webb deserve better. After all he fought to protect your right to hide behind a keyboard typing childish rants.
"People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | December 2, 2007 11:59 PM
They're outside of your house Jerry, they're in the wood pile. They live in the sewer Jerry, and they're coming for you...Jerry.
Posted by: bill r. | December 3, 2007 12:44 AM
You lefties don't care about America you only care about you.
We are in a world war with Islamofascists and they want to kill us indiscrimately.
Posted by: Jerry White | December 2, 2007 8:37 PM
Jerry you need to see a shrink. Like real soon.
Posted by: Andy Dick | December 3, 2007 2:43 AM
Webb has it just about right.
Another important factor is the flood of refugees, estimated at between 2,5 - 4 million - that left.
If things look at all improved, many will return, and a new round of violence will flare up.
With more than a million dead and at least 2.5 million fled (out of a population of about 20 million) it is clear the U.S. has created a human disaster. The total of those two categories is greater than the population of Chicago.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | December 3, 2007 8:21 AM
Logic dude, Webb says nothing has changed upon his visit to Iraq. Hmmm, even John Murtha, also a combat veteran, changed his tune after being there last week. Liberal Rep. Brian Baird of Washington also changed his mind after being there.
Logic, most of the guys there want the job done and the done right, that means no cutting and running. The guys there speak of successes. The guys there speak of positive movements. The guys there don't want the years they've spent there nor the blood of their buddies to be in vain.
Again, no matter what happens in Iraq, Webb will be against it and will ignore the successes and good news.
Posted by: John D | December 3, 2007 9:19 AM
"One man who sat where you do now and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968 is another member of our Administration--Assistant Secretary of Defense James Webb, the most decorated member of his class. James' gallantry as a Marine officer in Vietnam won him the Navy Cross and other decorations, including two Purple Hearts. James wrote several books about American servicemen and women. In his book, a Sense of Honor, he describes the life that you have chosen."
Ronald Reagan.
Webb was the most decorated member of his Naval Academy class, and served for almost 4 years in Reagan's defense department, yet John D questions his military judgement.
John, why do you hate Marine veterans, Reagan appointees, and America?
Posted by: AJF | December 3, 2007 9:33 AM
Jim Webb has anti-W syndrome. He has been mad ever since his son went to Iraq and when W asked how his son was. Webb wouldn't even talk to him about it.
Webb is a Republican who turned Democrat and they are always the worst kind like Jumpin Jim Jeffords.
The driveby media is fascinated with this jerk from Virginia. They like any GOP person who changes sides so they can be like them. Liberals only love liberals. Hopefully Webb will get beat for re-election but, his first term will take 6 years that's along time to put up with a bully. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | December 3, 2007 10:12 AM
A tarnished international reputation and untold amount of tax dollars down the drain. Dead and wounded soldiers. No-bid contracts to corporate cronies of the Bush/Cheney Whitehouse. Extended tours of duty. A failed defence secretary who had a terrible strategy.
John D if Jim Webb is against the war I can certainly see why!
Having said that I reiterate he has a very good handle on the situation. I find it hard to believe anyone could watch that interview on Meet The Press and not find him impressive.
Look I have a pretty good idea of how service folks think as I not only served, but grew up in a family of service people. That service to country took us all around the world and your point of finishing the job is understood. However until the people of Iraq take responsibility for their own affairs no amount of American blood and treasure will affect a permanent change. The potential to produce not necessarily “victory” but a sustainable stability that both we and the Iraqis could live with is there. However this does not rewrite history. The Iraq fiasco has been ill-conceived from the beginning.
The troops feel confident in Gen.Petraeus. They are confident in his strategy, they see real results, and they feel now they have the numbers needed to make a real difference.
Outside Baghdad, one of the biggest factors in the progress so far has been the efforts to decentralize power to the provinces and local governments. But more has to be done. For example, the Iraqi National Police, which are controlled by the Interior Ministry, remain mostly a disaster. In response towns and neighborhoods are standing up local police forces, which generally prove more effective, less corrupt and less sectarian. The U.S. has to force the warlords in Baghdad to allow the creation of neutral security forces beyond their control.
We still face huge hurdles on the political front. Iraqi politicians continue to maneuver for position against one another when major steps towards reconciliation, or at least accommodation, are needed. This cannot continue indefinitely. Otherwise, once we begin to downsize, important communities may not feel committed to the status quo, and Iraqi security forces may splinter along ethnic and religious lines.
How much longer should American troops keep fighting and dying to build a new Iraq while Iraqi leaders fail to do their part??? And how much longer can we wear down our forces in this mission??? Questions that underscore the reality that the surge cannot go on forever.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | December 3, 2007 10:27 AM
Santana,
Study hard and you too will catch up with the rest of the class.
The "definition" you quote of neoconservatism is absurd on its face. First, what are these "conservative" values being espoused by "former liberals?"
In fact, Neoconservatism is a distinct philosophy, that rejects many of the main tenets of conservatism. Take the time to read what Neocon "godfather" Irving Kristol has to say about his movement- http://www.amnation.com/vfr/archives/001679.html
Since your "former liberal" qualification is bunk, and George Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleeza Rice, Dick Cheney & Co. all signed the Neoconservative Manifesto known as the Project for a New American Century, they are indeed the foremost Neoconservatives in the country.
Ask real "paleoconservatives" like John W what they think of your definition of neoconservatism. I'm not sure why I bother to debunk it, because its actually better for liberals if everyone accepts your hamhanded definition of neocon, because the way of the future for the Republic Party is to rid itself of the neocons and get back to what it used to do well: means-spirited old-school conservatism, meaning "to conserve" wealth and power and fight against change.
Posted by: Jones | December 3, 2007 10:59 AM
AJF, there are plenty of military veterans who talk a different tune than Mr. Webb in regard to Iraq.
Webb isn't using his military acumen to describe Iraq, he is relying on his biases and agenda. Also, AJF, Webb didn't last too long in the Reagan administration.
Webb loves to sing different tunes. In 2000, he sung the praises of George Allen. He sung Allen's praises till he decided to challenge George Allen. And his reasons were all personal. He was against the war from the beginning and it became personal for him. And, that is his right. But when speaking on what to do, Mr. Webb should be open about his views and his agenda. And his actions in the past 18 months have little to do with sound reasoning and more to do with a man on a personal vendetta.
Posted by: John D | December 3, 2007 12:19 PM
"Webb isn't using his military acumen to describe Iraq, he is relying on his biases and agenda."
Is that your unbiased and agenda free military analysis John?
Which military academy did you graduate from? How many years of service do you have? Which decorations have you recieved? What high level posts have you held in the Defense Department?
You obviously feel qualified to reject the basis of Webb's analysis, so I assume you have similar credentials to his.
"Also, AJF, Webb didn't last too long in the Reagan administration."
John he was there for four years. Do you even know what the break between Webb and Reagan was about? Webb wanted to INCREASE the size of the Navy more than Reagan did.
Why do you hate the military John? Why do you hate America?
Posted by: AJF | December 3, 2007 12:42 PM
Mr. Webb should be open about his views and his agenda. And his actions in the past 18 months have little to do with sound reasoning and more to do with a man on a personal vendetta.
Posted by: John D | December 3, 2007 12:19 PM
Had you actually watched the meet The Press interview you would have seen that he operates from sound reasoning. He was very open about "his agenda." John your agenda is clear. You make up your mind despite any clearly stated facts to the contrary. Then you insult anyone who opposes you with no regard for any legitimate discourse. Like AJF said, why do you hate the military John??? Why do you hate America???
A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | December 3, 2007 5:22 PM