Five years at war: Iraq exit strategies
Meredith Clinton
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: News
Wed., Mar. 19 marked the fifth anniversary of the United States' invasion into Iraq. The College Democrats took it upon themselves to recognize this day by hosting a panel discussion entitled "Exit Strategy: 5 Years of War." The three panelists at the event were David Halperin, Michael Hoffman, and Brian Mello.
Halperin is currently the senior vice president for the Center for American Progress. He served as a speechwriter to President Bill Clinton and former presidential hopeful Howard Dean. Hoffman is the co-founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, served in the original invasion into Iraq, and is a student here at the College. Mello is an assistant professor of political science at the College.
The discussion began with each panelist discussing their views on the United States leaving Iraq. The first panelist to speak was Mr. Halperin.
Halperin was adamant about the fact that there cannot be an exit strategy without us, the people. While it is true that the administration is not listening to opposition to the war, Halperin pointed out that there has not been any outrage opposition seen.
The United States is inarguably in a terrible starting position to withdraw from Iraq, and any option to withdraw will most likely end in more suffering. But, as Halperin urged, "it is time for us as citizens to take action." There is no simply military solution to this problem; the country needs to resort to political reconciliation.
Hoffman was the next panelist to offer his opinion, and he gave a number of reasons as to why the United States needs to get out of Iraq. One of the most pressing issues is that the United States occupation is taking away from the legitimacy of any government system in Iraq. Hoffman said that he wants an actual date given for the country to exit Iraq, something that none of the current presidential candidates are offering.
This does not mean that Hoffman wants the United States to abandon Iraq in any way, but the way in which are currently "helping" the country is not effective or efficient.
Halperin is currently the senior vice president for the Center for American Progress. He served as a speechwriter to President Bill Clinton and former presidential hopeful Howard Dean. Hoffman is the co-founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, served in the original invasion into Iraq, and is a student here at the College. Mello is an assistant professor of political science at the College.
The discussion began with each panelist discussing their views on the United States leaving Iraq. The first panelist to speak was Mr. Halperin.
Halperin was adamant about the fact that there cannot be an exit strategy without us, the people. While it is true that the administration is not listening to opposition to the war, Halperin pointed out that there has not been any outrage opposition seen.
The United States is inarguably in a terrible starting position to withdraw from Iraq, and any option to withdraw will most likely end in more suffering. But, as Halperin urged, "it is time for us as citizens to take action." There is no simply military solution to this problem; the country needs to resort to political reconciliation.
Hoffman was the next panelist to offer his opinion, and he gave a number of reasons as to why the United States needs to get out of Iraq. One of the most pressing issues is that the United States occupation is taking away from the legitimacy of any government system in Iraq. Hoffman said that he wants an actual date given for the country to exit Iraq, something that none of the current presidential candidates are offering.
This does not mean that Hoffman wants the United States to abandon Iraq in any way, but the way in which are currently "helping" the country is not effective or efficient.