U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) released the following statement on the report issued today by the Iraq Study Group:

“I commend the bipartisan Iraq Study Group for responsibly documenting a need to move away from the President’s failed foreign policy in Iraq.  The report initiates a credible strategy to change the President’s dogmatic “stay the course” approach and explore a new  diplomatic transition of power that will ultimately bring home America’s troops.

“The President is fortunate to have a new majority in Congress that I know stands committed to working together with Defense Secretary-designate Robert Gates to forge a new path forward in Iraq.  But the consensus I am confident we can build in Washington will be more difficult to build in the international community.

“Recommendations 13-17, which emphasize the importance of international engagement in the Middle East are among the ISG report’s most critical suggestions.  There is an absolute need to engage Iraq’s neighbors in reinforcing security and reconciling sectarian differences.  Meeting these goals will stabilize Iraq, and benefit every country in the region.  Congress must work hard to engage countries like Syria and Iran, and renew the President’s commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

“When America invaded Iraq, we lost critical international support in our fight against those who attacked America on September 11th.  The ISG report represents a new opportunity for America to rebuild international favor.  I urge the Administration to channel the bipartisan nature of the ISG report recommendations into a productive strategy that will unify Americans and restore the goodwill of the international community.”
  
Rep. Pascrell is a leading supporter of U.S. Rep. Jack Murtha’s resolution to redeploy troops at the earliest practicable date.

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