Why should more Americans die while we refuse to discuss the situation with Iran?

[Clarkie1]

Clark says U.S. must talk with Iranians
General says more troops not what's needed in Iraq
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
By SHELBY G. SPIRES
Times Military Writer [e-mail]

Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark called for a "surge of diplomacy" instead of American troops to improve the situation in war-torn Iraq during a visit to Huntsville on Monday.

Clark, a Democratic presidential candidate in 2004 who is considering another run in 2008, blamed Iran for supporting insurgents and causing violence in Iraq. Clark called on the White House to find a diplomatic solution instead of sending more troops to the region.

"Why should we be afraid of talking with the Iranians? During the Vietnam War, we had channels of communication with the North Vietnamese and during the Cold War we had an embassy in Moscow," Clark said. "We have always been willing to discuss differences with our enemies.

"We might not like what they have to say. It might not lead to anything, but we should sit down and meet with Iranian delegates. Why should more Americans die while we refuse to discuss the situation with Iran?"

The war in Iraq "is a mistake from the beginning," said Clark, who led the 1999 NATO war in Kosovo. "We should never have gotten involved there. We should never have stripped forces from Afghanistan, which was a worthwhile effort.

"I'm afraid we are going to lose in Afghanistan because of these mistakes in Iraq."

The opening phase of the war had too few American troops, which has led to anarchy and civil war, said Clark, who said he visited the Middle East last month.

"After the initial combat phase, reconstruction projects and efforts to establish a government also have failed. The elections didn't achieve much in the way that Americans see and believe in elected governments," Clark said. "It's truly a mess there."

Clark said he's not in favor of abandoning Iraq, but he would like to see the focus shift to diplomacy and rebuilding the nation.

"Military force is not always the only option," he said. "We have to improve the political situation - the best we can - and establish a productive economy there.

"We need to put people back to work in Iraq."

Clark was in Alabama to swear in Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks "and to meet with friends and supporters here in Huntsville," he said.

Refusing to commit to a run for president, Clark said he was still considering a 2008 campaign. "I'll make up my mind in the next few weeks - soon," Clark said.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/...

[sam sarrha]

1. it will be Iran 24/7 as soon as we NUKE THEM..!!!