2007.02.15: February 15, 2007: Headlines: Figures: COS - Somalia: Politics: Congress: Iraq: Appleton Post Crescent: Rep. Tom Petri has joined a small but growing number of Republican lawmakers who have broken ranks with the Bush administration by showing disapproval to escalate troop levels in Iraq
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2007.02.15: February 15, 2007: Headlines: Figures: COS - Somalia: Politics: Congress: Iraq: House of Representatives: Congressman Tom Petri says US needs to consider Partition of Iraq :
2007.02.15: February 15, 2007: Headlines: Figures: COS - Somalia: Politics: Congress: Iraq: Appleton Post Crescent: Rep. Tom Petri has joined a small but growing number of Republican lawmakers who have broken ranks with the Bush administration by showing disapproval to escalate troop levels in Iraq
Rep. Tom Petri has joined a small but growing number of Republican lawmakers who have broken ranks with the Bush administration by showing disapproval to escalate troop levels in Iraq
"Just saying no is obstructionism," said Petri, R-Fond du Lac. "What we need is a new way forward to replace the old way that isn't getting us anywhere. It has become clear that trying to establish a multi-ethnic Iraqi democracy - while laudable - simply can't be accomplished by non-Iraqis." Instead, Petri suggested the United States should support the partition of the country into a confederation of regions each dominated by Shiites, Sunnis or Kurds who "can each govern themselves while leaving the others alone." Congressman Tom Petri of Wisconsin served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Somalia in the 1960's.
Rep. Tom Petri has joined a small but growing number of Republican lawmakers who have broken ranks with the Bush administration by showing disapproval to escalate troop levels in Iraq
Petri against troop surge
Republican says ânew wayâ needed to win Iraq war
By Brian Tumulty
Post-Crescent Washington bureau
WASHINGTON - Rep. Tom Petri has joined a small but growing number of Republican lawmakers who have broken ranks with the Bush administration by showing disapproval to escalate troop levels in Iraq.
Petriâs announcement in a floor speech today came with the caveat that he didnât think the nonbonding House resolution addresses the need for a new policy.
"Just saying no is obstructionism," said Petri, R-Fond du Lac. "What we need is a new way forward to replace the old way that isnât getting us anywhere. It has become clear that trying to establish a multi-ethnic Iraqi democracy - while laudable - simply canât be accomplished by non-Iraqis."
Instead, Petri suggested the United States should support the partition of the country into a confederation of regions each dominated by Shiites, Sunnis or Kurds who "can each govern themselves while leaving the others alone."
In a telephonen interview shortly after his speech, Petri said he felt it was important to offer a thoughtful suggestion for a resolution of the Iraq war to provide a basis for his vote.
Petri said he expected 30 to 40 other Republicans to support the Democratic-sponsored resolution.
House passage is expected Friday with all five of the stateâs Democratic lawmakers planning to vote in support. The two other Republicans in the stateâs congressional delegation - Reps. Paul Ryan of Janesville and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner of Menomonee Falls - both oppose the House resolution.
Ryan, however, acknowledged in a floor speech Wednesday he wasnât certain the presidentâs new policy will work.
"Where my doubts lie are with the Iraqi government," Ryan said. "Will the Iraqi government do what we are asking them to do? Will the Iraqi government do what is needed to do to hold up their end of the bargain? I donât know."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is planning a Senate vote on the resolution Saturday.
Brian Tumulty can be reached at 202-906-8133 or btumulty@postcrescent.com
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Headlines: February, 2007; RPCV Tom Petri (Somalia) ; Figures; Peace Corps Somalia; Directory of Somalia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Somalia RPCVs; Politics; Congress; Iraq; Wisconsin
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Story Source: Appleton Post Crescent
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Figures; COS - Somalia; Politics; Congress; Iraq
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