This document proposes an alternative strategy for Democrats on Iraq that calls for changing the US military mission to advisory and assistance, establishing a UN-sanctioned multinational command for 24 months after elections, restricting US troops to operating bases away from cities while providing limited support to Iraqi forces, and reducing US presence to 25,000 troops within 12 months and removing all forces by 2007. This strategy aims to credibly address problems with the current path while refuting claims of abandonment and creating a sustainable approach.

1. New Message for Democrats
on Iraq

2. The Problem
• The Bush Administration claims they are fighting
terrorists in Iraq, which puts Democrats in a position of
opposing “fighting terrorism” when calling for a
withdrawal
• Democrats have not proposed an alternative to the
current plan in Iraq, creating a vacuum in which
“immediate withdrawal” frames the debate
• Democrats have not clarified what they think US forces
should do in Iraq (nor has the Bush Administration)
• The current path will lead to the ignominious withdrawal
of US forces leaving Iraq in chaos and vulnerable to a
terrorist influence from all directions;

3. Opportunities
• Public support for the war is below 40% and declining;
• There is a significant gap between the President’s “total victory”
rhetoric and the true mission of US troops in Iraq; a mission that
dictates keeping large numbers of soldiers and marines inside
bases.
• Privately, commanders on the ground now concede that US forces
cannot prevent a Civil War;
• By calling for a disengagement plan already being pushed by some
in the military chain, the Bush Administration is forced into a position
of rejecting their own plan, or following the Democrats’ lead.
• If the Administration rejects our plan, they will be unable to withdraw
substantial numbers of troops in 2006, which will strengthen
Democrats in the mid-terms.
• Whether the Iraqi Constitution is approved or rejected Democrats
should exploit the opportunity to define a new policy.
– If the constitution is rejected, it is unambiguous evidence for the Bush
Administration’s failure
– If the constitution is adopted, it becomes the trigger for disengagement.

4. Proposed Alternative Strategy
• Change the mission of the US military in Iraq to an advisory and assistance command
• Establish a UN-sanctioned “Multinational Advisory and Assistance Command – Iraq”,
with a mandate of 24 months after the Iraqi elections
• Embed teams of advisors at appropriate tactical levels in the Iraqi Army and security
forces (already done on a limited scale)
• Dismantle the Green Zone – the most visible symbol of occupation in Iraq
• Restrict remaining US troops to one or two large forward operating bases away from
urban centers ALL in tracked armored fighting vehicles and mobile blast-wall
protected ISO container “BattleBoxes” that can rapidly reposition themselves as
needed
• Provide limited logistics support to Iraqi forces, primarily through contractors
• Provide air support when necessary from forces based outside Iraq
• Retain intelligence, communications, and special operations forces at selected points
inside Iraq as part of advisory forces;
• Establish a goal to reduce the total US military presence to 25,000 troops or less
within 12 months of the elections; with a goal of removing all remaining US forces
from Iraq by the end of 2007.
• Keep 2 tracked armored combat brigades in Kuwait as a deterrent force and
emergency reaction force through 2007.

5. Background Principles
• Our military presence has over-stayed its welcome.
• Occupation is a catalyst for conflict, not a benefit to us or to the people of
Iraq.
• We must work to support the new government to the extent we are able –
that is our responsibility.
• Disengagement is not withdrawal, it is a recognition that an intrusive
American military presence is a catalyst for the conflict in Iraq and is
poisoning America’s image in the Islamic world.
• Ultimately, disengagement positions US forces to perform a mission that
makes sense on the operational/strategic levels: provide support that will act
as a shield behind which Iraqi society can develop.
• The end-state goal in Iraq is an Iraq that has a representative government
and is an ally, not a liability, in the broader fight against terrorist groups that
threaten America.
• A plan for phased military disengagement is the only path available that both
recognizes our responsibilities and that is affordable and likely to maintain
the support of the American people.

6. Advantages of New Policy
• A credible alternative to Bush Administration
plan;
• Addresses damage done to both US forces and
Iraqi population;
• Refutes charge of ‘abandoning’ Iraq
• Creates a force that is sustainable in both
military and political terms
• Allows for a shift of key assets to combat Al
Qaeda terrorism emanating from Afghanistan /
Pakistan

7. Advantages of New Policy
• A credible alternative to Bush Administration
plan;
• Addresses damage done to both US forces and
Iraqi population;
• Refutes charge of ‘abandoning’ Iraq
• Creates a force that is sustainable in both
military and political terms
• Allows for a shift of key assets to combat Al
Qaeda terrorism emanating from Afghanistan /
Pakistan