Policy Watch: Republican deadline in Iraq

Abstract

"The American public's growing unhappiness with the war in Iraq played a large role in the November 2006 elections that resulted in the Democrats retaking control of both the House and the Senate. The lesson for the Republicans is clear: If American forces are still bogged down in Iraq two years from now, the Democrats are highly likely to win the presidential elections as well as strengthen their control over both houses of Congress. If the Republicans are to have a fighting chance of keeping the presidency and retaking control of the closely divided Senate (their retaking the House will be much more difficult), American forces have to be out of Iraq or clearly on the way out -- whether or not ""victory"" has been achieved. And it seems highly unlikely that America can achieve that victory."