U.S. Representative Ron Kind
As the situation gets more dangerous in Iraq, and the United States is evacuating several staff members at the embassy, President Obama must consider what — if any — military involvement the U.S. will have in suppressing the Sunni surge.
U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) is opposed to sending U.S. troops back into Iraq. “I think that’s a very bad idea. I don’t like the idea of introducing U.S. military personnel in order to address an insurgency in Iraq. We paid a very high price for a very long time.”
Congressman Kind says the Iraqis had an opportunity to work with the U.S. to become better prepared, but turned it down. “This dates back to the Iraqi government refusing to sign a status of force agreement with us, where we could have provided more training and more equipment so they could do a better job of securing their own country. Now, they’re coming back to our doorstep and saying, hey we need help, when we were anticipating this at the time.”
The 3rd District Congressman says the people of Iraq need to step up for their own country. He says, “We can’t be the world’s policeman.” President Obama has moved a carrier and other support ships into the gulf region, and is considering using a small number of special operations soldiers to help evacuate Americans. So far, no order has been given to move in.
Larry Lee, WSAU