US President George W. Bush has warned opposition Democrats against cutting funds for the Iraq war, and challenged those who oppose his new strategy to put an alternative on the table.
"Those who refuse to give this plan a chance to work have an obligation to offer an alternative that has a better chance for success. To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible," he said in his weekly radio address.
He called his new plan "an important mission that will in large part determine the outcome in Iraq" and warned that "our brave troops should not have to wonder if their leaders in Washington will give them what they need." "Whatever our differences on strategy and tactics, we all have a duty to ensure that our troops have what they need to succeed," said the US leader Saturday.
"We recognize that many members of Congress are skeptical. Some say our approach is really just more troops for the same strategy. In fact, we have a new strategy with a new mission: helping secure the population, especially in Baghdad. Our plan puts Iraqis in the lead," said the president.
"Only the Iraqis can end the sectarian violence and secure their people. Their leaders understand this, and they are stepping forward to do it. But they need our help, and it is in our interests to provide that help," he said.
On her part, US Senator, Hillary Clinton said Saturday during her visit to Iraq that she doubted the United States or Iraqi government can pacify the country. "I don't know that the American people or the Congress at this point believe this mission can work," she told ABC news.
"And in the absence of a commitment that is backed up by actions from the Iraqi government, why should we believe it?" "This is heartbreaking," she said.
