• Background: Pres Bush has supported sanctions on Iran because of its nuclear program
• Debate: No end to violence in sight v. Leaving will cause chaos
• Recent Developments: Unsuccessful withdrawal proposals

Background

• The Iraq war's growing unpopularity among Americans became apparent in the 2006 midterm elections when the Democrats took both the House and the Senate, forcing a break in the President's Iraq strategy. President Bush unveiled his plan to surge more troops into Baghdad and the Anbar province. The main congressional activity on the Iraq War is between those who seek to withdrawal the troops quickly, those who favor a longer timetable, and those who oppose them.
• Beginning in March 2007, Democrats in the House and Senate began considering bills that would provide $100 billion for U.S. military operations in Iraq through September 2007 and also demand withdrawing troops by 2008. This bill was vetoed by President Bush in May 2007.
• President Bush signed a bill by Democrats with no timetables for withdrawal.

Debate

• Many people see the continued violence in Iraq as reason for withdrawal. The US should not fight indefinitely, especially when the situation is not improving.
• Others recognize the difficulty in quelling the violence but think it is too soon to give up on the country. They fear leaving Iraq will result in chaos.

Recent Developments

• Several new withdrawal proposals were introduced by Democrats, which include calls to remove all troops in 2008, measures to cut off funding, the implementation of the Iraq Study Group recommendations, establishing a timetable and benchmarks, and even a proposal to revoke the authorization to go to war in 2002. Many Republicans who supported the policy in Iraq began withdrawal their support, but not all voted for the Democratic proposals.