Sweeney: Iraq Needs Political, Diplomatic Efforts, Not Military Buildup

by James Parks, Jan 11, 2007

President Bush’s decision to increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq by more than 20,000 ignores the will of the American people and perpetuates this administration’s flawed policy, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said in a statement.

In the statement, Sweeney says:

What is needed in Iraq is an expansion of political and diplomatic efforts—not an increase in United States military performing police functions.  Moreover, sustainable social and economic development and the guarantee of fundamental labor and trade union rights are absolutely essential. The president insists that we must succeed militarily in order to establish the conditions for a political settlement.  In fact, the reverse is true.  Unless there is first the political will to stop the violence, there can be no military solution involving American troops. 

Click here to read the full text of the statement.

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