Wyoming Senator's Response on Iraq

I complained about the nonsensical reponse I received from Wyoming Rep. Barbara Cubin after I e-mailed her my objection to Pres. Bush's troop surge for Iraq (see the Feb. 10 post). I also e-mailed my two senators, and received more thoughtful replies. This one comes from Sen. Mike Enzi, a fiscal conservative from Gillette and fairly moderate when it comes to most legislation. He is an arts supporter, and is one of the members of the Congressional Arts Caucus. My main complaint is that he too often tows the Republican Party line instead of relying on his own gut instincts -- and the wishes of his eclectic constituency. Here's his e-mail:

Dear Michael:

I appreciate the candor of your comments on Iraq and thoughts on President Bush's new direction for Iraq.

On January 8, 2006, I met with President Bush at the White House in preparation for the new military and diplomatic strategy for Iraq. President Bush is committed to achieving a stable Iraq where the Iraqi people will be able to determine their own future. The increase in troop strength is meant to achieve specific benchmarks. I will be evaluating closely the progress the Iraqis and our armed forces are making on these benchmarks. No one wants our troops to remain in Iraq any longer than necessary. My goal has always been for American armed forces to stand down as the Iraqi forces stand up. However, the United States cannot abandon the efforts of the people who have sacrificed so much.

Ultimately, the future of Iraq is up to the Iraqi people. Iraq must put together an impartial coalition of its three major groups, the Kurds, Sunnis, and Shia, as well as other ethnic and religious minorities. Kurdish participation in the government with a pledge of equal enforcement with the Shias and Sunnis has a chance - one worth taking. They must work for national reconciliation through shared responsibilities as well as shared oil revenues being used to solve problems in their own country. This reconciliation will not only be good for Iraq, but the Middle East as a whole. America's long-term security interests and the possibility of world peace would be best served by an Iraq that can sustain, govern, and defend itself, while serving as an ally in the war against the terrorists.

The first war decision I was involved in after coming to the United States Senate was Kosovo. We had a look at extreme religious intolerance and violence. I sincerely think if we just pull our troops out of Iraq, the sectarian violence will dwarf Kosovo.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important issue.

I want my constituents to have access to a more complete view of Congress and my activities so I have started a monthly e-newsletter. It is a brief summary of important issues and happenings. I encourage you to sign up on my web page.

Sincerely,

Michael B. Enzi, U.S. Senator