TF2

Shays Supports Bush Surge...stands against majority of Americans


That's right. The same Chris Shays who only months ago promised the voters that he was for a time-tabled withdrawal of troops from Iraq now stands with President Bush and his surge. Check out his website, house.gov/shays. You can watch Rep. Shays' speak against a non-binding resolution that opposes President Bush's surge. thefederalist does not support the cut and run tactics of the Obamas, Edwards, and Murthas of the world. However, one cannot help but wonder how 20,000 additional troops will help fix the mess in Iraq. It is clear that the power to fix this situation lies in the hands of the Iraqi people and their elected leaders.

thefederalist isn't going to pretend he has an in-depth knowledge about the complicated disaster (that's putting it lightly) that is Middle-Eastern policy. But, with a gun to my head, I would say that the best plan available for "success" in Iraq comes from the great state of Delaware's senator, and presidential hopeful, Joe Biden. With all the talk about '08, I couldn't help but browse nearly every candidate's website (yes, even Kucinich). What impressed me was that Senator Biden had a separate website, entirely devoted to his plan to fix Iraq. I would recommend that all of you go to , and get a good look at this for yourself. Biden calls for a federalization of Iraq, giving the three main ethnic groups (Sunni, Shiia, and Kurds) their own autonomous regions. These regions would have local control over some issues, while issues of national interest, such as military force and the distribution of oil profits, would fall under the jurisdiction of a national government. Hmm...a group of small states with local control over some issues under a national government with control over others...I've heard of this before but I can't remember where...

There are those who disagree with this plan. However, it would appear that Biden is the only candidate with an actual plan. Some Republicans support President Bush's troop surge (even while doubting its ability to succeed, just ask Rudy). Most Democrats simply say bring the troops home (Edwards, Obama, Kucinich). Even thefederalist understands that if we left Iraq today, we would eventually have to return, and possibly under worse conditions. And of course there are some candidates...well...there is Senator Hillary Clinton...who is just doing her best to mirror whatever the pollsters tell her.

There are many who think that Iraq will be divided, whether it's on our terms or someone else's. This could lead to trouble, especially if it divides into three completely separate nations. For example, an independent Kurdish nation in the north (what is no northern Iraq) border Kurdish Turkey, but also Shi'ia Iran. Iran could view this high concentration of Kurds (or possibly Turkey absorbing the new Kurdish nation) as a military threat, and respond in kind. Iran would also have substantial sway in a new Shi'ia nation, giving it more clout in the entire region. The last thing Americans should want is for Iran to gain more political power in the region (especially with its current leadership). A total break-up of Iraq almost assures this, reducing the United States to the drunken guest that caused the mess, while elevating the power of an Anti-semitic, power hungry, and dangerous regime.

We need to change course in Iraq. To federalize the nation is the best solution we have. Better for it to happen on our terms, not Iran's.







On a much lighter subject....

....with all the talk about '08 one can't help but think about '07. Seems like the Young/Klein election was only yesterday, and here we are, a mere 9 months away from doing it all over again. Of course, we're not quite sure of the players who will be involved. On the Republican side, two names come to mind: Peter Hovell and Flora Smith. The former head of the BOF, Mr. Hovell would certainly be the the choice between the two if it came to experience. This would also give the town a clear choice in November between First Selectwoman Klein's style of leadership and Hovell's (assuming Klein runs). Ms. Smith, however, clearly has the energy to run a campaign. She was an active supporter of the Young ticket in '05, and could decide that now is her time. Interestingly, someone told me that Ms. Smith formed an exploratory committee to look at a possible '07 run. thefederalist doubts this to be true, as it seems a little overboard...unless you are running for president.

And of course the next question...will our current First Selectwoman seek another term of office? On other CT blogs, some have speculated that Klein would make a good candidate to run against Shays. However, friends close to the First Selectwoman have told me that she has absolutely no interest in taking a political career to another level. This should make the people of our town feel good, as we have a leader with a focus on doing her job, not furthering her ambitions. But, one couldn't blame Klein if she chooses to sit this one out. There is no doubt that the Klein haters will be out in full force come the fall of 2007. But, we are nine months away, and it's a little foolish to be thinking that far ahead....


...which begs the question...why am I planning my next entry to be about the presidential election in '08?!

# posted by thefederalist @ 7:36 AM