The Iraq Study Group has presented its report to President Bush, the U.S. Congress and will hold a news conference Wednesday morning to present its report to the American people. Below are excerpts of the group's executive summary.
On redeployment and withdrawal
The primary mission of U.S. forces in Iraq should evolve to one of supporting the Iraqi army, which would take over primary responsibility for combat operations. By the first quarter of 2008, subject to unexpected developments on the security situation on the ground, all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq. At that time, U.S. combat forces in Iraq could be deployed only in units embedded with Iraqi forces, in rapid reaction and special operations teams and in training, equipping, advising, force protection and search and rescue. Intelligence and support efforts would continue. A vital mission of those rapid reaction and special operations forces would be to undertake strikes against al Qaeda in Iraq."
On Iran and Syria
Report says: "Given the ability of Iran and Syria to influence events within Iraq and their interest in avoiding chaos in Iraq, the United States should try to engage them constructively. In seeking to influence the behavior of both countries, the United States has disincentives and incentives available. Iran should stem the flow of arms and training to Iraq, respect Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity and use its influence over Iraqi Shia groups to encourage national reconciliation. The issue of Iran's nuclear programs should continue to be dealt with by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus German. Syria should control its border with Iraq to stem the flow of funding, insurgents and terrorists in and out of Iraq.
The United States cannot achieve its goals in the Middle East unless it deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict and regional instability. There must be renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab Israeli peace on all fronts: Lebanon, Syria and President Bush's June 2002 commitment to a two state solution for Israel and Palestine. This commitment must include direct talks with, by and between Israel, Lebanon, Palestinians (those who accept Israelis right to exist) and Syria. As the United States develops its approach toward Iraq and the Middle East, the United States should provide additional political, economic and military support for Afghanistan including resources that might become available as combat forces are moved out of Iraq.
More from the report
"The Iraqi government should accelerate assuming responsibility for Iraqi security by increasing the number and quality of Iraqi army brigades. While this process is under way and to facilitate it, the United States should significantly increase the number of U.S. military personnel, including combat troops, embedded in and supporting Iraqi army units. As these actions proceed, U.S. combat forces could begin to move out of Iraq.”
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"It is clear that the Iraqi government will need assistance from the U.S. for some time to come especially in carrying out security responsibilities. Yet the U.S. must make it clear to the Iraqi government that the U.S. could carry out its plans, including planned redeployments, even if the Iraqi government did not implement their planned changes. The United States must not make an open ended commitment to keep large numbers of American troops deployed in Iraq.”
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"The U.S. should work closely with Iraq's leaders to support the achievement of specific objectives - or milestones - on national reconciliation, security and governance. Miracles cannot be expected, but the people of Iraq have the right to expect action and progress. The Iraq government needs to show its own citizens and the citizens of the United States and other countries - that it deserves continued support."
