Bishop says U.S. 'is at a crossroads in Iraq'

Published: 2006-01-12

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- "Our nation is at a crossroads in Iraq," Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Policy, said Jan. 12. In a 3,600-word statement Bishop Wenski called for "serious and civil discussions" on what the United States must do to prepare for "a responsible transition" to full Iraqi self-rule. "Our nation's military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as it takes for a responsible transition, leaving sooner rather than later," he said. Sharply criticizing the "shrill and shallow debate that distorts reality and reduces the options to 'cut and run' versus 'stay the course,'" Bishop Wenski instead urged "serious and civil discussions of alternatives that emphasize planning for a responsible transition in Iraq." He called for "clearer signals that the goals of U.S. policy are to help Iraqis assume full control of their governance and not to occupy the nation for an indeterminate period." The U.S. government should declare that the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq "must be an Iraqi decision that respects the needs and sovereignty of the Iraqi people," he said.

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