Domenici encouraged, guv saddened by Iraq report

Though it isn’t the timeline he’s called for, U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said today he was encouraged by plans revealed by the top U.S. general in Iraq to bring home 30,000 troops by next summer.

Gen. David Petraeus outlined the plan today before a House committee, and is scheduled to do the same Tuesday in the Senate. He said the cut of 30,000 soldiers would begin with a 2,000-member Marine unit returning home this month without replacement, the Associated Press is reporting.

Petraeus also recommended further reductions of combat forces in Iraq, but suggested waiting until March 2008 to decide on a timetable.

Domenici announced in July that he was cosponsoring legislation calling for a goal of moving combat troops out of Iraq by March 2008. That was a major shift for Domenici, who had previously backed President Bush’s controversial troop surge and opposed a timetable for withdrawal.

Many GOP senators said at the time they were waiting for today’s report, but Domenici said he could not wait because it had become clear to him that the Iraqi government was not meeting benchmarks that were to accompany the surge.

The cuts Petraeus outlined today will return troop levels in Iraq by next summer to those in place before the president ordered the surge last winter. That’s a pace far slower than what Domenici has endorsed. Still, the senator said in a news release that the planned reduction is good news.

“I look forward to more carefully studying the report and recommendations being made by General Petraeus,” Domenici said. “… General Petraeus’ testimony in the House has highlighted the tremendous efforts of our troops to bring security to Iraq and to quell the threats posed by Al-Qaeda and sectarian militia. The surge seems to me to be working on the security front.”

Domenici said he also shares frustrations expressed today by Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, “about the slow pace of progress by the Iraqi government to achieve national reconciliation. The lack of progress is unacceptable.”

Gov. Bill Richardson, meanwhile, blasted Petraeus’ recommendation in a news release sent out by his presidential campaign.

“I am saddened, but not surprised, by the recommendations of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker on Iraq,” he said. “I do not question the integrity or competence of these gentlemen, but the strategy George Bush and Dick Cheney have asked them to execute has failed. The course General Petraeus has recommended we take – more of the same – is unacceptable, irresponsible and dangerous.”

Richardson wants the immediate withdrawal of all American soldiers from Iraq.

Pearce and Domenici defend Petraeus

Meanwhile, the liberal group MoveOn.org ran a full-page ad today in the New York Times calling Petraeus “General Betray Us” and accusing him of “cooking the books for the White House.” That drew sharp criticism from U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., and Domenici.

Pearce called on Democratic congressional leaders to “denounce the defamatory MoveOn.org ad.”

“In the strongest possible terms, I urge my colleagues to denounce this despicable attack on one of America’s most decorated military commanders and greatest patriots,” he said. “The advertisement, which equates General David Patraeus to a traitor and a liar, is a disgraceful and shameful assault one of our most honorable soldiers.”

Domenici signed a letter to Democrat leaders stating that the ad “is distasteful and frankly, below the level of respect that America’s commanding general in Iraq has earned. No matter whether any senator supports or opposes the war in Iraq, we should all voice recognition and appreciation of General Petraeus’ long and distinguished record of service to our country.”

“MoveOn.org’s preemptive strike on General Petraeus in today’s New York Times is reprehensible. General Petraeus has served this country with integrity and honor for nearly 35 years,” Domenici said. “He deserves our respect and gratitude, not baseless, personal attacks.”

Pearce stated that, “at this pivotal moment for our nation and the future of Iraq, we should be working toward solutions and not attacking our military commanders and the men and women fighting to protect us.”