Clark brings military muscle to Democrats' radio address;

RAW STORY

Retired General Wesley Clark, who campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, will deliver the party's radio address Saturday, RAW STORY has learned.

Clark's address will question Bush Administration policy on Iraq. The onetime Supreme Allied Commander of NATO has briefed Democrats in Congress and is seen as a credible voice for the Democrats' Iraq policy, which does not involve a plan for an American pullout.

Like Congressional Democrats, however, Clark offers no specific plan for the war-torn country.

"What we need to do is change the course and put in place a real strategy that will not only bring us success in Iraq, but will restore to the United States of America the moral authority we've lost through our missteps over the past three years," Clark says.

The transcipt of tomorrow's address, leaked to RAW STORY, follows.

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"Good morning. This is retired United States Army General Wesley Clark.

"Today in Iraq, an important political event is taking place as Iraqis vote on their draft constitution. A hundred fifty thousand American soldiers and Marines are working to provide security and stability there along with the Iraqi forces that we've trained.

"I wish this were the end of the story in Iraq, but it isn't.

"Public confidence in President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq has sunk to an all time low. An increasing number of Americans of all political persuasions are now calling for expedited withdrawal of US forces. More and more Americans are angry. They are angry about the President's incompetence and his general unwillingness to acknowledge with some humility that he has made some terrible and tragic mistakes regarding the mission in Iraq.

"But America cannot allow itself to be so blinded by anger over this Administration's mishandling of events since the removal of Saddam Hussein from power that we are unable to see the danger of pushing for a premature withdrawal of US forces. Those who would use terror as a tactic in Iraq would be rewarded and emboldened if we pull out prematurely. We can not do that.

"We understand what is at stake in Iraq. And that is why we are so frustrated by the President's failure to give the American people clear answers to basic questions.

"Mr. Bush is long overdue in providing a plan to achieve Iraqi military sufficiency, to build domestic political consensus inside Iraq around a new government, to achieve regional political stability around Iraq, and to finally achieve an efficient reconstruction effort in Iraq.

"Basic questions: How many capable Iraqi forces do we need before we can bring our troops home? How are we going to forge a political consensus between those quarreling factions in Iraq? And what is our strategy for neutralizing the threatening and armed militias there?

"How can we do a better job with less corruption in the reconstruction of Iraq? And, how can we make Iraq's neighbors a part of the solution, instead of a source of the problems inside Iraq?

"Staying the course is not a strategy, it is just a slogan. What we need to do is change the course and put in place a real strategy that will not only bring us success in Iraq, but will restore to the United States of America the moral authority we've lost through our missteps over the past three years.

"Today in Iraq, a large turnout is expected as Iraqis vote on a new constitution. And that seems to be an important step toward a Democratic Iraq, bet let's not kid ourselves about the difficulties that lie ahead.

"The Sunni minority is isolated, fatalistic, and increasingly anti-American. Many of the Iraqi forces we are training are able to fight with US leadership and support, but their real loyalty is in doubt. Militia forces are strong, they're well organized and, in fact, they are the ultimate arbiters in Iraq. They are preparing to settle factional disputes by force.

"Economic recovery measured by electricity, water and oil production has faltered. And Iraq's neighbors are feeding the incipient conflict; each aiding their own factions.

"We have a long way to go before victory, or at least some measure of success, is assured.

"And that is why we must say to our sons and daughters who put themselves in harms way for our own safety and for the freedom of others: You have our gratitude. You have our respect. You have our unqualified support. We love you and we will not forget your sacrifice and that of your families when you come home. We are determined to ensure that this Administration provides you a plan for success befitting of your sacrifices and service.

"There is no alternative to success in Iraq. This administration has an obligation to provide our men and women in uniform and the American people that strategy.

"This is General Wesley Clark.

Thank you for listening."

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