U.S. Presence Adds To Sectarian Violence

Richardson: US Troops Add To Iraq Unrest

By NEDRA PICKLER,
Associated Press Writer
Wed Sep 19, 6:33 PM ET
Yahoo

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson on Wednesday called for the U.S. to end the war in Iraq, arguing that the troops exacerbate the sectarian violence and the billions spent could be used for health care and other needs.

"We're a nation that spends $5.5 billion in cancer research — that's two weeks of the Iraq war," Richardson told The Associated Press. "It shows the misguided priorities."

"We are being bled dry by an invasion that is costing us $500 billion so far — $500 billion," he said, stressing the cost. "And it's detracting from American security objectives in dealing with terrorism, with nuclear proliferation, with energy independence."

In an hourlong interview with AP editors and reporters, the New Mexico governor argued that all combat and non-combat troops should be removed from Iraq because their presence is only contributing to violence instead of bringing security.

"There's no question there's tribal and ethnic hatreds," Richardson told The Associated Press.

"But when those tribal and ethnic hatreds are fueled by American policy of hostility, then you make the situation worse."

...

Richardson said the window for a political settlement in Iraq is closing, with only about six months left.

But he said the country has resources to govern itself, including experience with free elections, democratic institutions and oil wealth.

"Iraq is not exactly helpless," Richardson said. "I think we're selling the country short."

One of his accurate and notable statements in that interview, was:

• said Republicans appeared to be giving up on outreach to minorities by refusing to attend their presidential forums and debates. "Whatever happened to their outreach to Hispanics?" he said.