Governor Jon S. Corzine

GOVERNOR CORZINE’S STATEMENT REGARDING IRAQ

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today released the below statement regarding President Bush’s announcement that more than 20,000 additional troops will be sent to Iraq by the end of January. Major General Glenn Rieth, Adjutant General of New Jersey, has been informed by the Pentagon that 148 members of the New Jersey National Guard will have their tours extended by up to 125 days as a result of the military buildup.

“Regrettably, the Bush administration chose to preemptively attack Iraq in 2003 without justifying such an action -- before a multilateral approach had been devised, and without taking into account the long-term security concerns associated with an occupation. As a member of the United States Senate, I voted against authorizing the use of force in Iraq for each of these reasons.

“It is unfortunate that now - after 3,010 Americans have lost their lives and thousands more have been seriously injured – we find ourselves debating another buildup of American forces; one that will require New Jersey National Guard troops who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to remain in Iraq for another four months.

“I am a firm believer that any increase in American troop levels should have an end-date and be used to support the buildup of the Iraqi military – specifically training and logistics. Relying on U.S. forces to police Iraq is not the answer. Stability will require a real and multi-faceted commitment from the Iraqis - militarily, politically, and economically.

“Across our state and nation, Americans are demanding a new direction for Iraq. It is my sincere hope that President Bush will work with Congress and members of both political parties to pursue a comprehensive, well-thought out approach to Iraq’s political transition. To reach that goal, the Administration must answer important questions about faulty pre-war intelligence, gross misjudgments about the troop levels needed to win the peace and the absence of leadership that allowed for the sickening abuse of Iraqi detainees at Abu Graib prison.

“The United States has a very real strategic interest with respect to the future of Iraq and the Middle East. We have a duty to the American people to be concerned about the spread of Islamic extremism and the economic and political implications of a long-term Iraqi Civil War. But this Administration has made misstep after misstep – starting with deceiving the public about why we were there in the first place. I implore the President to redirect any increase in U.S. forces to a strictly supporting role that will enable Iraqis to secure their own country and bring our armed forces home as soon as possible.�